>>1426499There is a difference between sports bikes (roadbikes, MTB etc.) and commuter bikes.
Sports bikes are designed for performance oriented application and often require large gearing spreads at low weight and high efficiency.
Currently the exposed deraileur drivetrain is the best option we have for that specific application and the additional maintainance is generaly accepted.
Commuter bikes on the other hand can benefit from having a less efficient and heavier drivetrain that requires less maintainance.
Current examples are IGHs with either an enclosed chain or a belt.
