I have a SA 8 on one bike. I bought it after market. I didn't really care too much for the shifter though. Most people don't realize but you can even get trigger shifters for the Nexus 8spd.

In all reality I have adequate range on my Swift. I have the dual chainrings up front and coupled with the Nexus in the rear I have more than adequate gear range for about 99% of my riding.

When I bought the SA I didn't pay attention to what gear was the 1:1 ratio. Had I done that I wouldn't have bought it for that bike. My thought was to have the 1:1 ratio in the gear you will use the most. On the Swift and with the dual rings up front I have 2 good choices. I pretty much factor in how I plan to ride and then move the chain up front to the ring that will most likely keep me in 5th gear as much as possible on my ride.

I am rarely in first gear and usually not for long so the improved efficiency there wouldn't buy me much. However if you are in San Fran that might be a good selling point.

I think if more people tried the 8R25 Nexus, more people would buy internal hubs. It really is that good. I love being able to shift when stopped. The way it downshifts is better than almost any other bike I have except for one bike with Campy. Sure it's not the ultimate hub for a weight weenie but it is a great all around hub and has worked great for me.

A 16sp SA hub wouild definitely be of interest to me. I would like to see something to compete with the Rohloff but a greatly reduced price and something that is far quieter.