3 speed vs 6 speed

[TheDoctor]

I rarely get use 6th, but I could do with a slightly lower first. Might change the chainring. I fully intended to tour the Brom when I got it, and I've done so a few times. If there's any chance you might need six gears, get them from the outset. It's cheaper and easier that way.

 

[byegad]

My Speed-Pro has 24 speeds. An 8 speed cluster on a SRAM 3 speed hub. Range 20-114" IIRC and yes I use them all.

 

[Kell]

I ummed and ahhed before making the decision. I hired a 3-speed for a month while mine was being built.

It worked perfectly for my commute, but then that isn't the only commute I do.

When my daughter's not at school (and I don't have to drop her at the child minder) I take the opportunity to ride to and from the station. Which includes a pretty steep hill.

This was do-able in 4th gear on my old 24 speed Dahon, in 1st on my road bike and I never tried it on the 3 speed.

I definitely need the lowest gear for that. But my normal commute sees me using only the top three. And 6th not that often.

 

[mustang1]

2 speed because I was thinking if I should get a single speed or 3 speed and decided to take the average.

Also it was available as a Black Edition.

 

[cosmicbike]

3 speed for me, simply because that's what the display model had.

 

[bikegang]

2 speed will be a safe entry B, easier to upgrade to 6 speed or 10 speed.

3 speed to 6 speed will require more components to fiddle with and parts to change.

 

[TheDoctor]

I take your point, but if you're ever going to want 6 speeds it's far cheaper to get then from the outset. Going from 2 to 6 costs £65 on the buld-a-Brompton order site, but over £200 to retrofit to an existing bike, as it's a whole new wheel.

 

[bikegang]

True, so test ride in LBS or with brompton hire (what gears they offer?) will be more important than guess work...

One lightest 2 speed Ti brompton for commuting and carrying (workday) and one touring B setup with 6 or more gears and front rear racks (holiday) will be my dream combo.

 

[TheDoctor]

A 6 speed Brommie with T-Bag is ideal for touring. @Trikeman of this parish has a 8 speed Brommie which he's fond of, but that's a custom job from Kinetics IIRC. Looks neater and has more intuitive shifting, but is a bit heavier and probably more expensive. I'd like to try one.

 

[Fab Foodie]

True, so test ride in LBS or with brompton hire (what gears they offer?) will be more important than guess work...

One lightest 2 speed Ti brompton for commuting and carrying (workday) and one touring B setup with 6 or more gears and front rear racks (holiday) will be my dream combo.

Me too ....

 

[T4tomo]

You could achieve that with an extra wheel, as noted above, and taping the gear indicator to the frame when running in 2 speed mode!

 

[TheDoctor]

I just use a 6 speed for everything. Once I've lost about 30 kilos off me, I'll worry about losing a kilo off the bike!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

8 speed to rule them all. Start with a ss B, buy a conversion kit. Takes about an hour and a half to fit. Wonder why B don't fit them at the factory. Ride.

 

[CopperBrompton]

@Trikeman of this parish has a 8 speed Brommie which he's fond of, but that's a custom job from Kinetics IIRC. Looks neater and has more intuitive shifting, but is a bit heavier and probably more expensive. I'd like to try one.

Mine is from Tiller Cycles, and yep, very nice shifting, heavier and a bit more expensive, but worth every penny. You'd be welcome to try it.

 

[steveindenmark]

Hi do you ever use the 6th gear on your 6 speed?

There is no point in buying gears if you dont use them. :0)