I rode the 8 speed internal hub version from Launceston to Port Arthur. It comfortably handled most surfaces, including a rail trail and a graded dirt road, but crawled up hills that I would easily conquer on a road bike. At nearly 18kg, it is not a lightweight. Lighter front shocks and the removal of nonessential guards do wonders if you are doing long tours on this bike.
8speed hub gears.
Its weight.