ohhhhh, now you've gone and done it, haven't you.... lol. actually, your point is well taken. I worried that my limited testing of various bikes wasn't enough to reveal true differences with the IGH performance. REI suggested it as an option because I want to commute year-round and not hang it up for the winter. But I should have clarified that I won't actually be riding in the snow. Despite the misconception that our postcards create, Colorado isn't blanketed with snow for the winter months - it's usually just a few days at a time. (I have a friend who moved here from Chicago, and he grew up believing that Mile High Stadium was in the mountains)

Anyway, that Alfine 8 has its avantages and disavantages for sure. I'm already anticipating an upgrade to the 11 when it comes out, but that's only for the wider and more even gearing. I've got no idea if it has less drag than the 8, or if I'd even notice it if it did.