Tench said:
The issue with ultimate gear range is somewhat less important with motor assist compared to a bicycle, arranged so that top gear and max motor revs achieve your realistic chosen speed the lowest gear will climb anything without worrying that the Rohloff has an even lower bottom gear. Infact most geared mid drive setups using a set of ratios chosen for pedalling often feel like they have way too many gears with a mid drive and only a couple get used. I would imagine fewer gears could be a wiser choice if that option produces a stronger IGH.
In my considerable PERSONAL experience, I disagree.
Re lows: There are times for me when pedaling isnt an option, yet i want it to climb a cliff~. my 24 speed 300w mid-drive does that. awkward loads, mono up stairs, wiggling, standing upright thru gridlock for maximum balance & vision
much of my riding is at a relative crawl (long story - dog), and it suits me to choose a very low gearing and power setting - maybe 100 watts. easy on me and the motor.
re highs, i hear complaints they are not high enough, even of 3 front ring 24 speeds. This can be true also if you are keen to pedal going down hill etc. It has to be good to have choice and know if the maker didnt guess your needs right, you still have fine control to choose to suit you.
and anyway, no such thing as too many gear options for eking the most out of limited power and watt hrs, as we do.
On steady terrain, you have a better chance of settling on the perfect gearing blend of pedal assist cadence and motor rpm
the rohloff sounds magic, bar price and weight &, for me, a daunting retrofit. for much less, stealth aside, maybe a; freewheeling light, cheap front hub as a second motor, and gear it to take the bulk of the chores up to 15kph, and let the mid-drive kick in smoothly with its own brand of extra power. No chain and cog stress and 2wd for rough stuff.