The 8 speed is an improvement over the 7 speed and adding the roller brake to the rear is a nice upgrade as it offers great all weather performance and will save your rear rim from wearing out.

If they still use Tektro brakes ditch the stock pads and swap in Kool Stops... Tektro pads are really hard on rims.

The lady has a 2007 and has upgraded hers with a full chaincase (not offered in '07), and changed a few things to optomize fit... she has worn out one set of rims and the original hub because of the mileage she has put on the bike.