3 speed options

[ryangus]

I'm looking for a 3-speed in hub geared bike for my 7 year old daughter. So far I've found the Giant Veer, Avanti Spcie and the Byk (can't remember the model).

Unfortunately, she's already got her heart set on a cheaper Diamondback cruiser from BigW. It's a least got an alloy frame, but no gears.

So, where can I buy a 20" wheel with in-hub gears and changer? Alternatively, I might be able to get away with a similar cruiser style bike, so anybody know of a cruiser with 3 speeds?

[MattyK]

You can just get the hub and shifter and get a shop to rebuild the wheel. But it would be cheaper to find the right bike if you can...

[ryangus]

You can just get the hub and shifter and get a shop to rebuild the wheel. But it would be cheaper to find the right bike if you can...

I'm curious why I can't seem to find a complete 20" rim with the hub already included. Any idea how much it would cost to have the hub put in?

[MattyK]

Supply and demand - not many people wanting to do wheel/gearing upgrades in that size.

A wheel rebuild would be about $50 from a bike shop (plus spokes maybe). Maybe another $50 for shifter install and setup (at a guess).

[bychosis]

Two bikes, gear swap and sell the remainder?

[ryangus]

That's what I'm actually considering

[ValleyForge]

I'm sure if you trawl the tip shop or St Vinnies you find an in-hub 3 speed 20" somewhere. Can't say I like them though; two mums I know have town bikes, one with a 5 speed SA rear hub and the other with a Nexus. Neither ever seems to be quite right gear-wise.