HAhaha...finally got a chance to play with a real 8 spd setup. Soooo smooth. Reminded me of my sram setup. (yes I have only been in the industry long enough to remember 9spd..I am really that new haha) I have played with a mishmash of 8 and 9 spd but never pure unadulterated 9...Might try to build my Roast as an 8 ...