been out on it (just on the roads) for an hour or so, and its great – just what i wanted .
In comparision to running 1×9 with a 11-32t cassette, and by feel, it seems to have the it has the low rage of some where around mid 22t and the high rage of the mid rage 44t ring.
There is noticable pause between 5th and 6th, just like the pause from 3rd to 4th on the 8 speed Alfine – This is due to the switching from ‘underdrive’ to direct drive.
Gear changes are incredibly smooth in comparison to the 8 speed – no crunching or noise, and are almost unnoticable (other than at the pedals).