Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
For me, the deciding factor would be finding the right frame size. It is pretty easy to find a three-speed with a 21" or 22" frame; 23" is less common, and 24" or 25" --which is what I'd be looking for-- quite rare. So if you want a three speed with a big frame, I think it makes sense to find a frame you like and go from there. If a 21" is what you want, hold out for an old Raleigh Sports or something.