My first bike was a 3-speed (Raleigh "English Racer" with Sturmey-Archer rear hub) in 1962. Those 3 gears seemed magnificent next to my friends' one-speed clunkers. I had never seen a 10-speed at that point (though when my dad bought one - another Raleigh - I was instantly in love and burned for one. I finally got one - a Raleigh Gran Prix - in 1973.)

I long ago gave up on trying to convince family members to ride bikes similar to mine, (selected based on my vast experience and knowledge and research in selecting bikes, ha-ha.) I let them get bikes that appeal to them so they'll ride. If they get beyond the casual rider stage and are interested in my opinions on a more "serious" bike, I'm happy to share, but only then.