Reddit mentions of DNP Epoch Freewheel 7spd 11-28 Nickel Plated

I don't have answers to all of your questions, but I recently put on the BBS02, and it is great. I think you will be happy with a Nuvinci, from what I've read. I put on a different cassette on the back wheel and I easily go 25mph. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007A8RPUS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can go up hills without pedaling, probably 12 to 14 mph.

I can get 20 miles on 6.5 Ah. (was 10 Ah 3 years ago) I have a Ping battery and plan on upgrading to 15 Ah. This should easily give me a 40 mile range. I use my battery on the rear tire.

http://www.pingbattery.com/

Interesting challenge. If I had to narrow it down to one ride at that price, it’s going to come down to both how it’s set up at purchase, and how potentially upgradeable it is.

That being said, after a bit of shopping, this is my pick, at the moment:
Schwinn Volare 1400 Road Bike, 700c/28 inch wheel size, red, Fitness Bicycle, 53cm/Medium Frame Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5XTB94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CMtXCbVDDFV54

It’s “near” the setup you’d likely eventually want. 2x up front, pretty standard 100/130 spacing for the wheels, brifter-style levers, 1 1/8 threadless forks, comes with “decent for the price” Tourney stuff for both derailleurs and the brake/shifter levers, quick releases. It’s also pretty light, at I think 25 pounds or something. The cheap Schwinns usually use pretty standard sized, and therefore easily upgradable, bottom brackets, things like that.

I’d use the rest of the $300 to replace the freewheel to something like this:
DNP Epoch Freewheel 7spd 11-28 Nickel Plated https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007A8RPUS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4ZtXCbXVFYWQK

That might get you a bit closer to a more fancy road bike’s gearing, with the 11t high gear. Past that, when you had the cash, I’m sure a change of tires, brake pads, a different seat, maybe a cheap replacement free hub wheelset would make quite a difference. Maybe a bigger chain ring. I think those Tourney front derailleurs can handle 50t.

I’m sure most people would say not to upgrade a $266 bike. But all of that doesn’t add up to much more, especially since so many are basically maintenance/wear parts anyway.

I can’t say I wouldn’t pick something else tomorrow. But if I had to put one in the cart right now for that price, that’s the best I can do.

I believe it! My bike is from the mid-1990s. I'm not even sure the one I found will work: http://www.amazon.com/DNP-Epoch-Freewheel-Nickel-Plated/dp/B007A8RPUS It says "HG Shimano, index compatible" which sounds right. (HG being 'Hyperglide' which was new at the time.)

Fortunately a friend at work is really into cycling and is helping me. I didn't buy this bike used, I've just had it that long. :)