I had acquired many of the 7 speeds and found them to be quite reliable for low mileage use, --kids bikes and knock arounds. I decided to build a commuter with one of the 7speeds and then ignore it (zero care and maintenance) to see how long it would last. It ran well for 5 years at which point I switched it out for the supposedly less reliable 4 speed shimano IGH. The 4 speed has been fine for 5 years now. But, again these are low to medium annual mileage and slow city trips and/or commutes. I have yet to service any or my IGHs (5 7speed, 1 4speed, 1 8speed). The 7's are 8 or 9 years old.