Three-speed bicycle
Encyclopedia
The three-speed bicycle is a bicycle
that uses internal hub gear
s at the rear wheel hub to provide three gear ratios. Typically, in low gear, the rear sprocket turns faster than the wheel; in middle gear, the rear sprocket turns at the same speed as the wheel; in high gear, the rear wheel turns faster than the sprocket.
Three-speed hubs have been in use since the early 1900s. Though they are heavier than comparable derailleur systems, internal-gear hub systems generally last longer and require less maintenance. During their heyday, three-speed hubs were used in all applications, including racing
and time trialling, cargo cycling, utility cycling
, and commuting
. In many parts of the world, three-speed hubs are still preferred for commuting and other types of utility cycling over derailleur systems.
Internal-gear hubs come in a variety of models, including three-, four-, five-, seven-, eight- and even 14-speed versions. Notable manufacturers of internal-gear hubs include Sturmey-Archer
, an early pioneer (now owned by SunRace); Rohloff; SACHS/SRAM; and Shimano
.
The Raleigh Bicycle Company
has built many classic three-speeds, including the Sports, Superbe, and Tourist.
The late Sheldon Brown
has a website with many details about three-speed bicycles, including the history and workings of the bicycle.
Bicycle
A bicycle, also known as a bike, pushbike or cycle, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist....
that uses internal hub gear
Hub gear
A hub gear, internal-gear hub, or just gear hub is a gear ratio changing system commonly used on bicycles that is implemented with planetary or epicyclic gears. The gears and lubricants are sealed within the hub-shell of the bicycle's rear wheel, as opposed to derailleur gears, where the gears and...
s at the rear wheel hub to provide three gear ratios. Typically, in low gear, the rear sprocket turns faster than the wheel; in middle gear, the rear sprocket turns at the same speed as the wheel; in high gear, the rear wheel turns faster than the sprocket.
Three-speed hubs have been in use since the early 1900s. Though they are heavier than comparable derailleur systems, internal-gear hub systems generally last longer and require less maintenance. During their heyday, three-speed hubs were used in all applications, including racing
Bicycle racing
Bicycle racing is a competition sport in which various types of bicycles are used. There are several categories of bicycle racing including road bicycle racing, cyclo-cross, mountain bike racing, track cycling, BMX, bike trials, and cycle speedway. Bicycle racing is recognised as an Olympic sport...
and time trialling, cargo cycling, utility cycling
Utility cycling
Utility cycling encompasses any cycling not done primarily for fitness, recreation such as cycle touring, or sport such as cycle racing, but simply as a means of transport...
, and commuting
Bicycle commuting
Bicycle commuting is the use of a bicycle to travel from home to a place of work or study — in contrast to the use of a bicycle for sport, recreation or touring....
. In many parts of the world, three-speed hubs are still preferred for commuting and other types of utility cycling over derailleur systems.
Internal-gear hubs come in a variety of models, including three-, four-, five-, seven-, eight- and even 14-speed versions. Notable manufacturers of internal-gear hubs include Sturmey-Archer
Sturmey-Archer
Sturmey-Archer is a manufacturing company originally from Nottingham, England. It primarily produces bicycle hub gears but has also produced motorcycle hubs....
, an early pioneer (now owned by SunRace); Rohloff; SACHS/SRAM; and Shimano
Shimano
Shimano, Inc. is a Japanese multinational manufacturer of cycling components, fishing tackle, and rowing equipment.In 2005, the company had net sales of US $1.4 billion. Bicycle components provided 75% of its sales income...
.
The Raleigh Bicycle Company
Raleigh Bicycle Company
The Raleigh Bicycle Company is a bicycle manufacturer originally based in Nottingham, UK. It is one of the oldest bicycle companies in the world. From 1921 to 1935 Raleigh also produced motorcycles and three-wheel cars, leading to the formation of the Reliant Company.-Early years:Raleigh's history...
has built many classic three-speeds, including the Sports, Superbe, and Tourist.
The late Sheldon Brown
Sheldon Brown (bicycle mechanic)
Sheldon Brown was an American bicycle mechanic and technical authority on bicycles. He contributed to numerous print and online sources related to bicycling, bicycle mechanics and maintenance, including his own website — and received numerous awards for his contributions.-Biography:Brown...
has a website with many details about three-speed bicycles, including the history and workings of the bicycle.