Welcome to the group, Monte.

A couple of other groups that deal with gear:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingStoves/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MakeGear/

The actual camping gear itself is no different than lightweight
backpacking (except for backpack), so there is a lot of good info.
The people here are great at the bicycle portions (racks, etc).

The Rohloff is an excellent unit, but compared to the Shimano is
heavier and not quite as efficient. It is beefier and gives a good
ratio spread, but at close to $1000 and being hard to find a used one
the Nexus won ($100 for a wheelset in very good shape). There are
some Sturmey-Archer & Sram units with wider ratios but I found the
Nexus first.

Now I need to choose a front sprocket with the right amount of teeth
to allow me to climb hills but not spin out on slight downhills.

Tim Greiner

--- Monte wrote:
>
> Hi,
> New to the group. Joined looking for info on lightweight overnight
gear, want to do some overnight mountainbike rides.
>
> I'd have to ask if you'd looked at the Rohloff? More $, but it's a
well built proven internal geared hub. 14 speeds.
>
> Monte
>
> >
> >Hey Group-
> >
> >I am planning on swapping out the standard front-triple & rear
8spd
> >gearing on my bike for a Nexus 7spd internal hub. I like the
simplicity
> >and the ability to change out broken spokes without taking off a
> >freewheel. There is a downside, however, and that is a reduced
gear
> >ratio spread compared to derailleurs. What I would like to know is
what
> >most people use for hill climbs (low gear) and on the flats
(cruising).
> >Sprocket teeth and wheel size and comments would be appreciated.
> >
> >Tim Greiner
>