A three-speed bike is designed to provide three gear ratios through internal hub gears located at the rear wheel. Since these gears are internally housed in the hub systems, they are longer lasting than traditional three-speed systems. These three gears are used for climbing, descending and speeding respectively. All moveable gear parts are sealed inside the rear wheel hub and therefore very little maintenance is usually required for this type of a bicycle. These bikes can be found in four styles: hybrid, cruiser, comfort an commuter. Depending on your travel needs and budget, you can choose a bike in one of these styles. Some of the bikes are especially designed for women keeping in view their short and petite stature. They are easy to get on and off and also offer an added level of comfort.
If you have decided to buy a 3-speed bike, this article will help you out in making an informed decision.
Benefits of 3-Speed Bikes
While there are many benefits of a modern three-speed bicycle, here we will outline the top 3 benefits.
Ease of use and safety
A 3-speed bike is designed to offer increased safety and you can change the gear as easily as twisting the handlebar grip while traveling or even when the bike is stationary. Since you never have to take your hands off the handlebar, you have more peace of mind. It is also easier to handle because you can change the gear even before you start pedaling.
Low maintenance
Since the chain of the bicycle is not involved with continuously switching between gears, it is less likely to fall off like traditional bicycles. Also, the gears are safely housed in a hub located at the rear wheel that comes with the feature of internal lubrication. And hence, very little maintenance is required for a 3-speed bike on a regular basis.
Easy navigation
A range of gears designed to maneuver through different types of terrains allows the rider to enjoy easy navigation. If you have to commute around the city regularly, you will soon get used to the idea of changing the gears whenever a particular type of terrain is encountered. This is one of the most attractive features of a 3-speed bikes.
The Best 3-Speed Bikes on the Market
Now it’s time to explore some of the best 3-speed bikes available out there so that you can choose one according to your budget and requirements. Here we have listed the top 5 3-speed bicycles according to their design, popularity and rating
Micargi Tahiti 3 Speed
This beach cruiser is one of the highly-rated bikes available on the market that comes in a sleek design. Its white wall tires and stainless steel spokes make it quite stylish along with a strong steel frame. It is comfortable and offers increased safety on the road. It is also one of the best mid-range bikes suitable for both men and women. You can also find it in single speed version and in different colors.
Brooklyn Bicycle Bedford 3
A simple, yet highly efficient bike from the famous Brooklyn Bike Co. is one of the best 3-speed bikes available on the market. It is highly stable and lightweight; a perfect combination for people of all ages. You can find many sizes in it from small to large with a choice of two elegant colors. The bike has been designed to suit all types of commutes from daily commute in the city to climbing. It is also rated as one of the best and most affordable city bike.
Critical Cycles Dutch Step-Thru 3-Speed City Coaster Bike
Another choice for a stylish, yet simply designed commuter bike for everyday use. Its frame has been constructed from high-tensile strength steel and comes with a highly comfortable faux leather seat. Its Dutchstyle frame makes it easy to get on and off the bike and therefore it is suitable for people with short heights. It is easy to assemble and easy to operate and many consumers have reported that it is perfect for women bikers. The bike is not very expensive, which makes it an even more preferred choice.
Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bike
Available in a wide range of colors, this bicycle has been especially designed for women for an enjoyable and effortless beach cruise. It includes a Nexus shifter, which is quite easy to use even when long distances need to be traveled. The bike has been designed to be very stylish; however, one of its drawbacks might be its high price. Nevertheless, if you want a bike that would offer casual comfort combined with extra smooth ride and a carrier at the rear, look no further.
Pure City Classic 3 Speed
An elegant bike designed for traveling across the city, Pure City Classic is a bike of choice for a lot of people out there. It also includes a bell so that you can use it even in the busiest areas of the city. It is quite easy to maintain because of its simple yet powerful structure. The bike can also be found in the external-hub 8-speed version in a comfortable design for commuting long distances with ease.
Conclusion
Technological advances exist to make our life easier and this statement holds true in case of 3-speed bikes. The design of these bicycles not only makes them low maintenance but also improves their overall appearance and makes riding easier and more fun.
People use these types of bikes for cruising and fitness purpose and also when they need to travel long distances. Since these bikes don’t have any external gearing, they give a cleaner and more elegant look than most traditional multi-speed bikes. They are uncomplicated and hence make the riding experience more simple and enjoyable. Some people also go for bikes that need to be assembled at home. This option is available for 3-speed bikes as you can assemble them easily at home.