trailz 

I've been thinking some lately about why I recently purchased an 1972 Hercules 3-speed when I already have a wonderful and trustworthy utility bike that I love riding. Will I ride the English more this summer than the utility bike? I'm seriously hoping so. There's a craft to the way he's designed. There's dignity in the way he stands. There's gracefulness in the way he carries himself. (Henry, btw). He simply reminds me daily, of a bygone era of a time less frenetic, fast paced, and numbing. Count me in!

With 3 kids, (11 - 17year olds) there's no end to the madness. We'll at least until now. Henry and I had our first ride into town this weekend, and the trust is growing. (anyone else feel like trusting a bicycle is only earned after you get to know it over time with riding?) Truly, it was one of the more leisurely and relaxed rides I've had in quite a while, and I'm going to take as many of those this summer as time will allow. Time warp welcomed.

Maddox

Beautifully stated, and I can identify with many of the sentiments in what you've written. I've crossed paths with several 3-speed enthusiasts recently who are addicted to them for the very reason you mention - they cause you to slow down and enjoy cycling for cyling's sake. A friend of mine said that when he was getting back into cycling he bought a road bike in order to get the experience he thought he wanted, but he ditched it for a three speed because he missed the "tick tick tick" of the old Sturmeys as they spin. He said it just took him back to his adolescenthood, and said that was why he missed the simplicity of 3-speeds so very much.

I can identify. My '74 Raleigh is a delight.



Thanks for sharing Trailz, but now we need pics of Henry the Hurculean 3-speed in order to fully appreciate your statement.

mickey85

I can completely understand. I'm thinking that the g/f and I are going to go on the Lake Pepin 3 speed tour next year (she's having her Raleigh Sports repainted this year, if we can actually find graphics for it), and after that, I think we're going to cruise in style!

Six jours

You could say I'm a fan of the three speeds...

BTW, Lloyd's has the correct transfers for the Sports. (And just about every other Raleigh). https://www.hlloydcycles.com/

Doohickie

Mmmmmmm.... yep

supton

I like mine. There's a time for racing around on a fast bike; a time for bombing down trails on an MTB. And then there are hot summer days that are best served by a leisurely ride around the country side, with hardly a care.

PolishGuy

I can relate sooo mmuuucchhh. As a kid, I wanted an English "3 speed racer" real bad but had to make do with a Schwinn Typhoon cruiser bike, wish I still had that one, since my folks wouldn't spend the money when I already had a perfectly good bike. Fast forward a few decades and I got back into bike riding. Started again with a hybrid, transitioned to a go-fast road bike, then discovered the Classic and Vintage folks and bought a Raleigh Sports from the people at Old Roads, when they were selling on-line, in 2003. since then, I've added a 1970 Raleigh DL1, R20 folder and a Trent Sports which is like a Lenton Clubman; this is my roadish bike. I can ride my Sports and DL1 on the same scenic routes in my region that I used to use the go-fast road bike for only now I enjoy the scenery more and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes more to do the same loop. Plus, my body doesn't feel so "beat-up" like it used to after riding the road bike. There is something magical about these bikes. PG.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

I did this over the weekend....




Its not C&V but its a cantilever frame and its in the right style.

Slow rolling is the name of the game and this is about as comfy as I've ever been...its getting a banana seat soon.

rhm

^You, sir, are one sick puppy. I suggest you lay off the gargleblasters and have one of your heads examined.

Maddox

Zaphrod, nice work, but I can only see riding that in a turkey ride like the Tour De Fat - anything more seems like it would be tortuous.

Of course I hate ape hangers in basically any variation...so...I'll own up to my bias.

mickey85

don't your hands get numb up there on those ape hangers?

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

Its strictly to be ridden by crazy folk....feels pretty shaky with those massive bars until you really get used to it. Then the big surprise is when you lock up the coaster brake and Ripp some Skiddz the springer fork compresses and you feel like you're about to get shot through the uprights of those ape hangers ....its not the safest thing in the world but its a ton of fun.

honestly its the smoothest ride you'll ever feel between the springer fork and the sprung saddle. And its strictly for slow cruising and short rides. It's for a buddy who will use it to bomb around the beaches of Providence.

SirMike1983 

I've ridden a variety of bicycles over the years, and the two I always come back to are English 3 speeds and American balloon tire bicycles. Each rides and handles differently, but are enjoyable for many of the same reasons. I ride whichever I feel like on a particular day.

JohnDThompson 

I did this over the weekend:

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

His & Hers! Way cool.

you forgot the tweed hats!

That Lake Pepin tour looks so cool.

Maddox

Was the tour this weekend? Since I knew there was no way I could attend this year I completely forgot the dates, but plan on going some year.

Lovely bikes, and congrats on completing!

gomango

My friends Peter and his wife Renee did this tour as well last weekend.

They had a great time, and have invited my wife and I to attend next year.

Sounds like a fantastic ride.

Andrew F

A timley post. During a ride today we were talking about English 3 speeds, particularly about how they control your speed vrs clicking into a gear to match your cadence. Learing to ride them well is a bit of an art and quite and enjoyable pass time!

Andrew F

Hey Zaphod.....wanna rool reeeaaalll slow.....

my 12 year olds understandind of C&V (Sorry no Lugs but the seats got sparkles)

bikamper

Yep, met you there.

Maddox

That's a beautifully equipped Superbe! Wow!

I took mine for a ride around the neighborhood and to the grocer tonight. 3-Speeds contain everything that makes cycling enjoyable. Such a delight to ride.

wahoonc

I agree that the 3 speed takes you back to a slower period in time.

Aaron

Andrew F

I like the tea-pot! Is that a giant bell?

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

That is a very awesome accessory.

JohnDThompson 

Yes, a tea-pot, and the brass contraption under the top tube is a Swedish "Optimus" camp stove.