ctg492

About how I ride:
I will ride (crossing fingers) 3,600 miles this year. I ride paved roads 75%, Bike trail 15% and 10% gravel country roads daily. I consider myself a casual rider, who picks up the groceries daily, stops at cafe and shops. My general daily ride is 22 miles minimum.. I do not race and my average speed is 11-12mph. I have three Treks all for different reasons, the oldest is a Navigator that I put winter tires on. Next is also a Navigator that I cheated and installed a power assist, I have only used it a few times. The one I use the most I got this year 7.2 FX . I have racks, panniers, cell phone case, front bag, trunk. Ok way to much stuff kinda like a purse with too much stuff. I shift gears very little, I have one major hill to tackle every time I leave the driveway.
My question is I found a sweet looking bike, pink Public C7. I have everything I can order for it lined up, both front and back racks too. This is a 7 speed. Would this fit how I ride as described? Or is this too less of gears? I guess I think it would be cute, no real other reason to buy it, but also not wanting to get something that really is not useful, like the scooters, bikes,rollerblades.....piled in the garage

treadtread

If you don't shift gears a lot, check what gear combination you use to climb the hill, and if the new bike will be able to provide those combinations. Something like this could help:
https://www.gear-calculator.com/#

though I haven't thought about how best it can be used for your purpose.

wahoonc

I have lived with 3 speeds for years, walked a few hills too. My current city bike just got an upgrade from 7 to 8 gears to get me a lower first gear for the one killer hill. Wasn't necessary but the opportunity presented itself so when opportunity knocks...

See how many gears you currently use and go from there.

Aaron

Velo Dog

A lot of us rode for years with five-speed freewheels and thought that was plenty. Many of us thought six was an improvement. Some of us thought we needed seven. Eight seemed like overkill, nine was a little silly and 10 was pure marketing hype. I still have a couple of six-speed bikes around and ride them occasionally. You're fine.

Juggler2

I've gotta agree with the above statements. I also live in Michigan, and your riding terrain sounds similar to mine. I typically ride one of my 3spd bikes. I do have a 7spd that I use for grocery runs and etc. Very happy with either.

fietsbob

Number of Speeds is different from the Gear Ratios.. I toured internationally
7 speeds wide set 13-32.. a 13-19 is also in 7 speeds but not wide at all ..

a 7 speed IGH is another story..

ctg492

Well thank you all for your imput. I have the order saved and will think about it a while.

Astrozombie

Yup 5 get the job done, 6 if you want a "mega-range", too bad they don't really make 5 anymore.

ThermionicScott 

With a range of 31-76", it won't win any races, but it should get you up most hills.

Ozonation

Honestly, it sounds like you already have all the bikes you need, but this one has captured your attention big time. Normally, I'd advocate restraint, but if you have the money and if it looks so sweet that you'll be motivated to ride more... then I'd go for it! If you want to be responsible to the environment and society, sell or donate one of your other bikes, particularly your middle bike that gets little usage.

Monster Pete

7 gears is plenty. I ride mostly on a 3-speed, on a bike which originally had a 6-speed setup. In general, you tend to get the same overall range with 5, 6 or 7-speed setups, just closer spacing as you add gears.