I have owned both the 7 speed and the premium 8 hub geared version. Can only one gear make so much difference? Let me tell you without doubt yes. The 7 speed has no direct drive and has a woolly stirring treacle feel about it, its also heavier with a much smaller gear range than the 8 speed version. Even the Sram 5 speed has a wider range. the 8 speed has better water resistance and roller bearings, direct drive is gear 5. I may be wrong but I thought Shimano discontinued the 7 speed a few years ago. I hope kalkhoff have specified the premium version for the pro_connect. you can tell the difference visually by a red line running around the hub. to make things more complicated theres now the Alfine disc brake version but I have no experience of this. I understand that gears are less important in regards to an electric bicycle, but anyway I would expect the better hub gears on bikes that cost so much..Halfords put the premium version on their carrera costing only £279 {discounted} and that was including the roller brakes.