Dust 'em off and fix 'em up... I am announcing the advent of the Twin Cities 3-Speed Adventure Society (TC3SAS).

This is no costume ball, and the age or county of origin of you bike is of no import. TC3SAS is for intrepid cyclists looking to take on the world with nothing but their wits, their will and 3 gear ratios (slow, moderately slow, and medium). What we may lack in speed, we more than make up for in elan, esprit de corps and intrepidness.

Although I am not worthy, I will humbly lead this hardy bunch in a series of 3-speed rides this season. We'll be venturing further afield this year, traveling to Coon Rapids Dam, circumnavigating the Grand Rounds, exploring downtown St. Paul and potentially taking on the length of the Luce Line - all via 3-speed!

So, Comrades, fix up your Old Clankies - drop some 30-weight into the SA hubs, lube the chains and pump up the 26 x 1 3.8 tires. You can buy one of these for $100 on CL for that matter. But... leave the English stuff and tweed at home. Instead, bring water, Cliff Bars and your sense of adventure. We'll be doing rides from 25 - 60 miles in length, selecting routes based on aesthetics, topography and our sense of adventure.

The first ride will likely happen in mid- to late-April. Stay tuned for more information, but get those Sturmey Archer hubs oiled up, because this is going to be the event the hipsters wished they had thought up.

I've got a couple of 3 speeds that can be loaned out for these adventures. I might even make one that's 3 on the front, one in back.

I'm in.

Is that your new ride? Full chaincase, rod brakes?

Great!! I am hoping you are also willing to serve as Co-Conspirator and Managing Partner as well.



No, I just stole that image off the internet because I liked it. i still have that gray Sport you have seen before.

Great idea, I'm in.

D'oh! All right, as long as I get management approval.

Based on the feedback here and on the blog, we have three strong men. Plus me.

I'd be in for the shorter rides as I will be on Green Betty (1952 Schwinn Corvette - 43 pounds of LOVE) later this year as my belly gets too big for a road bike.

Sounds like a good time but I need tires.

Anyone know of a good place to buy inexpensive 26 x 1 3/8 tires? Preferably in St Paul area. All I can find are the new folding ones and no need to get that high tech.

I'm pretty new to biking... but I have an olde Raleigh from '79 that would love to kick up her wheels in this fandango.

Welcome! Have no fear about being new. I promise this is a no-drop ride, even if that means I peel off to stay with somebody and let the group go on ahead. I would never want to have somebody feel like they are not experienced enough to enjoy a ride. For that matter, if somebody want to do a shorter ride we could talk about that and make a plan. How's that for a novel approach?



I get my 3-speed rubber at Hiawatha Cycles or Freewheel (both in MPLS). Harris Cycle sells a number of affordable tires on-line as well, but I prefer to buy local whenever I can. I wish I knew of a good St. Paul source for you, but alas, I do not.

Awesome response so far - this is great. I am thinking we kick off the season with a Grand Rounds ride to limber up and get the cobwebs out of the hubs. Maybe sometime in mid-April or so?

I for one won't be riding too fast. My 3 speed choice for this ride is a 1970s moulton or perhaps a raleigh 20. Neither of which I can ride very fast on for very long.

Bicycle Chain has a decent selection.

If enough folks want them and I can get them, I can offer some at MMRB. We have some high-pressure tires that will fit 3-speeds. For all of you, this coming Sunday is 3-speed day at MMRB. Lots of bicycles and parts will be available for cheap prices. See the events section of the off-topic portion of Bike Love for details, or visit our web site at www.mmrbstore.com.

I got some lovely whitewalls from MMRB, but I've also seen gumwalls in 26 x 1 3/8 at Express Bike Shop.