Shimano Inter-8 Premium (identifiable by its red stripe) is our smoothest, most rugged and most versatile gearing. The planetary gears are cold forged and heat treated to take long term abuse, and the hub internals are designed to handle inputs that would exceed what could be exerted by most any rider. The Outback’s 8-speeds offer a gear range comparable to 20 gears on a 24-gear chain bike, including multiple climbing gears for demanding off-road performance. With the tough, aluminum enclosed shaft drive and all-internal gearing, this bike also offers 13” of ground clearance and the durability to take crashes that would otherwise cripple fully exposed chains and derailleurs. In short, this bike is ideal for anyone who wants all the pleasures of mountain biking without the hassles of greasy, maintenance-prone chains and derailleurs.