@ Yan. It would be cool if you could look into the S-Ram 7 speed hub rather than the Shimano 8 Speed.

Reasons (most subject to debate of course so guys please correct when i am wrong):

1. The S-ram may have one gear less but i gather the range is considerably greater despite this.

2. If have understood from various LBS shops i trust that the Shimano is very very complicated to repair (impossible for the person tinkering at home) and that if you want replacement parts Shimano doesn't sell little seperate parts. They only sell entire hubs or 3 or four different assemblies/units each one being about half the price of an entire new hub! Now it it true that with a little care and luck hubs rarely need service. But the contrast with the S-Ram is great, according to the LBS (and they actually sell way more Shimano units) the S-Ram can be fixed almost with your eyes closed, the parts are available seperately and affordable.

3. I think the S-Ram is (a lot) cheaper. Also Shimano is a mega-corporation while S-Ram is kindoff a old timer that got nearly wiped out but now is an upstart that is taking on the giant shimano. I like their innovation and prices. Lastly i understand from many Shimano users (even fans) that over the years Shimano's quality has suffered. Mostly in derallieurs, they seem to have build in obsolesence. I could be wrong but i think Shimano now owns and produces Sturmey Archer 3 speed hubs and people say that the old hubs (before Shimano) are (much) better quality despite being the same design.

Lastly S-Ram is coming out with a 9 speed soon (heard this on these boards) which could be a good option too.