I'm still using the Acme as my main commuter and grocery bike. Like you, I wish I could get lower gear for the Seattle hills (especially with groceries). But, I still think that the Alfine 11 IGH will limit the input ratio to 1.9 (to stay within spec). Too much load on the IGH can damage it. If I was starting again, I'd look for a bike with the Alfine 8 IGH or research something that could get a lower bottom gear.