This is in response to a question on BikeForums, as to why I didn't choose the SRAM DualDrive. I did come very close to going that route, but here are the reasons I didn't:

• I wanted drop bars, but officially SRAM say road shifters won't work with the DualDrive. Most mechanics I spoke to thought it would be hard to adjust the internal gear, because the cable pulled by STi levers would not match. I guess it can't be impossible, since Bike Friday manage it.
• I wanted v-brakes to give plenty of clearance for tires and fenders (mudguards), and the only v-brake compatible road levers are not STi. I could have used TravelAgents, but they are quite expensive and not an ideal solution. I suppose I could also have put the DualDrive shifter on the bar end, like I have with the Sturmey-Archer shifter.
• I wanted hub gears - both for the simplicity of use and because there wouldn't be any delicate bits sticking out when folded.

I guess I'm just a wimp too! I knew I could make the hub gears work, but was uncertain what would be involved with the DualDrive. I'm a mechanical engineer, I hang my head in shame But I didn't want to wait a long time to use the bike, since it's my only means of transport.

In retrospect I still wonder about this decision. I don't think the derailleur would have been much of a problem, I maintain my things and only ride on the road. I had originally wanted to have the Swift as my one do-all bike, but loaded touring will be more or less out of the question with the limited range of the S-A. I guess I'll just have to start saving for a Schlumpf MountainDrive!

So does this mean I'm unhappy with the hub gears? No, not really. They are very nice to use, and very well suited to biking around town. But I do miss being able to shift gears without moving my hand from the bars. In effect, this often means I have to rely on the ability to shift while standing still, where I otherwise would be able to shift while braking.

So what does the future hold? I think a Schlumpf costs almost as much as a Rohloff.. Though the Schlumpf + Sturmey Archer hub actually give a greater range than the Rohloff, it may be more than necessary and it's a less neat solution. And of course, buying a new wheel with DualDrive and new brake levers is relatively cheap compared to either of the above..