My wife and I are life long bicyclists. Both about 50 yrs. old and have been looking throughly the last couple of weeks for new bikes. We are both are tried of our mountain bikes. Looking at hybrids and the like we discovered comfort bikes. We have ridden many new models(hybrids) and we believe Electra is onto something. We have a price quote of $409. each for the townie 24 model, a fork shocked 24 speed(derailer). The $750 (quoted @ $625) model 8 is a internal geared hub 8 speed and we feel over priced even with the better componets. Both of us are adding seat post shocks and a rear rack. Mountain climbing isn't our thing but I can say a little hill in our testing wasn't a problem. Try it and shop around for bottom line price. Bye