Now that this thread has been hijacked I might as well throw in my 2c.

Yeah, but that kind of ruins one of the biggest advantages of having an IGH: its easy to shift multiple steps simultaneously (ie go from seventh gear to first gear in one motion after you've safely stopped at that traffic light you were trying to beat).

Speaking of shifting multiple gears, I seem to have noticed that my SA8 doesn't have any shifting problems when I shift two or more steps at a time. Although it could just be a coincidence in the face of erratic operation, I'm thinking that shifting in multiple steps helps provide a buffer kinda like the neutral gear on the old hubs, which is fine with me because I think the middle gears are too close anyway.

Also I think the shifting on my hub has gotten smoother as the hub has broken in: I haven't had a slip to first in many many miles even though I've started pedaling while shifting.

All in all I like the hub. Even if it does have a problem unpredictably shifting to first, it's still safer and shifts better than derailleurs which are susceptible to chain drop. However, I don't think I'd buy another folder with one until the new model is released. It's a shame that this hub is so sensitive to cable adjustment because the low direct drive is really meant for folders.