Three Speeds

My Opinion of Three Speeds

I like three speed bicycles. The most common ones were made by Raleigh, and have a Sturmey Archer AW hub. Before the 1960's, there were dozens of English 3 speed manufacturers, but by 1961, Raleigh's parent company "Tube Investments" had gobbled most of them up.

I first learned about English 3 Speeds from the Sheldon Brown website. I'd purchased a bicycle with a Sturmey Archer hub, and I had no idea how it worked. That was my introduction to the concept of planetary gearing. I found the hubs novel and peculiar at first, but I quickly grew enamored with the feel and sound. Assertions can be made about the practicality and elegant simplicity of old English three speeds. While I would certainly agree, the fact is I just simply like them. I don't view three speeds as better or worse, but I feel strongly that they are worth remembering. They are wonderful bicycles and they deserve our utmost respect.

From the fenders and chainguards to the comfortable handlebars - everything about English three speeds is eminently practical. Ever since riding my first three speed bicycle, I have installed the same style of handlebars on almost every bicycle I have owned. It is my opinion that upright handlebar shape was mastered a century ago.

Further Reading: 

Sheldon Brown

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html

and http://www.sheldonbrown.com/sturmey-archer.html

Society of Three Speeds

https://societyofthreespeeds.wordpress.com

(I am a card-carrying member!)

3 Speed Tour

http://www.3speedtour.com/

(I will be participating for the first time in 2018!)