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@fidbod
Can only comment on Alfine 8 speed but having built an IGH bike up for the former mrs Fidbod found out the following.
As distributed by Shimano it only works with thumb shifters. If you want to use drop bars you need to get a third party shifter - either VRS-8 or J-tek bar end shift which add at least £100 onto the cost.
The 8 speed is quite finickety to keep dialled in properly - I had to check the alignment before each ride to ensure there were no phantom shifts.
It does make for a very heavy rear end as well.
Final rather cynical thought is that if a bike shop sells IGH bikes, the are losing the opportunity to ever sell that customer a cassette again.