New here... internal hub vs derailleur?

[maybeiloveyou]

Hey everyone! I'm new here and of course I've got some questions. I'm excited to get a bike for the first time in a long time and I want to be sure I'm getting the best one for my needs.

I've basically decided on an Electra Townie. I just don't know if I want a 3i (internal hub) or a 7D (derailleur).

I live in a coastal city with some moderate hills (most have a gradual incline). I don't think I'd be riding on hills for the most part. I just want a bike that I can use at the beach (80% of bike use) and for light stuff around town (<5mi roundtrip). I am not going to be using this bike for anything intense or be putting serious mileage on it.

I've read about the differences between an internal hub and a derailleur but I have NO CLUE which one is the best for me. The price difference between a 3i and a 7D is about $50. I'd rather pay $50 upfront if the 3i is going to be less maintenance (I don't want to have to fiddle with things constantly), but are 3 speeds enough for what I want to do? Do derailleurs really need a lot of maintenance?

Can anyone chime in on whether they prefer internal or derailleurs and why? Thanks for any help!

[OakLeaf]

I would think if you're going to ride it on the beach, you're better off with the internal gearing - less cleaning, less wear on transmission parts. Sand and salt are brutal on moving parts.

[HillSlugger]

Have you considered a bike with a 7 speed internal hub? I can't tell you off hand which bikes have them, but I know they are out there.

[maybeiloveyou]

I've kind of got my heart set on an Electra Townie. Internal comes in either a 3spd or 8spd for Townies -- and the 8 speed is a little pricey. I would like to keep this bike under $500 since I need to buy other things as well (bike rack, car rack, fenders, etc.). The Townie comes in a 7spd, 21spd or 24spd derailleur setup but I think anything significantly over 7 is overkill for my needs.

I'm just wondering how limiting 3spds really is, and how much maintenance should I expect if I go for a derailleur?

[Cataboo]

Can you test ride these at a bike shop near you?

[maybeiloveyou]

Can you test ride these at a bike shop near you?

Yeah, test riding them is no problem. However 1) the bike shop is in a flat area and 2) I'm not sure what difference I'd feel between the 3i and 7D in a quick, flat ride around the block. But regardless of that, I'm planning on going this weekend to ask some questions.

[MomOnBike]

For the type of riding you describe, the internal hub is just about right. They really are less fiddly than the traditional derailleur and work just fine. My daughter is getting along just fine with her internal hub, with use very much like you describe.

Personally, I like the looks of the clean chain line that the internal hub has, but that might be just me.

In any case, whatever you choose, be sure it makes you smile. Life is far too short to ride a bike that does not make you smile.