Originally Posted by
MRT2
Indeed, a lot of older 90s era bikes I have already suggested come with 7 speed freewheels, so I am not about to tell OP to stay away from all 7 speed bikes.
My 1995 Trek hybrid was built at such a time that it's 7 speed, but cassette/freehub rather than freewheel.
Originally Posted by
MRT2
At the point where we seem to be actually getting somewhere with OP, I don't want to see him throw up his hands and walk away when he actually seems to have found something that could work for him.
Yes, this! Find something good enough to get on the road safely, and enjoy the ride.
If one is so inclined, they can still choose to keep an eye on Craigslist, etc. in case something interesting turns up there. When one already has something to ride, then the search is not desperate, and thus more fun.
N+1, and all that...