Originally Posted by
dabac
OK, fine. Let me rephrase that:
I haven't found 3-speeds particularly useful or fun to ride from the moment I had bikes with more gears available.
But sure, if the choice stood between a single-speed and a 3-speed, then even I would prefer a 3-speed.
And others may indeed have other preferences, to which they are entirely entitled.
Me, given a choice - as the OP has - wouldn't look below 5-speeds when buying an IGH wheel/hub.
A reference to earlier popularity, or popularity on different markets doesn't really fly.
That makes a good cause for their advantages compared to what else was available Then and There.
But using that as an argument that they are still great compared to what's available Here and Now is stretching it quite a bit.
Different circumstances favors different solutions, that's all.
you are correct
that most people would prefer
more range than a three speed normally gives
but somewhere between 166% range of a three speed
and 600% range of a touring bike
is an ideal gear range for each individual rider
in any terrain
but most of us can make due with gear ranges that are less than ideal
also
the simplicity
ease or lack of regular maintenance
and robustness
of a three speed
makes the lack of range seem more acceptable