Commuting - 3 speeds

I thought the good commuter folk might know this answer. When I was a young boy (1970s) I had a beautiful red 24in Raleigh 3sp with full (red) fenders and a bell. My daughter is old enough now that I'd like to get her something similar. She can use 1st and 2nd with her single-speed little friends, but be able to be geared properly when riding some bike paths with dad. Does anyone sell this type of bike anymore? Thanks.

Yes. For example:
http://www.swobo.com/catalog/product_info_b.php?cPath=201_203

although finding a smaller bike for a child or young teen might be harder. There are plenty of 6 or 7 speed derailleur equipped bikes out there that would do the trick but they won't have that same old Raleigh vibe.

Thanks.
Forgot to mention the max size would be 24in (wheels) and I'd greatly prefer an internally geared bike for her.


Yes. For example:
http://www.swobo.com/catalog/product_info_b.php?cPath=201_203

although finding a smaller bike for a child or young teen might be harder. There are plenty of 6 or 7 speed derailleur equipped bikes out there that would do the trick but they won't have that same old Raleigh vibe.

Once upon a time they made juvenile bikes that were just like adult bikes, just scaled down. They really don't make those any more, and it is really hard to find an old one (I know, I've tried). Best bet is Craigslist, at any rate.

If you want a bike with an internally geared hub that's small enough for a kid to ride, take a look at folding bikes with 16" or 20" wheels, like Dahon or Downtube. They tend to have a one-size-fits-all styling that suits kids very well, and can easily accommodate the rider's growth. For example:http://downtube.com/images/2008_Bikes/8H/8H_Standing.jpg

It would be easy enough to add a three-speed hub to a 24" wheel Trek Wasabi or Schwinn Corvette.

HTH,
tcs

Gear it right.

Uphill

Flat

Downhill

Thanks.
Forgot to mention the max size would be 24in (wheels) and I'd greatly prefer an internally geared bike for her.

If you buy the bike at a bike shop they can lace in a 3 speed hub for very little money. I set my wife's bike up like that for about $60 more and she loves the bike now.

Yep.

The type of bike you're interested in seems to be called "cruiser" now. How about the Trek Wasabi 3 (for females) or the Trek Drift 3 (for males)?