Chicago-based nonprofit World Bicycle Relief (WBR) doesn’t distribute just any type of bicycle ??? it distributes bicycles meant to navigate the unimproved roads and rough terrain of developing nations, empowering populations to access healthcare, education and economic opportunities that would???
This only happened due to the shift to 50 gears. Have a 7-9 speed and it’s sturdy enough.
I’ve abused the hell out of my basic-ass Shimano 3x7 and it’s still going strong. The only thing I’ve replaced is the cables after a decade or so lol (they still worked, but I got new handlebars). These bikes are an order of magnitude more robust though.