Thanks. It seems the Alfine is a newer and supposedly better model. I do often find myself getting stopped suddenly and not being able to downshift in advance, that part should be nice. Sound good all around really.

I might like the bars, not sure. I was actually considering them for my FX as a clean way to add some room for light and such. As you said though, easy enough to swap. I was trying to look for different front rings (just to plan ahead), but I can't seem to find this crank listed anywhere. I wonder if an all around better version exists that is compatible. Still pretty new to this stuff, not sure what is universal either. Like will any crank fit, will any 5 hole ring fit this crank etc. learning every day though.

It also seems I a limited to high spoke count wheels with this hub...I mainly want less spokes for the look though lol. thanks again