thinking about switching from gearbox to internal gear hub on my bicycle

[DiTBho]

Yup, tempted 

[Benta]

https://www.topgear.com/videos/jeremy-clarkson/tg-makes-cycle-safety-ad-final-film-series-21-episode-5

[Ed.Kloonk]

Yup, tempted 

I hope they do something better with the gear selector at 11:00.

[PlainName]

Eh, it's the hub that receives the wireless signal to switch gears. Once it gets to be common you'd hope they'll have the wireless security locked down fully. Probably won't protect against DoS attacks, though, so I think I'd prefer some non-RF means of achieving control.

[thm_w]

How hilly is your area?
If you want low maintenance and reliability just get a belt drive + Alfine/Nexus hub, should be enough if its not that hilly.
They are cheap: https://www.bike24.com/p2285618.html https://www.bike24.com/p2188330.html

The high gear range is great if you have a cargo bike though.

[nctnico]

7 gears is at the lower limit of what is useable where it is flat. But the low maintenance is a good thing.

[thm_w]

7 gears is at the lower limit of what is useable where it is flat. But the low maintenance is a good thing.

Most of your bikes are 3 gears no?

I agree for racing but I think 7+ is fine for average commute. Whats necessary to have is gear range, as there are various hills from 15-20% around here.
The $75 one Alfine hub is 244%. Thats the same as what I'm using right now on a regular derailleur.

Or you can get a 11 speed Alfine with 409% gear range, ~$400.

[nctnico]

7 gears is at the lower limit of what is useable where it is flat. But the low maintenance is a good thing.

Most of your bikes are 3 gears no?

Not any more. 7 speed is more or less standard on decent bikes.

I agree for racing but I think 7+ is fine for average commute. Whats necessary to have is gear range, as there are various hills from 15-20% around here.
The $75 one Alfine hub is 244%. Thats the same as what I'm using right now on a regular derailleur.

Or you can get a 11 speed Alfine with 409% gear range, ~$400.

You will also want some ranges in between otherwise the steps between the gears are too big. I used to have a 21 gear derailleur on my previous bike and for long stretches I liked to select the perfect ratio. The 7 gears I have now don't really allow for that.

[thm_w]

You will also want some ranges in between otherwise the steps between the gears are too big. I used to have a 21 gear derailleur on my previous bike and for long stretches I liked to select the perfect ratio. The 7 gears I have now don't really allow for that.

Yeah, understand and agree. Some people care about having the perfect cadence, some don't (fixed gear riders).
In my case I prefer a good jump between gears so I'm not constantly shifting 2-3 gears at a time.

Old school cassettes used to be wild in my eyes: 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18 teeth.
Now you can get wider spaced ones like these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2251832794900882.html