Seven speeds are made by Sram. These have a good reputation. One we sold has performed well over four years of heavy use. They are probably the best buy for commuting if you need more than three gears.
 
This is a Sram S7, laced into a Mavic 319 rim and fitted to a Carlton Corsair. The external clickbox on the end of the hub axle may be clearly seen.
This hub costs £200, plus £45 for the clickbox, plus fitting.
 
 
The old Sturmey Archer seven was underdeveloped and weak. They were regularly chewed to bits by heavier riders. Also, the instructions for stripping down and reassembly are wrong. If you follow them the hub will be a four speed. Mind you, if you can take a seven speed hub apart and put it back together you will figure this out. We did.
 
We have one seven speed Sturmey coaster brake hub left. This model was never supplied officially to the UK market. It would suit a lighter rider. We also have several gear shifters for this hub.
Two bikes with the SA 7 come back in occasionally for minor repairs. Click here to see one of them.
 
Shimano also made a seven. Alistair Wilson, one of our directors, has one and likes it.