I fix bicycles. I’m a bicycle mechanic. I have a soft spot for old bicycles, and especially for old 3 speeds. It is my belief that the internally geared three speed hub is still an excellent choice for a modern bicycle transmission.
In January of 2011, I purchased a 1970 Phillips from eBay. I paid $51, and picked it up locally. Riding it to work a few times was enough to remind me how much I truly revere these simple machines.
I don’t wax nostalgic about unsafe or inferior components. I am not a proponent of ‘period correct’ restorations. I am an advocate of reasonable safety with reliable parts and materials. (Steel rims on an old bicycle are fine, but not for wet weather and mountain descents.)
The Phillips will not remain a stock bicycle, but my upgrades will be modest and show respect for the original design. Alloy rims and modern brakes are a big improvement over the original equipment. That stuff is outta here.
This Phillips is and was a fine bicycle. Upgrades and changes are made with utmost respect.
This is about my upcoming trans-USA 3 speed ride, and 3 speed topics in general.
