A worthwhile article in nearly all interests. Additionally, it is a very informative and well done comparison of all gear systems available at the moment. Maybe this can be a helping guide for one or another to find the right thing in the "gear system chaos"...

A brief extract of the conclusion we don't want to withhold from you:

'...In comparison hubs like the Rohloff Speedhub 500/14, also Shimano Alfine and SRAM i-Motion 9 are showing that gear hubs own the future. No other kind of gear system is able to combine in such a good way the important points of maintenance-free easy handling and efficiency to a carefree package for bicycle riders like a gear hub. That's why the Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 is due to win the comparison despite of some minor weak points like occasionally driving noises and shifting ability under pressure, especially if it comes to the very demanding field of travel tours. ...'

Source: RADtouren 06-2006 René Marks