I do not get any options for n only or to specify frequency on my system. Without the option key I have only one item in the popup menu; 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible). With the option key, I have that plus, 802.11b only, 802.11g only, and 802.11b/g compatible. This is with a Time Capsule as a WDS main, and also with an Airport Express as a WDS remote.

The wireless devices on the network are an iPhone and an HP printer, both of which are b/g compatible devices; neither supports n.

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That's probably because the AirPort Express doesn't support 802.11n either. AirPort Utility knows that your Extreme is in a WDS with it and won't let you unintentionally break that by changing the mode.

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Excellent tip!

I must remember to keep hitting the Option key to discover these "hidden" variations for myself.

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What I really need is a way to control which channel these puppies select in "N" only wide-band mode. I have three of them in a building, but they automatically choose the same channel and there is no way to set it manually in this mode. This confuses laptops which are put to sleep in one area and awoken in another area of the building. Even with all three stations set to minimum transmitter power, the portables will frequently fail to switch to the closer station with the better signal. I can put them in n/g compatible mode, and then select 1,6, and 11. That allows the laptops to switch transmitters much more reliably as they are moved around the building. But it also reduced performance more than I would like.

I don't suppose anyone has a solution for that little pickle?

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Option-click the pop-up, no?
I see a list of eight channels, ranging from 36 to 161.

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