3-Speed and 8-Speed – At LEKKER Bikes USA and Australia we have two main styles of gearing bikes: the 3-Speed and 8-Speed. These are our Lekker Jordaan Womens 3-Speed, Jordaan Mens 3-Speed and the Amsterdam 3-Speed model, which represent the classic sportive and vintage cruiser bikes. Then there is the Amsterdam 8-Speed, which is a lower-set sportive Dutch commuter bike. Both styles are suited to different conditions, but are versatile enough to roam beyond their best-suited terrains and locations.
The main difference between the Jordaan and Amsterdam Series, is that the Jordaan Bike model has a more upright bicycle riding position, with a slightly wider handlebar setup to provide more relaxed-style riding, more suited to the casual cyclist. On the other hand, our Amsterdam Series is our Dutch commuter bike that provides a more angled riding position and therefore less wind resistance. The Lekker Amsterdam is more suitable for those wanting a fast urban commuter bike suited for the city.
That said, we know the importance of versatility. And our bikes have been designed with this in mind. There are plenty of options when it comes to tailored upgrades, as well as different components to make your bike suit your needs. All of our Dutch bikes also come with a premium internal hub gear system providing flexible gear changing capabilities. The result? Our bikes are suited to a range of conditions and terrains.
Topography
Topography presents an interesting issue when it comes to riding a bike. Although you may find yourself riding a specific terrain more often than others, you might come across an unexpected incline and find yourself pumping those pedals a little harder than you’re used to. This is why it’s important to have a few options up your sleeve when it comes to bike gearing, regardless of the city you may be riding in.
How many gears are appropriate for you? Should I choose a LEKKER 3-Speed, or a LEKKER Amsterdam 8-Speed?
3-Speed vs. 8-Speed
When it comes to force, resistance and power, your body paired with a bike works just like any other engine. A limited number of gears equate to a limited span of resistance and therefore speed of movement.
A single-speed conventional bike for example, is fixed to one particular level of resistance, leaving you with no gearing options to improve cycling speed or increase ease of travel.
Increase the number of gearing options to 3, and your speed-of-travel span begins to widen. 3 gears will provide you with more options when it comes to riding different types of terrain.
Increase this further to 8 options, and the difference begins to become far more noticeable and useful. With terrain such as hill climbs and sweeping descents, you’re more able to easily find a useful gear that is within a suitable speed-of-travel interval.
Which one to buy, 3-Speed or 8-Speed bicycle?
3-Speed vintage cruiser bikes, like the LEKKER Jordaan series or the Amsterdam 3-Speed, make most sense for inner city riding. Generally, cities are pretty flat (San Fran, we see you and we raise you an eBike), leaving little need to shift gears more than 3 times. So if you do live in the ‘flat city’ category your answer is simple, a 3-Speed system. That said, if you plan on venturing beyond those inner-city cycle paths to less manicured, hillier terrains; you might be after a few more gears.
There are also various other factors that play a role in the type of bike that’ll suit you best. Think fitness levels, particularly steep hills, heavy loads, as well as your proximity to the city. Taking these into account and if you’re after an easier ride, you’ll want to consider the LEKKER Amsterdam 8-Speed option. This bike will provide you with the exact same options as the 3-Speed, but with a few extra gears. Which could make all the difference when going for that last hill climb. Or being able to carry that slightly heavier load with ease. Not to mention the outer city and picturesque bike trails that you may like to explore on weekends. These don’t only take you out of the city, but out into the fresh, open air.
See for yourself
If you are still unsure and want to see what it’s like to ride one of our 3- or 8-Speed LEKKER bikes, contact our team via our email info@lekkerbikes.com. And don’t forget that we offer free 14-days/100km returns. No questions asked.