I have 2 bikes with 3 speed Nexus IGHs. One is a Dahon Boardwalk folding bike that a bike shop coverted for me for a total cost of $150. I ride in 3 most of the time -- 1 and 2 are for hills. Works fine. My other 3 speed bike is an Electra Townie 3 700c, which is (of course) much nicer than the Dahon. Neither bike has a chain tensioner. I think 3 speed IGHs are under-rated for general cycling use.