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I think that's what it is called. Where the front has one gear and the back has 3 gears. 29 inch wheels mountain bike between $400-500. I mainly want one with < 3 gears on it. I appreciate any recommendations.

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Almost sounds like you want an "English racer". – Daniel R Hicks Jul 6 '12 at 17:56
How popular is this type of bike and is it hard to find? – nhat Jul 6 '12 at 18:27
It was very popular 50 years ago. – Daniel R Hicks Jul 6 '12 at 20:49
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Could you elucidate a bit more on why you would like that sort of bicycle, or what you would be using it for? – WTHarper Jul 7 '12 at 1:10
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Why do you want 29" wheels specifically? Do you want to ride off-road? As has been pointed out, you'll have a healthier selection if you're willing to look at 26" wheels, or even 700c wheels. – Neil Fein Jul 7 '12 at 15:02
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2 Answers

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I don't really recommend this setup, I'd just build a 1x9, But if you really want to do it, you can see what another person did...

http://labjack.com/blog/3-speed-single-speed-mountain-bike

He basically got a single speed mountain bike and built up a new rear wheel with a 3 speed hub and did some magic to get the disc brakes to work.

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the best option is just a 1x8 or 1x9. much more common to find, and find parts for.

many bike makers offer 29ers at that price point usually with a 21 speed (3x7). Specifically specialized, trek, giant, raligh, motobecane, and others offer low end 29ers around the $500 mark.

I dont think i have seen any with a 1x3 set up, let alone can i think of any logical reason a 1x3 would have any advantage over a 1x9.

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If for whatever reason you're dead set on having three gears, you could get a seven, eight, or nine speed and then replace 4-6 of the cogs with spacers and tighten down the limiter screws on the rear derailleur. – jimirings Jul 7 '12 at 19:55
Yea I have been looking for a single speed bike and started to do more research on what other options there are out there. I mainly want a bike with little to no derailers on it. – nhat Jul 9 '12 at 14:47
you could go with a nexus or rohloff internal gear hub. usually they are still 8 or 9 speed. – Matt Adams Jul 12 '12 at 4:10

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