Originally Posted by
Bianchigirll
If you not a seasoned cyclist I like the Bike Directs idea. You'll need a shop to assemble it for you but if you find you don't like cycling you won't take a big a loss selling a $400 bike at 200 as you would trying to sell $1200 for 6 or 800
I have the Bikes Direct 3 speed and it fits my riding style. SLOW! LOL!
I get the feeling the OP is going to buy a 3 speed and regret it. First, a three speed bicycle is ALL about compromise and you live with those. You need to set the bike up so that 95% of your riding is done in second gear. However, what gear does the OP like to ride? This is a very important question.
Head winds -- On a three speed, you just have to bear it. Shifting down to 1st gear is not an option because that's for hill climbing.
Hills --- On a three speed, 1st gear is usually in the 40 inch range. In other words, you really can't spin and it's never really low enough. On a positive note, I find that maybe once or twice a day I'll find myself walking with the bike. I don't like the weight of the 8 speed for this reason which is why I'll prefer the lightweight 3 speed hub. Carrying a heavy Nexus 8 or 7 speed for an entire day really takes away from the enjoyment of a light bicycle. I sold my 7 speed crusier for this very reason and gone back to the 3 speed.
Mountains ---- On a three speed, you'll learn to walk and push your bike. In fac, if you have mountains to cross, all the bikes mentioned by the OP are wrong!