Originally Posted by ItsJustMe

I have a $300 bike with the cheapest components around, with a 7 speed freewheel and indexed flat bar twist shifters. I haven't touched it since I bought it except at 10000 miles I replaced the worn out RD and had to readjust it then. Also a few weeks ago after 14500 miles the shifting got stiff and I had to lube the cable. Other than that it's been shifting quick and precisely since I bought it.

I think the more gears you have in the back the more the derailler needs to be messed with.