Single up front, gears at rear

Ahem.
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread11107.html
The Alfine hub comes as a disc brake version. I really like the idea, and have not written off getting one for the singlespeed 29er for extra versitilty. 8 gears which can be changed while the bike is stationary, more resistant to knocks, and weighs around the same as a 3x9 set-up

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=35102
Looks good for a budget hub gear IMHO.

any opinions on the almost identical Sturmey:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/src/froogle/product-Sturmey-Archer-Sturmey-Archer-8-Speed-Aluminium-Hub-with-Attachment-to-Accept-Disc-Brake-X-RK8--36-Hole-19025.htm

i like the fact its ISO rather than centre lock too....
and SA is king of internals.