Originally Posted by odyssic
Well, the six speed refines the gaps in between the gears but the high is barely higher and the low isn't much lower. I'm thinking of modifications for hilly touring.
The three speed has a gearing range of 178% while the six speed has a range of 213%. I opted for the six speed with optional lower gearing, which gives you a 12% lower low gear without sacrificing anything in high gear. This gearing is very satisfactory for hilly rides - at least for me. I haven't ridden the bike loaded down for touring, though, and that may make a difference.