Thanks for the informative posts! The reason I'm going 7spd is because the wheel I already have is a 7spd shimano silent clutch hub and I love it. Its so QUIET. I have a 8spd wheel that needs rebuilding but its not silent. Maybe time for a 8/9spd silent clutch hub hmm?

Last night I was crunching numbers again and decided that yes, the gearing was a bit high. I am thinking that maybe 48/44/28 would be better, and when I upgrade the wheel and go 9spd I could change the gearing again maybe.

Thanks a lot for the informative replies.