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What is best 7 speed bike?

Old 03-27-20, 10:45 AM
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wdk535
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What is best 7 speed bike?

Going to upgrade from beach cruiser. What are the best brands of 7-speed bikes, as far as reliability and durability? Don't want something that's going to give me a lot of trouble.
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Old 03-27-20, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by wdk535
Going to upgrade from beach cruiser. What are the best brands of 7-speed bikes, as far as reliability and durability? Don't want something that's going to give me a lot of trouble.
If you are looking to upgrade, I would suggest you skip 7 speed and go right to 8 speed. If you had a 20 or 25 year old 7 speed in good shape, I would say to ride it, but these days, even most entry level bikes are 8 speed.
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Old 03-27-20, 11:16 AM
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How about something like this?

https://linusbike.com/products/roadster-7i

7 speed internal gear, very solid. Search around if they have a dealer near you.
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Old 03-27-20, 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by wdk535
Going to upgrade from beach cruiser. What are the best brands of 7-speed bikes, as far as reliability and durability? Don't want something that's going to give me a lot of trouble.

If your area has a good local bike shop, just visit them ---- 7 speed has largely gone away and the most basic of entry level bikes now are usually 8 or 9 speed. (with 2 or 3 chainwheels up front)

But any of the big brands (Specialized, Trek, Giant, Cannondale) make great bicycles at all price points , but you don't have to limit yourself to those as others like Jamis, Fuji, MArin, Bianchi, Focus, Norco, Rocky Mountain - all have great bikes available for most uses

The component choices are predictable and within certain price points, will likely be pretty similar, so it becomes more about finding the frame that fits you from the shop that will reliably help you out after the sale if you have issues down the road
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Old 03-27-20, 11:21 AM
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or like this?

https://publicbikes.com/collections/...cts/public-d8i

good luck
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Old 03-27-20, 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Joe Bikerider
How about something like this?

https://linusbike.com/products/roadster-7i

7 speed internal gear, very solid. Search around if they have a dealer near you.

That is snappy looking ! I can appreciate a bike like that, even if it has no use for me personally
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Old 03-27-20, 11:28 AM
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For low maintenance and reliability, you might want to look at 8 speed internal gear hub with a belt drive.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/blog...ive-bikes-2019
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Old 03-27-20, 11:41 AM
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Ok, so what's a good reliable, dependable brand?
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Old 03-27-20, 11:57 AM
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First off - Where will you be riding the new bicycle (primarily). Smooth paved roads, dirt roads, gravel rutted 4WD roads, trails? Using it for errands, fitness rides, long distance rides, touring?
For a multi-speed bike I'd probably stick with 9-speed drivetrain in the rear, 2 (or 3) chainrings up front; abundance of parts out there at reasonable prices so no problem doing maintenance (you WILL have to do some maintenance to keep it running smoothly).
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Old 03-27-20, 12:01 PM
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Do they even make 7 speed bikes anymore? With 130mm hubs, you'd think they'd just equip their bottom budget products out at 8 speeds with a spacer, sell the product, and call it done.
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Old 03-27-20, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by skidder
First off - Where will you be riding the new bicycle (primarily). Smooth paved roads, dirt roads, gravel rutted 4WD roads, trails? Using it for errands, fitness rides, long distance rides, touring?
We really cannot offer cogent advice without knowing what job the tool will be used for.

What someone usually says evenaully in threads like this, is that you should go to as many local bike shops as possible and see what they offer 9and how thy treat you.)

Even if you don't see something you like, you will at least have seen and tested some of what is available .... knowledge is power (said the guy with the gun, trying to convince the scholar not to buy a gun of his own. )

Seriously .... decide what you plan to do with the bike and where and how and for how long, and people here .... we will give you way more opinions than you want.
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Old 03-27-20, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by wdk535
Ok, so what's a good reliable, dependable brand?
Too many to give you an exhaustive list. But a short list might include Trek, Specialized, Giant, Raleigh, Cannondale, Jamis, Kona, Surly/Salsa/All City, Fuji, Cervelo, Bianchi,and BMC. There are no doubt other niche brands out there.

You need to do a little research and actually go to some local shops and see what is available and test ride a few bikes.
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Old 03-27-20, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by MRT2
If you are looking to upgrade, I would suggest you skip 7 speed and go right to 8 speed. If you had a 20 or 25 year old 7 speed in good shape, I would say to ride it, but these days, even most entry level bikes are 8 speed.
The big difference is 8-speed gets you a cassette hub. 7-speed is more likely to be a freewheel hub with greater propensity for bent or broken rear axles.
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Old 03-27-20, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
The big difference is 8-speed gets you a cassette hub. 7-speed is more likely to be a freewheel hub with greater propensity for bent or broken rear axles.
I was gong to mention that but figured it might confuse OP. But you are right. A bike with a freehub is better, though if you already have an old 7 speed, it probably doesn't make sense to upgrade because of cost.
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Old 03-27-20, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by MRT2
I was gong to mention that but figured it might confuse OP. But you are right. A bike with a freehub is better, though if you already have an old 7 speed, it probably doesn't make sense to upgrade because of cost.
Reliability and durability. Doesn't want something that will give him a lot of trouble.
Cassette hub is the first thing that I would look for. #2 would be no twist shifters.
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Old 03-27-20, 12:46 PM
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1989 Fuji Club

was a 2 x 7 speed bike. I had one and it rode very nicely, was reliable, and looked good too. Find one of these. They came in a white or the teal shown below. Should cost you less that any new 7-speed bike, and ride better.




The hub was Uniglide cassette, though. So, once the cogs are worn, you can change the freehub mechanism to a modern Hyperglide replacement.
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Old 03-27-20, 03:02 PM
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Maybe 1 step up from the referenced beach cruiser. I think it has a 7 speed cassette, with 1x in the front (lower hassle as it's therefore not 14 or 21 speeds).

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/cypress-2020
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Old 03-27-20, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by wdk535
Going to upgrade from beach cruiser. What are the best brands of 7-speed bikes, as far as reliability and durability? Don't want something that's going to give me a lot of trouble.
1 speed beach cruiser?

I had a 7 speed derailleur beach cruiser up to last summer. Before I got rid of it I upgraded to a used bike with an 8 speed Internal Gear Hub (IGH) that is similar to what @Joe Bikerider linked to in his two posts.

If you can afford the price bump of going to a Nexus 7 or 8 speed IGH, it's a good gear system for a commuter/exercise/recreational/utility bike. IGH bikes with the single front chain ring and rear sprocket won't drop the chain over hard bumps like a 7 or 8 speed derailleur bike with a single chain ring will. That was the most annoying thing on my 7-speed derailleur cruiser, dropping the chain. Also, the fact you can change gears on an IGH while the bike is stopped, which might not be necessary but is cool nonetheless.

Back to those two bikes Joe Bikerider showed, the Nexus 7 speed has slightly closer gear ratios than the Nexus 8 speed, which may be preferable, plus the Nexus 7 is a bit less expensive as well. https://sheldonbrown.com/nexus8.shtml

Now, the only two bikes I have is the aforementioned 8 speed IGH (shown below), and a 1 speed bike. I personally don't mind not having a derailler bike, but I'm not a performance type of rider. So there is that to consider.



Last edited by FiftySix; 03-28-20 at 10:54 AM. Reason: photo
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Old 03-27-20, 04:46 PM
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Here's another 7 speed.
https://www.electrabike.com/bikes/lo...-7i?g=stepover

Another 8 speed.
https://www.norco.com/bikes/2020/cit...indie-igh-a-8/

And another
https://www.breezerbikes.com/bikes/t...y/beltway-8-us

A classically styled 8 speed "racer" here.
https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicy...y-morgan-8.php

A less expensive 5 speed version here.
https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles/speed-5.php

If those other IGH bikes look too mundane, there is always the Electra Super Moto 8i to consider.
https://www.electrabike.com/bikes/super-moto-8i

Last edited by FiftySix; 03-29-20 at 03:52 PM. Reason: Added links 3, 4, and 5
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Old 03-27-20, 06:49 PM
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Consider an Electra Townie D7 ?
my partner and I each have one as our beach bikes.
hers is completely stock.
on mine, have upgraded pedals, installed fat frank tires and changed the saddle.
have ridden them lots of Km.
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Old 03-27-20, 09:27 PM
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I'm pretty sure the OP wants a reliable IGH. LOL I would too. Only Drum brakes are 100% reliable.
One guy tour rode 3 continents with a Nexus 7 coaster brake.
I keep wanting to like Linus, but they stick to lame rim brakes and the rims look so cheap too. The HB is 3" too wide, IMO.
That Public bike is much the same, but has an 8 IGH. Maybe a bit better quality. I like the quill stem.
The new Norco's have the crazy slope top tube FAD. HORRIBLE.
==============
And ..... The pedals on the Public are cheap garbage mouse traps. Might last until you get home. LOL Not the only one doing such. The front fender is laughable, almost as high as the axle. Maybe there were toe overlap fears. The Linus one is a whole inch lower. Selling art instead of practicality. Pffft

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Old 03-27-20, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by GamblerGORD53
I keep wanting to like Linus, but they stick to lame rim brakes and the rims look so cheap too. The HB is 3" too wide.
I have a Linus 8 speed that I like so when I was looking up bikes for the OP I started there. Never heard of a 7 speed IGH but there it is. Is HB handlebar? I’ll have to look at mine. Hope you haven’t made me dissatisfied. If I think about it too much then who knows what might happen?
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Old 03-28-20, 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by GamblerGORD53
I'm pretty sure the OP wants a reliable IGH. LOL I would too. Only Drum brakes are 100% reliable.
One guy tour rode 3 continents with a Nexus 7 coaster brake.
I keep wanting to like Linus, but they stick to lame rim brakes and the rims look so cheap too. The HB is 3" too wide, IMO.
That Public bike is much the same, but has an 8 IGH. Maybe a bit better quality. I like the quill stem.
The new Norco's have the crazy slope top tube FAD. HORRIBLE.
==============
And ..... The pedals on the Public are cheap garbage mouse traps. Might last until you get home. LOL Not the only one doing such. The front fender is laughable, almost as high as the axle. Maybe there were toe overlap fears. The Linus one is a whole inch lower. Selling art instead of practicality. Pffft
Ya got any bike suggestions to go with your criticisms?

BTW, a hacksaw can shorten bars, I've done that countless times.
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Old 03-28-20, 05:07 PM
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If you are looking at road groupsets Dura Ace 7401 and for mountain it would be Deore XT M735. Plenty of excellent bikes in that era came with it. These days though it is relegated to the cheap stuff with low quality components or lower cost internally geared hubs.

If you want more modern bikesI would head down to your local bike shop and take ride on what they have. Certainly you might highly consider upping your budget and getting a more quality bike but if you only plan on riding once in a blue moon a cheap bike is an option.
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Old 03-30-20, 10:06 AM
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What is best tire?
What is best color?
What is best saddle?
What is best pedal?
All of these questions, as well as yours, are unanswerable. There is no "best." Otherwise, everyone else would have to 'up their game' or go out of business.
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