Originally Posted by huhenio
So ... should I consider them for wifey's future tourer or not? .... She needs gears and I want things as simple as possible.
She won't go wrong with a 3 speed for reasonably flat terrain; or a 7 or 8 speed in hilly areas. Assumption: she is not in a racer mentality; not a StyleWoman; and doesn't read the opinions of know-it-alls and can make up her own mind about what she likes. My special advice: look for coaster brake equipped hubs. The brakes work always, no matter what she may be holding in her hand, in any road condition.