This owner happily chose the single speed version, not for decreased weight, cleaner aesthetics, lower maintenance or reduced cost. But for two more important reasons:
1. Gears are simply unnecessary in a flattish city like London. Why fight traffic and topography, when you can avoid the former and let the latter be your regulator? Highgate, Telegraph, Muswell; the mild effort to ascend our little hills is duly rewarded with a CAMRA gem and a freefall descent.
2. Gears suggest demand for a wider variety of speed, but a congenial band like 8-12mph will get you anywhere in Zone 2 in half an hour or so. If urgency or distance must increase, weigh up placability with patience. The Guvnor has an optimum range and speed, and it’s just our choice not to extend those things.
So, the demand met by gears can instead by quashed by a philosophical shift. Yes, apologies.
PS Of course we support 3 (and 4) speed Guvnor owners, in fact we love them as brethren. But we consider the single speed model the most Guvnorish.
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The purist in me agrees that the singlespeed version of The Guv’nor is infinitely to be preferred, especially in what Bertie Wooster calls ‘the old metrop’. However, as one languishing in a notably lumpy portion of the provinces (the Sussex Weald) I went the way of pragmatism and chose the three-speed. Furthermore, at the risk of being ejected from this august company on the grounds of heresy and lack of moral fibre, I should also confess that I’ve replaced the 16-tooth sprocket originally specified with a 20. I have never regretted either decision. Thus equipped, my Guv’nor and I have successfully tackled every hill hereabouts, including some of the Ashdown Forest’s unfriendlier specimens, with confidence and aplomb. And though I’ve not been able to wean myself off gears entirely, having a choice of three, as opposed to my usual 20, has altered my perspective and brought about a welcome easing-off and slowing-down. Plus, the Sturmey-Archer lever on the handlebars has brought forth delighted cries of recognition from many of my vintage — cyclists and non-cyclists alike — as they recall the beloved bicycles of their youth. And what could be more Guvnorish than that?
Nick.….interesting to note you have changed the sprocket from 16, original spec. on your 3 speed Guv’nor, to 20. I have a 22.5″ frame 3 speed model, frame No. 148109 ordered in Aug. ’09 delivered Oct. ’09 — and it’s fitted with a 20 tooth sprocket as original equipment. So have Pashley changed the spec. on later models also when and why? Further comments welcome.
Chaps, interesting, and quite a change in the spec if so. The single speed has 18, or at least mine does! What little hills London has to offer I’ve conquered them all on it (Highgate the toughest), but I dare say a real slope might prove more of a challenge.
Nick, you make a fine argument for the 3 speed, particularly when coming down from 20. And the 3 speed heritage is incontrovertible.
I reluctantly admit I’d love the chance to really rattle along now and again!