8 speed bikes are also newer (they still make them: Shimano Claris R2000 groupset), affordable and desirable for those facts. What's your budget...what are you willing to spend, this dictates your components, frame and fork materials, finishing kit, wheel quality and upgrade potential. Are you looking at buying new or pre-owned. Consider the cost of extras like cycling clothing, pedals, helmet and a plethora of other items you may or may not need to make you riding experience better/safer
Get the best you can afford...that has the right range of gears for you intended use (that's the ratio sizing not the level of groupset). And if you can't afford it...stop...save some more then...go out and buy it