Pedro - sounds like you gota heck of a build in the works, can't wait to see yer creation! It's true that if I was willing to load up my bike for a 2hr car trip (or ride my bike for 4 lol) there's actually quite the selection of trails here too, inland Maine has some great stuff. I envy the farm tracks you have "locally" - we grow only rocks here
Thanks for the complement lol - much of the utilitarian look is prolly the bags & gear on the back, the lil cargo box is one of the the puters I use for work. As it's value exceeds that of my bike I don't usually hit the trails w/it cept that mellow path. I'm resisting gettin' tow hooks and a winch - but I
do hava a snorkel lol
Technocyclist - interesting you should mention the chainstays, while I don't have a prob with the pedal drive side I do have an issue with the engine drive chain not clearing unless I reroute it further back with the tensioner. I suspect my pedal side simply has beefy rear derailleur springs... maybe it IS hitting I dunno, but I've never heard it or seen any chafe, which would show clearly on an aluminum frame like mine.
I'd say simply having a frame where the chainstays aren't an issue. While many have used the internal gear hubs with great success onroad - I dunno if it'd take the pounding offroad. There is also the need for as many low gears as reasonably possible, I'm particularly lookin' forward to my "granny gears" when I do manage to get a jack shaft.
As I see it, the biggest prob with the derailleur is smackin' it upside a rock. I've somehow managed to avoid that for now but it is inevitable. Luckily - I have a few spares