Is there such a thing as a 2- or 3-speed bike?
05-30-08, 01:32 PM
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Is there such a thing as a 2- or 3-speed bike?
Hi - I posted a similar thread in general cycling discussions and then realized I should have done it here.
I am looking for a bike that won't break as much as my cyclocross triple monster. I bought that not realizing what kind of maintenance it needed. So I want a single speed. Simple. However I have knee problems so I can't mash the pedals, so I need some kind of smaller gear on there to save my knees on big hills. Is there such a thing as a three-speed?
EDIT: A decent, new-type bike though. Not a vintage.
Thank you sirs.
I am looking for a bike that won't break as much as my cyclocross triple monster. I bought that not realizing what kind of maintenance it needed. So I want a single speed. Simple. However I have knee problems so I can't mash the pedals, so I need some kind of smaller gear on there to save my knees on big hills. Is there such a thing as a three-speed?
EDIT: A decent, new-type bike though. Not a vintage.
Thank you sirs.
Last edited by bryroth; 05-30-08 at 01:37 PM.
05-30-08, 01:51 PM
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Nevermind that. I just searched google and found out about three-speed hubs. Recommended? Can I just slap one of these on a single-speed?
I demand satisfaction.
I demand satisfaction.
05-30-08, 02:01 PM
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i'm concerned about the "won't break as much" thing. Generally, the internally geared hubs are not intended for off-road use. What is it that you keep breaking?
But yes there are a number of internally geared hubs from 3 speeds on up to as many as 18 speeds.
the Shimano Nexus 3 speed has narrow enough spacing that you should be able to use it on any bike with the right spacers (and maybe a longer axle in some cases).
But yes there are a number of internally geared hubs from 3 speeds on up to as many as 18 speeds.
the Shimano Nexus 3 speed has narrow enough spacing that you should be able to use it on any bike with the right spacers (and maybe a longer axle in some cases).
05-30-08, 03:35 PM
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05-30-08, 05:10 PM
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What do you consider excess maintenance? My experience with a modern bike (2005 Trek SL1000) has been that the maintenance required is minimal.
I am just now replacing the bottom bracket cartridge. Pretty straight-forward, and I could have had a local shop do it for not too much.
Consider maintenance that is common to most bikes: tires, brakes, some cables at least for the brakes, bottom bracket bearings, wheel bearings, and chain. Going with a modern multiple speed bike adds shifters, two derailleurs, rear cassette, front crankset. This is really not a whole lot more complicated than a basic three speed bike. And the three speed will very likely weigh a ton and be a lot more work riding down the road. And even if you live in a flat area, what happens when the wind kicks up? What about trips to other areas with hills?
I am just now replacing the bottom bracket cartridge. Pretty straight-forward, and I could have had a local shop do it for not too much.
Consider maintenance that is common to most bikes: tires, brakes, some cables at least for the brakes, bottom bracket bearings, wheel bearings, and chain. Going with a modern multiple speed bike adds shifters, two derailleurs, rear cassette, front crankset. This is really not a whole lot more complicated than a basic three speed bike. And the three speed will very likely weigh a ton and be a lot more work riding down the road. And even if you live in a flat area, what happens when the wind kicks up? What about trips to other areas with hills?
