Hello friends of three speeds! After just eight months, we have just over 80 members, hailing from all corners of the earth! It would be lovely to hit 100 members by the New Year, and it would also be lovely to get some more cash flow here too. So for this holiday season, I'm offering… Continue reading Holiday Membership Sale, plus Gift Memberships!
Month: November 2013
Three Speed Spotted: Modified Raleigh Twenty
Ran into this lovely specimen at Trader Joe's on Sunday. Yeah, Raleigh Twenties are not uncommon. But this one has some nice modifications, like a dynohub on the front (you can't see the light in front of the basket) and a coaster brake three-speed hub in the rear. Stuff like this means you know the… Continue reading Three Speed Spotted: Modified Raleigh Twenty
Vintage Bike Buying Guide: 3-Speeds!
Great stuff from Snarkypup!
Why Buy a 3-Speed?
I know, there are bikes out there with lots of speeds. You’ve seen them in the store… 21-speeds, you thought… I could ride up any hill with twenty-one different gears! It’s true that owning a 3-speed is a different experience than owning a bike with dozens of gears. But I’m here to preach it: three speeds is all you need!
Most of the time, of course. For most people, riding a 3-speed isn’t about going thirty miles an hour, riding a hundred miles, or climbing up the French Alps. If you are someone who wants to just go for fun bike rides, isn’t interested in getting there at top speed, doesn’t like spandex (or doesn’t think the world wants to see you in spandex)… a 3-speed may be for you. Here’s a 3-item list of reasons you might like a 3-speed.
1. 3-speeds have the same (or…
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A modernized Raleigh LTD-3 and the question: How much is too much?
Hello friends, after enjoying an enjoyable slice of pizza this afternoon, I spotted this Raleigh LTD-3 off of SE Belmont in Portland. Now spotting a three speed is still a thrill to me, even after all of these years. But what I found more thrilling was the degree of alteration and modernization done to this… Continue reading A modernized Raleigh LTD-3 and the question: How much is too much?
A Gazelle by any other name
A nice example of a classic Dutch three speed!
When you think of gazelles you probably think of something quick and nimble. We know we do. This particular Gazelle, on the other hand…
This Dutch-made beauty (circa 1978) is about as “adorned” as a bike could ever hope to be, with lights, generator, wheel lock, bell, fenders, front mudflap, drum brakes and rear carrier (all stock equipment). It even has a chainguard and skirtguard, made predominantly from vinyl, we’re thinking to avoid rust, and hopefully to lighten the thing a little.
Ok, so it might not be Gazelle-quick, but then again, it isn’t the worst bike we’ve ever pushed around. Even with its high profile (the handlebars hit us mid-stomach) and its 28″ wheels, the bike performs modestly well. Agreed, it’s not a Masi, but the bike easily outpaces a Raleigh DL-1 or Chinese equivalent. So, in that regard, we guess you could consider it the “gazelle” of the…
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Three Speed Coffeeneuring (and Tweedneuring) report: 8 Nov 2013
Presidente's Note: I have been participating in the annual Coffeeneuring Challenge. Reports of all my Coffeeneuring Rides (not just my three-speed ones!) can be found over at our "sister" blog, Urban Adventure League. I have been dutifully completing one Coffeeneuring ride each week since this whole business started in October. And pursuant to Mary's rule,… Continue reading Three Speed Coffeeneuring (and Tweedneuring) report: 8 Nov 2013
Society Of Three Speeds 