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3 speeds are fine for town and very low maintenance (I commute daily on a 1960s shopper, which still has the original hub and shifting is still sweet).
how to get the cables on neatly
Most old 3 speeds have band on cable routing and cable stops anyway, so you're not doing anything completely out of the ordinary. You can still get what you need as spares through (say) SJS Cycles, dependent on tube diameters, etc. SA cable bands are fine and functional. But you can get other brands that are prettier (e.g. Dia Compe ones are a bit more dainty - but you'll still want the SA stop for your chainstay). Obviously, you then need all the non-rotation washers, cable/adjusters/etc. also.
Check your rear spacing works for your chosen hub, as respacing is a faff I personally can't be arsed with. Also a track bike conversion will need to be drilled for a rear brake, unless you use a coaster hub (in which case, you will need all the hardware to make that work too). Oh, and chainline...
It's doable and it could be nice when finished. But if it were me, I'd just buy a cheap, old three speed, clean it up, gear it up/down as you like with whatever chainring on the front and go!
Oh, and have a read of Sheldon anyway - just because: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/
c00ps-
thanks very much, I've a single speed I think I'd be able to get more use out of with an extra gear or three. this article below got me interested in the conversion
https://rnnr.us/2017/09/02/my-7-year-love-affair-with-a-surly-steamroller-3-speed-city-bike/
it seems pretty simple, but it feels like I must be missing something?
Jay242
hi
I've single speed that I'd like to convert to 3 speed using the Sturmey Archer 3 speed
I see this ihb on a lot of bikes but it seems to get mixed reviews
I'm guessing I'd just buy a wheel with the internal gearing fitted and figure out how to get the cables on neatly
anybody done this please?
any opinions, photos or articles worth reading worth reading would be appreciated
cheers