So, we appear to agree, there could be a shaft or a chain between the gearbox and the wheel. Ergo, the existence of an off hub gearbox neither forces nor requi

So, we appear to agree, there could be a shaft or a chain between the gearbox and the wheel. Ergo, the existence of an off hub gearbox neither forces nor requires a chain to be used to transfer power. The arguments for why use a chain Vs why use a shaft are not predicated on the existence of a gearbox.