Originally Posted by
hannahmontana
I use my bike as my primary means of transportation. So I use it to get to school and work in all weather and all times of the day and night. So I wanted a bike with fenders and a chain gaurd. I like to wear skirts, so i wnated a bike that I could do that with. Also, I ride all year long in NE, and after a winter the back wheel is toast, and all those cogs and a new chain is expensive. I wanted something that could stand up to the elements better.
No worries. You're just going to have to adjust your riding style for three speeds for now. You basically went from a sport/racing bike to a "mom going to market" bike. But there is no reason (other than cash of course) why you can't upgrade the rear hub and shifter with an Alfine 8 speed, if not a pricey Rohloff or Nuvinci, or, as someone else suggested, increase the size of the rear cog for immediate lower gearing on the cheap.
I love your bike though.
This is my winter (snow and ice) commuter...it uses that Alfine 8 speed I mentioned.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey