Anybody using the Rohloff or Kindernay hub gearbox for mountain biking or downhill?

Does the .5lb difference also include the derailleur from a standard set up? Wish the large drivetrain companies would look more intently at derailleur alternatives.

That is great, until it is not great - much like an automatic transmission in a car (or for me, DCT)....very spendy when things to awry. I am good with a chain and gears....

A new decent rear derailleur runs $125+ plus a new cable and possibly housing isn't all that cheap. A derailleur alternative like Rohloff shouldn't need major replacements for a "minimum of 100,000km riding", really not a big deal on price when spread across that time frame. The efficiency/weight and ability to run trigger shifters on derailleur alternatives is where I hope most of the R&D money would go towards.

Adam, I kinda get it. It is VERY hard to find a system that is even close to the efficiency in the range of environments as a roller chain. Maintainance is stupid simple as well. From single-speed to multi (in my years, friction, index that was not needed, then Ergopower, STI and 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 speed (all not needed).

Oddly, just the other day I suggested that an old school DuraAce bar end be used in friction mode to resolve an issue to get 12 speed Eagle to run on a mutt-bike. Works great.

When we put things into the hub, well, we are then married to a specific wheel that can be prone to damage. I have four wheels for my main MTN, more for my road bike...if there is one thing I swap more than any other, it is the wheel....the hub is kinda akin to the wacky dish Cannondale wheel, only worse....IMO.