Faced with a choice between two awesome bikes from the same brand is tough for anyone to do. However, with the right information, your decision on the better bike model should be much easier.
All my life I have been the kind of shopper to stick to my trusted brands. The market can be quite flooded with originals and imitations and this is the best way I know how to avoid getting sucked into the glitz that many marketing companies shine on their products.
My devotion to Electra Bikes has been going strong for close to ten years now and I am pleased to report that I have never been disappointed. This German authentic manufacturer is known worldwide for its cruiser and single speed bike models that are both stylish in appearance and powerful in performance.
So, when I wanted to upgrade my Electra bike collection, I was torn between the Loft 7d and Loft 7i. Here’s how I made my selection.
What is the difference between Electra Loft 7d vs 7i?
Electra Loft 7d |
Electra Loft 7i |
|
Frame |
T6 Aluminum |
T6 Aluminum |
Shifter |
Shimano Revo Twist |
Shimano Revo Twist |
Brakes |
Dual Pivot calipers |
Dual Pivot calipers |
Tires |
700 x 35C |
700 x 35C |
Gearing |
Shimano Nexus 7-speed/ Flywheel |
Shimano Acera 7-speed/ MegaRange |
Price |
Electra Loft 7d vs 7i: How do they compare?
Build
Both bikes are built of aluminum alloy which makes them fit for outdoor riding and handling rough terrain. They also spot a steel uni-crown fork that has been long lauded for its brilliant simple yet sophisticated build.
To protect the mechanical system that runs these bikes, their bottom bracket is sealed keeping all harmful external effects out of the way. Chainrings, guard rails, cranksets and the caliper brakes fitted in both bike models are all made of aluminum alloy metal.
The rims on both the 7i and 7d bikes are double-walled and they are also built of alloy material. These rims protect the tires from punctures and give the bike good traction on the road besides keeping the tires stable on the wheel.
In terms of build, both the 7d and 7i model bikes by Electra Loft look pretty much the same and feature all of the same components.
Performance
The Electra Loft 7d features a 7-speed Nexus mechanism while the 7i is fitted with a 7-speed Acera system. While both are Shimano brands, the Acera system is far more superior to the Nexus. This means that the Electra Loft 7i performs much more efficiently and has better and quicker responses to gear shift adjustments.
7d has a 34 tooth MegaRange rear sprocket that rides on the 11-34 cassette perfectly to provide both speed and precision when riding. Differing slightly, the Loft 7i has a freewheel sprocket set up that has a block of cogs that screw directly onto the wheel.
Requiring only a simple flick of your thumb and index finger, gear changing and shifting has been made super accessible and effective to do even while still riding. With 7 different speeds to choose from, both the 7i and 7d Electra Loft bikes will give you powerful riding experience.
Electra Loft 7i is the better performing bike compared to the 7d because of the use of Shimano Acera gearing which is more superior in comparison with the Shimano Nexus.
Electra Loft 7d vs 7i – A Comparison Overview
Electra Loft 7d Review
Made of T6 aluminum alloy material, the bike is both light in weight and strong enough to handle the wild outdoors. The fork is a high tensile steel uni-crown which is brilliantly simple and provides the right amount of shock absorption that minimizes trail.
With 7-speed Nexus mechanisms, this means that the bike has derailleurs and brakes built for trail riding. When this is combined with Shimano MegaRange 34 tooth rear sprocket and riding on an 11-34 cassette, you have a powerful system here that should provide both speed and precision.
Electra Loft 7d offers easy and reliable shifting for all riders. The only thing required is a twisting of your thumb and index finger while keeping your hands on the handlebars even while riding. The alloy fenders fixed onto this bike are colored which adds some attractive aspect to your machine.
Loft 7d has a sealed bottom bracket which is ideal for protecting the system from external elements and helps them last a lifetime with no need for replacements. Cranksets feature alloy chainrings and guard rails and the caliper brakes are also made of alloy material.
The rims on this bike are the double wall type making them super effective for riding over any kind of surface terrain. These types of rims can balance our weight and strength to give you the best performance on the road.
Lastly, the bike offers the rider a capable alloy rack at the rear for the carriage of any of your riding essentials.
The bike is both light in weight and strong enough to handle the wild outdoors because it is made of T6 aluminum alloy material. It is fitted with a high tensile steel uni-crown fork which is brilliantly simple and provides the right amount of shock absorption that minimizes trail.
With 7-speed Acera mechanisms, this means that the bike has derailleurs and brakes built for trail riding. When this is combined with Shimano MegaRange 34 tooth rear sprocket and riding on an 11-34 cassette, you have a powerful system here that should provide both speed and precision.
Electra Loft 7i offers easy and reliable shifting for all riders. The only thing required is a twisting of your thumb and index finger while keeping your hands on the handlebars even while riding. The alloy fenders fixed onto this bike are colored which adds some attractive aspect to your machine.
Loft 7i has a sealed bottom bracket which is ideal for protecting the system from external elements and helps them last a lifetime with no need for replacements. Cranksets feature alloy chainrings and guard rails and the caliper brakes are also made of alloy material.
The rims on this bike are the double wall type making them super effective for riding over any kind of surface terrain. This type of rims can balance out the weight and strength to give you the best performance on the road.
Also, this bike offers the rider a capable alloy rack at the rear for easy carriage of any of your riding essentials.
Conclusion
Both bikes offer similar functions and look a lot alike. The major difference between them is the Nexus Shimano shifters installed in 7d while the 7i is fitted with the Acera Shimano shifters which are a little bit more superior.
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Verdict: Which is better – Electra Loft 7d vs 7i
The Electra Loft 7i commuter bike is the better alternative for outdoor racing. For those lovers of adventure, this bike is designed to help you conquer varied terrain.
FAQ
Can you convert a Freewheel sprocket into a Cassette?
No, you cannot. The only option available to you if you would like to make this change is to replace the entire system by replacing the wheel with one that is cassette friendly.
Why are double-walled rims so great?
Because they are super effective for riding over any kind of surface terrain and keeping the tires stable and strong on the road.