Beaumont Step-Through 7-Speed City Bike vs PUBLIC C7i

The PUBLIC C7i is the better bike for most city commuters. Its Shimano Nexus 7-speed internally geared hub shifts while stopped and needs far less maintenance than the Beaumont's exposed Shimano Tourney derailleur. The Beaumont is a solid, well-liked steel city bike with full fenders and a rear rack included, and its 4.7 rating from over 1,500 owners shows it holds up. The C7i has fewer ratings but a higher score, dual-pivot brakes, reflective tires and rack mounts front and rear. Pick the Beaumont if you want a rack and fenders ready out of the box and a proven track record.

• Choose the Beaumont if you want a proven, ready-to-ride city bike with fenders, a rear rack and a bell already fitted, and you don't mind derailleur maintenance.
• Choose the PUBLIC C7i if you want low-maintenance internal gearing you can shift at a stoplight, stronger dual-pivot brakes and reflective tires for night riding.