Utility Cycling - Bring back the English 3-speed

You have to live somewhere they can be found...all that shows up around here on CL is the overpriced used once superduper carbon wonders. In the thrifts? WM specials at 95% of full retail. I haunt the local thrifts, yard sales, etc. In the past 5 years I have purchased 3 bikes none of them spectacular finds. Best deals so far have come from my LBS that sells used bikes. I picked up a Staiger (German trekking bike) that was fully loaded with a dyno hub, lights, racks and fenders for $175. I have not seen a Raleigh 3 speed for sale in my area in over 20 years.

Aaron:)

I can verify Aaron's observation. I have lived in North Carolina since 1992, and have seen two 3-speeds at thrift stores. One for $75 and the other for $100 and that was back when you could still get one on eBay for $20. I have never even seen a roadster around here. While it seems, from comments on this list, like if you live in the upper midwest or the north east you find them in the trash at the curb all the time.

I live in Central Ca and check the thrigt stores regularly for threes speed.. They don'e even have bikes period... I have checked Craig's list regularily for this area and see some on ther every once in awhile but from the prices the sellers are really proud of them... No deals there either...

I can verify Aaron's observation. I have lived in North Carolina since 1992, and have seen two 3-speeds at thrift stores. One for $75 and the other for $100 and that was back when you could still get one on eBay for $20. I have never even seen a roadster around here. While it seems, from comments on this list, like if you live in the upper midwest or the north east you find them in the trash at the curb all the time.

Roadsters are a rare bird here too... besides my Rudge I have only come across three others that were all 1978 Raleigh DL-1's.

They sell for $300.00 plus and are much sought after.

I can verify Aaron's observation. I have lived in North Carolina since 1992, and have seen two 3-speeds at thrift stores. One for $75 and the other for $100 and that was back when you could still get one on eBay for $20. I have never even seen a roadster around here. While it seems, from comments on this list, like if you live in the upper midwest or the north east you find them in the trash at the curb all the time.

Of the 3 recently acquired 3 speeds, two came from the MSP area and one from BOS. I have been in and out of the general area where I currently live since 1974. There used to be a very small Raleigh dealer here back in the mid 70's. He also sold Alan's and something else. Schwinn and whatever the big box stores sold were the biggest sellers around. I find it a bit surprising due to the proximity of a very large military base, I would expect to find a lot more bikes from the various over seas locations.

Aaron:)

A lot of military people didn't even bring cars over that they bought in Europe, often selling before they left. Same with A LOT of stuff, it wouldn't surprise me if you were moving to a place where bikes are not as easily used you would just sell it/give it to a buddy.

Roadsters are a rare bird here too... besides my Rudge I have only come across three others that were all 1978 Raleigh DL-1's.

They sell for $300.00 plus and are much sought after.

Dayummmm... so what you're telling me is I had beginners luck when I bought my '66 DL-1 for $30 this past September? w00t.

I am sorry but that is obscene :-)... 6o bucks for a DL-1 ?>.. I check Craigs list mostly for the SF Bay area and the last one I saw listed was for 500.00 and it was in parts...
He did have the ront wheel with the generator in it if wanted though..

I wouldn't say they are exactly falling from the skies here in Madison, WI, but I have had a few come thru my possession in the last year. These two were indeed found on the side of the road for Monday's garbage pick up this past summer:
Phillips step-thru (sold) and smaller Triumph (wife's)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2730677012_356420f629.jpg?v=0

I think the hard ones to find are the larger framed bikes. I was lucky enough to buy my '73 Raleigh Sports from a co-worker who was moving back to Sweden - $50 in great shape...

What about these?

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/cruisers.html

But unless you live in a relatively flat area, I still maintain that three gears are not enough. Try getting up some of our West Virginia hills with only three gears! If you can, I take off my hat to you, but most of us can't.

I know for my Roadster Sheldon's shows a whole list of rear cogs to change out until you fine the "pedaling" ease you like... With the Roadster and stock setup I seldom get into third gear... Lots of ups and downs on the bike paths etc around here... Don't know if you could drop the gearing down far enough for your hills though

The stock gearing is fine for around here in Texas. I haven't had to walk it up a hill yet.
that is obscene :-)... 6o bucks for a DL-1 ?
No... I said $30.

!

The stock gearing is fine for around here in Texas. I haven't had to walk it up a hill yet.
No... I said $30.

!

I've been to "Fart" Worth; you don't have hills there, by our standards.

What about these?

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/cruisers.html

But unless you live in a relatively flat area, I still maintain that three gears are not enough. Try getting up some of our West Virginia hills with only three gears! If you can, I take off my hat to you, but most of us can't.

In the old days a 39 inch gear was considered alpine gearing. A 3-speed with a 44 tooth chainring and a 22 tooth cog give 39, 52, 69 gearing. If it is too steep for 39 inch gearing you get off and push the bike.

When I was a teen I rode my bike locked into high because I felt like I was pedaling madly and going nowhere in the lower gears. These days I am not as strong and have a lot more avoirdupois to move, so I like a lot lower gears, but 48/22 seems to do OK around here. BTW you can rest assured that the area around Boone NC is not flat.

You can always change the overall gearing. The only disadvantage of fewer gears is you will average lower speeds overall because some times you are below the optimum gear, but on an utility bicycle that hardly matters. Different types of bikes are intended for different purposes and different riding styles are appropriate for each.

I walk the occasional hill where I live, when riding my 3 speed, and my 7 speed and my 21 speed:p it gives the legs a break and utilizes a different set of muscles. FWIW I carry a couple of different sprockets in my saddle bag on my Raleigh Superbe. I can quickly change the gearing to suit the terrain. If I am bucking a head wind most of the day I go for the 22t if I have tail winds the 20t. It takes all of 10 minutes to swap the sprockets out. Years ago I used to have both an 18 and a 22 mounted on the same wheel, all I had to do was loosen the rear wheel and move the chain over and slide the wheel forward or backwards.:D

Aaron:)

I walk the occasional hill where I live, when riding my 3 speed, and my 7 speed and my 21 speed:p it gives the legs a break and utilizes a different set of muscles. FWIW I carry a couple of different sprockets in my saddle bag on my Raleigh Superbe. I can quickly change the gearing to suit the terrain. If I am bucking a head wind most of the day I go for the 22t if I have tail winds the 20t. It takes all of 10 minutes to swap the sprockets out. Years ago I used to have both an 18 and a 22 mounted on the same wheel, all I had to do was loosen the rear wheel and move the chain over and slide the wheel forward or backwards.:D

Aaron:)

Here is the sort of terrain I deal with: http://http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=38.360099,-81.647129&spn=0.064475,0.1054&t=p&z=13

If you can deal with this, more power to you. Us normal mortals have limitations.

I've been to Fort Worth; you don't have hills there, by our standards.

No, I realize that. I use to ride up the hill from the Hudson in Troy, NY, and ride around the western edge of the Berkshires. Nothing like that here. I was just responding to the previous post that talked about changing out sprockets. I was just sayin'- no need for that here. Which, I think, is the same thing you were sayin'.

Doohickie, my spelling was correct. As I said, I've been there, done that, got the T shirt.

Here is the sort of terrain I deal with: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=38.360099,-81.647129&spn=0.064475,0.1054&t=p&z=13

If you can deal with this, more power to you. Us normal mortals have limitations.



I know what Charleston, WV looks like, done some work there and pass through on a regular basis. But mountains only comprise a small part of the world. We have some short 14% grades in the area I live in and I can promise you I walk up them.

Aaron:)

I know what Charleston, WV looks like, done some work there and pass through on a regular basis. But mountains only comprise a small part of the world. We have some short 14% grades in the area I live in and I can promise you I walk up them.

Aaron:)

This isn't a hiking forum; it's a cycling forum. If I wanted to walk places I'd dispense with the bike and buy a pair of stout boots and an alpenstock.

Doohickie, my spelling was correct. As I said, I've been there, done that, got the T shirt.

Not sure if there is a place with that spelling.

You got the T shirt? Which one? I'd like to see a pic of you in it. I've always wanted to go to Fort Worth if that's what you meant. :) Maybe one day.

This isn't a hiking forum; it's a cycling forum. If I wanted to walk places I'd dispense with the bike and buy a pair of stout boots and an alpenstock.

Hey, hiking isn't all that bad. Makes ya strong. :thumb:

Hey, hiking isn't all that bad. Makes ya strong. :thumb:

No, there's nothing wrong with hiking. But if I want to hike, I'll hike; if I want to bike, I'll bike. (Actually, I have arthritis in my feet and can't walk very far or very fast; I can bike indefinately, however.)

Not sure if there is a place with that spelling.

You got the T shirt? Which one? I'd like to see a pic of you in it. I've always wanted to go to Fort Worth if that's what you meant. :) Maybe one day.

I suppose I might be persuaded to show ya around... ;)

You got the T shirt? Which one? I'd like to see a pic of you in it. I've always wanted to go to Fort Worth if that's what you meant. :) Maybe one day.

It is an expression, meaning "I've had the experience and I'm glad it is over."

And I spell it that way because the place, IMNSHO, stinks.

I definitely understand about the hills,I live on a bluff of the Mississippi and would'nt think of riding up that with one of my three speeds.Those bikes I keep for rec riding to the grocery store.If you are really looking for a 3 speed cheap I can give you a several phone numbers of guys that have 3 speeds they would sell cheap (1 guy has 3 I gave him for his shop to sell)

No, there's nothing wrong with hiking. But if I want to hike, I'll hike; if I want to bike, I'll bike. (Actually, I have arthritis in my feet and can't walk very far or very fast; I can bike indefinately, however.)

I used to hike and mountain climb back in the day. But yes, cycling is a lot easier and I can last a lot longer - well except for when the asthma kicks in - but anytime people get out of the house to get fresh air and exercise, it's always a plus! :)




It is an expression, meaning "I've had the experience and I'm glad it is over."

And I spell it that way because the place, IMNSHO, stinks.

Gotcha :thumb:




I suppose I might be persuaded to show ya around... ;)

If I ever get a chance to travel out that way, I'd be more than happy to have you as a guide. Thank you!

Woah... Have I died and gon to heaven ?... Lots of three speed to get rid of ???... Are any of those Raleigh three speeds ??...
You want to talk hills.. I llive in the foothills of the Seirra's.. There is a spot above Yosemite called Glacier Point... It is around 7 thousand feet if I remember correctly.. I have always wanted come down the road to Yosemite on a bike... It is around a 5 thousand foot drop, all down hill.. About 20 miles or so.. Cliffs along both sides... One side up and the other waaaaaay down.. Beaks have been my biggest concern... You would have to keep them applied almost continuously to keep the bike from getting away from you... Not sure they make any that would hold up... I have never seen a bike coming down from there, or up for that matter

na huffy roadmaster columbia tha occational schwinn,but they are great bikes if you want to forget the lock. Any respectable bike thief wouldn't be caught dead on one! If it does get stolen you will ussually find it a the police station in a couple of days.

na huffy roadmaster columbia tha occational schwinn,but they are great bikes if you want to forget the lock. Any respectable bike thief wouldn't be caught dead on one! If it does get stolen you will ussually find it a the police station in a couple of days.

I've never met a respectable thief.

Woah... Have I died and gon to heaven ?... Lots of three speed to get rid of ???... Are any of those Raleigh three speeds ??...
You want to talk hills.. I llive in the foothills of the Seirra's.. There is a spot above Yosemite called Glacier Point... It is around 7 thousand feet if I remember correctly.. I have always wanted come down the road to Yosemite on a bike... It is around a 5 thousand foot drop, all down hill.. About 20 miles or so.. Cliffs along both sides... One side up and the other waaaaaay down.. Beaks have been my biggest concern... You would have to keep them applied almost continuously to keep the bike from getting away from you... Not sure they make any that would hold up... I have never seen a bike coming down from there, or up for that matter

Current bikes with disc brakes would be my choice for that descent. Any rim brake could well overheat the rim and tire with unpleasant consequences.:eek: Even a number of gear hub bikes, though not 3 speed, on the market with disc brakes front and rear. These include the Swobo Dixon, Civia Hyland and Breezer Finesse. I have both the Swobo and Civia Hyland Rohloff.

Hey, you have some nice hills there too... Been awhile but the Mt Rose hiway might be interesting to try...:-)

Roadsters and upgraded Raleigh Sports bicycles will have drum brakes. Reliable, weather-sealed and no chance of getting heated with catastrophic consequences like bikes with rim brakes. They're a good choice for all round commuting.

Both...Schwinn is a name only with the name being held by Pacific Cycles. They have bikes made at plants in China (as does Raleigh). Problem is that they sell Schwinns at Target and WalMart but they are not the same Schwinns that are found on the current Schwinn website. And from what hands on experience I have had with them they are built using lower grade equipment and shoddy workmanship. BTW Pacific Cycles (http://www.pacific-cycle.com/ourstory/) is actually a holding company, they manufacture nothing. They have it manufactured at whatever factory that is going to give them the best profit margin.

Aaron:)

Just a small correction. The company you are referring to is Pacific Cycle_ (no s). Pacific Cycles is a high end recumbent, folder, and special needs bike manufacturer.
http://www.pacific-cycle.com/
http://www.pacific-cycles.com/

HUGE difference in quality.

Has anyone tried one of the 3-speed "Schwinn Excursion Hybid" bikes?
They go for $261 from Amazon.com and $229 from Walmart.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASCQHG
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8399249

I normally steer clear of Walmart bikes because I can never get the crappy derailers to work, but the Sturmey Archer hub on this bike is the same one used by everyone else. So how bad could it really be for short distance urban riding?

Has anyone tried one of the 3-speed "Schwinn Excursion Hybid" bikes?
They go for $261 from Amazon.com and $229 from Walmart.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASCQHG
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8399249

I normally steer clear of Walmart bikes because I can never get the crappy derailers to work, but the Sturmey Archer hub on this bike is the same one used by everyone else. So how bad could it really be for short distance urban riding?

You get what you pay for...if they didn't put that crappy suspension fork on there it would cost $25 less and work much better. They did have a steel framed version out a year or so ago. The wheels and hub are going to be fine, the frame will be a crap shoot. FWIW it looks like they took the handlebars off the Mongoose Paver (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8399245), they are a PITA if you want to try and mount lights on it.

I would think that the KHS Green (http://www.khsbicycles.com/09_green_09.htm) (if you can find one) would be a better choice.

Aaron:)

You get what you pay for...if they didn't put that crappy suspension fork on there it would cost $25 less and work much better. They did have a steel framed version out a year or so ago. The wheels and hub are going to be fine, the frame will be a crap shoot. FWIW it looks like they took the handlebars off the Mongoose Paver (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8399245), they are a PITA if you want to try and mount lights on it.

I would think that the KHS Green (http://www.khsbicycles.com/09_green_09.htm) (if you can find one) would be a better choice.

Well, the idea is that the Schwinn Excursion seems to be the closest thing to the KHS Green that's easily available. Plus you can test ride it for a month and still get your money back.

Say what you will about cheap bikes, but the dutch ride heavy three speeds primarily because they are cheap (so they don't stand to lose much when stolen). I personally am not willing to spend more than a bare minimum a bike that doesn't fold (which is why I was quick to point out that, as opposed to Pacific Cycle, Pacific Cycles is a high end brand featuring some of the best bikes money can buy). Just feels like flushing money down a toilet knowing that protecting from bike theft is futile.

Just feels like flushing money down a toilet knowing that protecting from bike theft is futile.

I haven't had a bike stolen in nearly ten years. Buy a good strong lock and lock it in a fairly high-traffic area, and take it inside at night. Nothing is foolproof, but one can be reasonably confident in basic precautions. (Unlike some people who I see just propping their bikes up against the wall and walking off; you might as well put a placard on the handlebars reading "come and get it.")

Well, the idea is that the Schwinn Excursion seems to be the closest thing to the KHS Green that's easily available. Plus you can test ride it for a month and still get your money back.

Say what you will about cheap bikes, but the dutch ride heavy three speeds primarily because they are cheap (so they don't stand to lose much when stolen). I personally am not willing to spend more than a bare minimum a bike that doesn't fold (which is why I was quick to point out that, as opposed to Pacific Cycle, Pacific Cycles is a high end brand featuring some of the best bikes money can buy). Just feels like flushing money down a toilet knowing that protecting from bike theft is futile.

Those bikes aren't cheap! Some of them are pretty old, but cheap they aren't! I asked Richard from WorkCycles (http://workcycles.com/workbike/) what the average Dutch person spends on a bike for general city riding and he said that most people spend between 500 and 600 Euros....which is over $700usd. But you have to remember that The Netherlands has a higher average standard of living than in the US, and I believe still has a lower unemployment rate.

FWIW I consider most bikes over the $600 price point expensive and seldom spend more than $200 on one when I do buy. My biggest problem with the low end cheap stuff is the lack of size choice(s) (AFAIK they only make one size) and the fact that they put a bunch of bling/crap on it that does little or nothing to enhance the performance or durability. If WM REALLY, REALLY wanted to provide a durable commuter bike with an internal geared hub, they could use their marketing and purchasing abilities to have one produced and sell for a price point around $200, then sell decent single speed cruisers for half that. But they would rather crank out and sell marginal BSO's, sell them in the toy department and not provide any replacement parts, proper assembly or service for them. When a replacement wheel sells for more than the bike it is going on something isn't being done right. All they care about is getting the merchandise out the door and hope you don't bring it back for a refund.

The KHS Green comes in multiple sizes, you get LBS assembly, service, and quite often a free tune up/check up after 2-3 months. None of which are available with the WM Schwinn.

Aaron:)

My first bike was from Ward's; my second was from Sears. I remember that both then offered service/repair. Ward's is gone, and Sears doesn't sell bikes any more.

My first bike was from Ward's; my second was from Sears. I remember that both then offered service/repair. Ward's is gone, and Sears doesn't sell bikes any more.

My point exactly. LBS's can be good/bad/mediocre. Some are excellent, provide great service and treat everyone the same, others...if you aren't in their target market could care less. But they all have to make a living and it is hard being a small business person in today's market. They have to sell what is going to make them a profit. The bigger stores could make a bit less on everything and make it up in volume.

Aaron:)

Hey, I found a new bike which retails for about $380. It is the Torker T300. This is a new version of the old three speed. Add a generator (dynamo for our friends across the pond) and you are ready to go.

How cool is that?

Hey, I found a new bike which retails for about $380. It is the Torker T300. This is a new version of the old three speed. Add a generator (dynamo for our friends across the pond) and you are ready to go.

How cool is that?

How about a link?

http://www.torkerusa.com/

Hey, I found a new bike which retails for about $380. It is the Torker T300. This is a new version of the old three speed. Add a generator (dynamo for our friends across the pond) and you are ready to go.

How cool is that?

Way cool. My only quibble is a coaster brake, but the price is great.

I couldn't find this model on the website. They had similar bikes, but they were all broken, they had front suspensions and seat-post suspension.

How about a link?

http://www.torkerusa.com/

I liked the T-530, with its seven gear IGH; for a hilly area like here, more gears are better.

I just bought a Batavus Old Dutch, made in the Nehterlands. Believe it or not, I bought it from a USA dealer :p

More expensive than an Electra Amsterdam(probably $150 more than a comparable model), but this is the real deal.

I liked the T-530, with its seven gear IGH; for a hilly area like here, more gears are better.

That is the same bike as the Redline R530 (http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/R530.html)(which looks like it may have been discontinued). I have a 2008 model (http://2whls3spds.blogspot.com/2009/01/almost-there.html) and so far have been very pleased with it.

Aaron:)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rXxvQDmFvso/SWu0D1eGY8I/AAAAAAAAAIo/ItBgziIQX_A/s640/CIMG0143.JPG

That is the same bike as the Redline R530 (http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/R530.html)(which looks like it may have been discontinued). I have a 2008 model (http://2whls3spds.blogspot.com/2009/01/almost-there.html) and so far have been very pleased with it.

Aaron:)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rXxvQDmFvso/SWu0D1eGY8I/AAAAAAAAAIo/ItBgziIQX_A/s640/CIMG0143.JPG

Handsome panniers!:love:

na huffy roadmaster columbia tha occational schwinn,but they are great bikes if you want to forget the lock. Any respectable bike thief wouldn't be caught dead on one! If it does get stolen you will ussually find it a the police station in a couple of days.

well, before I was enlightened, I had a huffy, k-mart bought one, it was stolen from my room (probably a good thing, since I ended up with a much better bike and got more into biking) . it has been ~7 years and still di not show up in the police station yet :)

talking about 3 speeds. I was ~12 when I outgrew my chopper and I was given a raleigh 3 speed from 60s. colonies had a lot. recently, the guy at via cycles in philly who specializes in selling refurbished classics,specially 3 speeds, was telling me how he buys them from my home-country (cyprus) since they are still abundant. I wish I can transport it now to spain. my wife just bought a red robin hood, 3 speed and she loves it.

I picked up a Sears and Roebuck 3 speed last Friday from a local flee market for $22!

It rides great, I love a three speed, tires held air but are dry rotted a bit, I have a new set ready to go on. Gave more for the ties and new hand grips than I gave for the bike.

Brown, I love the full finders, long live the three speed!!!

I picked up a Sears and Roebuck 3 speed last Friday from a local flee market for $22! *SNIP*

Pics?