Are the dropouts really that vertical on the P8? I haven't seen it in person.

Unless they are nearly or totally vertical, I don't see why oboeterry can't just use something like a Surly tuggnut.

However, oboeterry, you are looking at about $300 to do the conversion. I swapped out my 3 speed internal hub for an 8 speed and that's about what I ended up spending in the end. I really really do love the 8 speed hub though. It was worth it for me, but wouldn't be for everyone.