3 speed vs 6 speed

[TheDoctor]

I rarely use 6th. I'd fit a 40T chainring and lose 6th gear to gain an extra low gear, except that would make my two most commonly-used gears a double-shift away from each other.
That's a real first-world problem, right there!

 

[oldwheels]

I went to a 40T plus standard 6 last year. For my use ideal. Top goes up to about 20 mph before spinning out but bottom gear gets me up nearly everything. I tend to ride in pretty hilly areas normally but it would not suit someone in a flat area where higher gears more appropriate. Thought about a double chainring set up but prefer what I have now.

 

[StuartG]

The really brilliant thing about the Brompton is that folded you can get every combination of gearing into your garage with and without rack and with a view S-bar variants to cover every eventuality of terrain, purpose and speed. It would have to be the garage because you would have had to sell the house first ...

 

[skelator88]

For around town I would sure use a 3 speed.
6 speed if you plan on doing some mileage

 

[Kell]

In London I only really use 4,5 and, occasionally, 6.

But in High Wycombe, I do use 1 and 3. 3 for steep, but short hills, and 1 for the ones where it's quicker to get off and walk, but I refuse to give up.

 

[iamclaus]

Started with 8, went to 24 with a 3spd Sturmey-Archer hub.