chicagobent

If anyone is in Chicago and is trying to find the ever elusive KHS Green bicycle, I was in Uptown Bikes on Broadway recently having my front hub rebuilt and I noticed that they actually have several of these bikes in stock in all sizes. Two drawbacks, as follows: 1) they are heavy bikes; and 2) Uptown Bikes was selling them for about $90 above what I thought was the M.S.R.P. (that said, still not overly expensive as far as bicycles go).

Elkhound

I just got an e-mail from a certain well-known bike company to the effect that they are planning to introduce an "English three speed" type bike for 2010. It will actually be a seven or eight speed, but it will have an internal hub gear, a set-back seat, built in racks and fenders, backswept handlebars, and an integrated generator lighting system. I won't say which company as I don't want to spill the beans.

I-Like-To-Bike

Why the secrecy? And the delay?

Elkhound

As for the secrecy, I was told it privately and I don't think it would be right to give the details on public forum like this. As for the delay, I don't know for sure and prefer not to spectulate.

KLW2

Schwinn just did that last year, I haven't seen one in person yet but they look nice..not the X-Mart bikes....
https://www.schwinnbike.com/usa/eng/P...F3-Coffee-3spd

wahoonc

I have seen the bikes, not bad. But not sure if they are being offered for 2009.

Aaron

I-Like-To-Bike

Looks like a lot of bike for the money. I don't know why they would wait to bring it to market. At least one satisfied "customer" is quoted on the web site. The pictured bike is peculiar, it has rear rim brakes but the text says it is equipped with a coaster brake

Juggler2

I haven't bought myself a new bike in decades, literally. I was given a new cruiser-style bike by my wife for Christmas a few years ago, but I've never bought one for myself. This Schwinn Coffee intrigues me though. While I could afford to spend more, if I buy a new one it will fall in the $400-$500 range. And I like the look of the Coffee. Providing of course I can find one that'll fit my 6'2" 245lb frame.

graywolf

Actually the Schwinn Coffee has been available for several years. IIRC, they used to call it the Coffee and Cream; most likely because the diamond frame model was brown with white fenders while the drop frame model was white with brown fenders. I have not seen one in person either, but it seems to only comes in the small frame size.

An interesting thing is that my LBS is listed as a Torker dealer, but I have not seen the Urban bikes (mentioned in an earlier post) there. Oh well, I would not trade my '65 Dunelt for one anyway.

wahoonc

They were first offered in 2007 AFAIK I saw them around Christmas last year. They have front and rear rim brakes as well as a coaster. (Can't be too safe ya know!) At that time the list was around $350. A bit steep IMHO but certainly not out of line. Performance was also selling a version for ~$279 but is was as single speed coaster brake. They only come in one size, not unusual in the lower priced bikes.

Aaron

delver

Though I would post one of my three speeds...

its not english, but a fuji S10S with a SA AW laced into the 27 inch rim. There are some 10-12% grades around where I ride, so thus the 38 tooth front.

This is a daily rider, brought back from the dead(5$ thrift store find, got it for the ideal saddle that was on it. Its a lot of fun to ride around, and is going to get ridden on some brevets pretty soon as well.

jack002

Nice!! I used to have a Royce Union with a S-A, I miss it. This Fuji looks nice. Nice work!

politicalgeek

I'm really regretting selling my 3 speed...

But I have a line on a Dunelt. Any tips on what I should be looking for when I go check this out?

San Rensho 

Nothing, just buy it. Assuming the price is right of course. It's complete, it doesn't look like it has much rust, the paint is good.

The three speed shifter is obviously out of adjustment, but I bet after adjusting the hub, brakes, and a good wash and wax you'll have an all original Dunelt that's a 6-8 on a scale of 10.

politicalgeek

I'm first on the list for it. No word on price yet. If I get it, I plan on making it a daily commuter.

tommywpg

I just bought a CCM Elan 3-speed and have been attempting an overhaul. I decided on a 3-speed because I like the upright riding position and live in the prairies. I'm might commute. I might not. I'm really enjoying the project regardless. Stripping it down wasn't too hard and all of the Sturmey Archer components look to be in excellent shape.

I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it. Love the forum and this thread.

YoKev

I got this beautiful 1951 Rudge Sports Light a few weeks ago.

otis3

There is a brand new one in my garage and I love it. It`s comfortable and well built for the price. The paint is nice and the brown color gives it a cool vintage look, I`m getting a lot of compliments from people that think it`s a restoration. The single has rim brakes only, no coaster.

TheChap

I have to agree with the general sentiment for the classic English 3 speed bike, they are machines of beauty. It is depressing when the majority of bikes you see are really just glorified pogo sticks on wheels and this is normally in urban areas as well, why the chunky tyres when there is no off-road track.

I am hoping to buy a Pashley Roadster Sovereign for city use, although I have seen positive reviews for cheaper dutch/english bikes e.g. Dutchie bikes, and Bobbin cycles, so was considering coupling one of those with a Brompton - for commuting / holidays. Does anyone here have experience of either of those brands?

I guess another question is whether 3 gears are enough for Britain, there are several hilly parts and I'd imagine slogging a 30-40lb bike up one of them wouldn't go down too well, especially in summer.

Sixty Fiver

The issue with many stock 3 speeds is their gearing as it makes 3rd gear rather steep and because of that it does not get used unless one has a tailwind or a big hill and the first gear is also relatively high compared to modern bikes.

My daughters and girlfriend all ride English 3 speeds and I have changed out the rear cogs for larger ones to give the bikes a better low and middle and open up the 3rd gear.

My 1948 Rudge roadster actually came with a lower gearing than a stock Raleigh and I think this is because is not designed for out of the saddle riding... it climbs well and just flies on flat ground.

qmsdc15

When my buddy bought a mountain bike, I put a big cog on my English Racer so I could ride the trails with him. My first mountain bike. Fun times.

San Rensho 

Yep. I put a 24 cog on mine and the gearing is set so that third is the gear I use almost all the time unless I have a headwind, no hills here in Miami, Florida.

First is nice and low, making it easy to get going quickly from a dead stop without having to get out of the saddle, second is a transition gear and third is an easy cruising gear.

mr,grumpy 

I "searched" the thread for Gary Fisher but I have to admit that I did not read through all 27ish pages of it.

How about this?
https://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/simple-city-3M

$600 might be slightly steep but it's a nice bike. There is an eight speed version that comes with a heafty front basket for a couple hundred dollars more too!

Aside: I wonder how much the English Three Speeds cost new relative to today's currency?

Sixty Fiver

This bike came and found me... I recently added the panier that I made from an old leather briefcase and found the Wright's Olympic 25 saddle which is probably older than the bike.

I am down to one three speed now but am thinking of doing another conversion.

wahoonc

About $400 or so. My 1972 Superbe sold new for around $75-$80.

Aaron