Utility Cycling - How to be happy with just one bike?

Thought I'd ask this question in Living Car Free, since many here understand the ideas of simple living. I often find that my desire to live simply competes with my desire to acquire more bikes. I realize it is more of a 'want' issue than a 'need' issue, but it's hard to get over that hurdle. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to live as simple as I'd like with all these bikes.

Your thoughts? Any ideas on how to thin out the herd? I have 4 right now, with a 5th currently being built up, and plans for a 6th. What is wrong with me? I try to rationalize to myself that each bike has a specific purpose (which they do for the most part), but I'm pretty sure I'm kidding myself here. I'm just getting tired of oiling chains and airing up tires, I guess.

go big and small: a cargo bike like an xtracycle or bakfiets, and a micro-folder like brompton. that covers pretty much the whole utility spectrum. intermediate-size bikes are then a luxury, for recreation or sport.

Just one bike? my head almost exploded trying to accomodate that thought.

I should add that I am car-lite. I commute to work by bike, and don't usually haul things, aside from my daily clothes for work. So I guess all my other bikes are pretty much luxuries for sport and recreation. I'm not really sure how to pare down the number.

Yeah, I'm having a pretty tough time wrapping my head around the idea of owning just one bike. Okay, maybe two bikes would be good.

having two bikes is like how it is in the car world. You can find yourself w/o transportation. Sometimes a bike can go down just like a car. Once it took several days to get the correct wheel set, when my velocity rims went bust. I'd think one extra bike a least for emergencies.

having two bikes is like how it is in the car world. You can find yourself w/o transportation. Sometimes a bike can go down just like a car. Once it took several days to get the correct wheel set, when my velocity rims went bust. I'd think one extra bike a least for emergencies.

I totally agree. I like to have a lightweight sporty bike, and use a touring bike for commuting. The sporty bike works as backup as well as a recreational bike.

I also like to mountain bike, so I have to have at least 3 bikes. And the mountain bike makes for a redundant backup bike and bike for really nasty weather.

Naturally, I have more than 3 bikes, but this would be the minimum.

Az

I have not been interested in mountain bikes. But, think sometimes that is what I need for foul weather. Mtn bikes are more attuned to nasty weather. If it causes me to get out instead of staying in, it'd be a worthy investment. For road work, it'd just have to put semi slicks on it. Why limit ourselves with bikes in order to have 'simple life.' A second bike can be inexpensive and it' s 'carbon footprint' footprint is low and saves energy.

I have two working bikes now, and usually at any given time that's as many as I have (for myself). I ride a fair bit for transportation, and usually when I want to ride somewhere for fun I wind up doing an errand or two. So generally all of my riding is on-road and all of it works best with a bike that is comfortable and has some carrying capacity.

My back-up bike in case something breaks on the main bike is a folder, which I also use sometimes for trips involving a bus or train.

If I wanted a bike that could do real off-roading as well as gravel/paved road riding, the one I have now would serve pretty well, though. It has 26x1.75, treaded tires with the irregular/jagged center strip for fairly good on-road speed.

Since this bike is so good for different riding conditions I don't know why I'd want another.

I have two- a road bike for fun rides, trips to the movies, and light weight carrying, and a converted mt. bike for carrying and towing ( I have a converted kid trailer for a utiliy trailer)

Well, I only have two bikes - one is a high-end hardtail. Very nice bike, great to ride and just about bullet proof. Suitable for riding on pavement if you wish just by switching tires. Then there is our tandem. This is so my wife will ride with me. It is impossible to drop your wife when she is on a tandem which improves martial harmony. ;)

I don't really need to thin the herd as the OP suggested, I cannot afford currently more than one bike. I have a Specialized Sirrus (a hybrid) that gets used for everything from commuting to work to hauling stuff from the store to riding for fun. When I get the money I'd love to get a a true road bike and then dedicate my Sirrus to pure commuting/hauling and I'd also love to get a folder so that I can hop on the Metro trains without having to deal with the rush hours when all non-folding bikes are prohibited.

As has been pointed out before... you can never have too many bikes. In fact the perfect amount of bikes is n+1 with n representing the current number on hand:D

I admit to being a bike addict. But most of mine were relative low cost and/or builds that I did myself. For quite a while I did manage with just one bike and it was a 1972 Raleigh Sports. Now I have the space and in theory more money I am enjoying several bikes that I have always wanted. Are they all practical...yes in their own way.;)

I would at bare minimum keep two bikes if I were totally car free or have a good handle on mass transit.

Aaron:)

It is impossible to drop your wife when she is on a tandem

Even if ya take a hairpin turn at speed?

As unseen, omnipotent sky-lord as my witness, I will never own just one bike again!

If you have public transport, walking, shared ride options I think one could be car-free with only one bike. Otherwise a 2nd one is essential if one depends on one to get around.

A 2nd beater can possibly save $ in the long run I'd think as a backup bike vs. $ for taxi, bus and the abilty to take the time to do one own repairs/maintenance vs. a shop.

Al

If I could have only one bike it would be a mountain bike.

I rarely ride more than 25 miles a day, which is practical with a MTB. I like to ride on trails, alleys and gravel roads as well as being on the streets a lot--usually wihtin the same trip.

The MTB is rugged, better in bad weather IMO, good for heavy loads and more adaptable than some other bikes. You can easily put fenders and panniers on one. (but check the kick clearance for panniers, as some MTBs have a short wheelbase.)

Downside--it's hard to maintain speeds much over 16 mph, so not good on those long road commutes.

having two bikes is like how it is in the car world. You can find yourself w/o transportation. Sometimes a bike can go down just like a car. Once it took several days to get the correct wheel set, when my velocity rims went bust. I'd think one extra bike a least for emergencies.

Yup. That's the most basic reason to have more than one bike. Everybody needs a beater.

I have 2 now and am thinking of getting a third one, another folder with 16 wheels. And a 4th next year for road cycling. I think, it's cheaper to own multiple bikes than to own multiple cars. The insurance premium alone on cars would drain your wallet plus the maintenance and repairs. Each bike serves different purpose, like commuting, touring, recreation and all out fun.

Your thoughts? Any ideas on how to thin out the herd? I have 4 right now, with a 5th currently being built up, and plans for a 6th. What is wrong with me? I try to rationalize to myself that each bike has a specific purpose (which they do for the most part), but I'm pretty sure I'm kidding myself here.

Can you tell us what your current four bikes are and what your 5th and 6th will be? If you really are interrested in thinning the herd, that could help us identify some candidates for culling. :)

I own three bikes. My Breezer Uptown 8 is my primary transportation and utility bike. I use it for my daily commute, as well as for shopping and errands. I have a Bruce Gordon BLT touring bike that I use for weekend recreational rides, centuries, and bike touring. My third bike is a BikeE CT recumbent that I got when I was suffering from repetitive motion injuries in my hands from typing too much. Since I've recovered from those injuries, the recumbent doesn't see much action. My wife and I have a long term loan of an older Santana tandem that we ride together on weekends sometimes.

At this point, I feel like I have bikes that cover all of my current regular needs. If I needed to use public transit on a regular basis, I might consider adding a folder to the stable.

Having just one bike is like having one pair of socks. You just can't do it.
And self justification in purchasing more is good for the soul. The anticipation of receiving it is monumentous.

I have lost sleep the night before a major bike purchase.

Ibex Aprisa Team w/ full Integra, Mavic Aksium wheels
Tommaso Aggresiato Dura Ace/Ultegra, Token, Neuvation wheels
Schwinn KOM S9 MTB XT
SWOBO Otis Beater 3 speed
Trek 660
Trek 7200 Girlfriends
Basso Lotto Full Campy Record

I need More

Haha, okay I really should have titled the thread "How to be happy with 2+ bikes?"

There's some good justification here for keeping the bikes.

For the record, here is what I have / plan on having:

1 - 03 Gary Fisher Tassajara - My first bike ever, which is why it would be hard to see it go. Currently set up with slicks and 1x8 gears (good & bad weather). Still sees regular use.

2 - 04 Santa Cruz Chameleon - Set up for all mountain riding. Used regularly on the weekends, sometimes during the week when I feel like hitting trails on the way home from work.

3 - 04 Zoo Pitbull - This bike is the very first I ever built up. Set up for observed trials. There is no seatpost and no saddle, so it's for a very specialized use. It has helped immensely with increasing my skill and confidence in other disciplines of riding. Has been seeing limited use recently (1x a month).

4 - 89 Tommaso - Vintage steel, classic racing bike. Used for good weather commuting and weekend recreational riding.

5 - 03 KHS Flite 800 (currently being built) - modern 853 reynolds steel, 10 spd. Won't really know how I feel about this bike until I ride it, but this will be by far the raciest bike.

6 - Surly LHT (planned) - Been thinking a lot about doing a Norcal--> Socal tour, and then a cross country tour SF--->NY. Would also use for commuting and recreational riding.

There you have it. What can I scrap? It's a pretty diverse range I'd say. I am particularly attached to the Gary Fisher and Zoo. I don't race either, so maybe get rid of the KHS and Tommaso, and use the tourer for all things road? That's still 4 bikes haha. Maybe I should just give in and accept the n+1 argument.

I guess I am not as dependent on a bicycle as many of you may be. I have access to a decent public transportation system, and aside from riding to work, all other riding is purely recreational.

oh yeah, and thanks everyone for your responses.

I probably shouldn't do this....:o :p

Favorite bike 1972 Raleigh Superbe
Grocery getter 2003 Staiger(soon to be xtracycled)
Quick Cruise to the ice cream store 2006 Redline 9.2.5 modified usually ridden in fixie mode
For beating around on the Farm I have an old Aluminum Frame Mongoose age unknown
The rest have various reasons for hanging around..
1968 Raleigh Compact RSW it folds and I like British bikes.
1972 Raleigh Sports (shaggy dog) My original carfree bike and still works
1989 Giant Excursion set up as a long haul tour bike, gets ridden when ever it works it's way to the front of the storage container
1989 Giant Iguana rigid MTB first "real" MTB, steel frame and I have used it with slicks as a commuter for a couple of years when my brother had the Sports. I still like the feel of it.
1977 Dawes Galaxy frameset. 531 going to get built up with an FG hub, 700c alloy wheels, fenders etc to make a club racer that fits. Most of the original true club racers are 22" frames and I ride a 25"+
I also just acquired a pile of junk bikes and have a cruiser frame picked out to Rat Rod
Those are mine.
Wife has 3 rideable bikes, and a 193?-194? Hercules Skyliner single speed rod brake wonder..as in we wonder how old it really is and why;) the other 13 or so are parts bikes or waiting to be rebuilt and sold or donated. Nothing of real interest in that pile. I am budgeting money for a new high end folder for flying and travel use. Right now the leading candidate is a Brompton M3R with the suitcase option.
I enjoy tinkering, working on and riding my bikes. I also rebuild thrift store finds to give away to people that really want to ride, but either can't afford a bike or don't know if they will like it or not. Only stipulation that I place on the giveaway bikes is that if they don't use it at least one weekend a month to please pass it on or bring it back. So far only one has come back and that was because they bought new nicer bikes and wanted me to pass it on to someone else.

Aaron:)

Thought I'd ask this question in Living Car Free, since many here understand the ideas of simple living. I often find that my desire to live simply competes with my desire to acquire more bikes. I realize it is more of a 'want' issue than a 'need' issue, but it's hard to get over that hurdle. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to live as simple as I'd like with all these bikes.

Your thoughts? Any ideas on how to thin out the herd? I have 4 right now, with a 5th currently being built up, and plans for a 6th. What is wrong with me? I try to rationalize to myself that each bike has a specific purpose (which they do for the most part), but I'm pretty sure I'm kidding myself here. I'm just getting tired of oiling chains and airing up tires, I guess.

You can't, I have only one bike, and would like at least one more, current bike is an MTB converted to a hybrid, I would like to add a tourer (pack mule:eek: ), and a racer ( to satisfy that manly lust for speed:rolleyes: ), a 49cc scooter (for those longer trips:p ).... Maybe a beater for the winter.... Heck 4 sounds like an absolute minimum:D

Winter bike, race bike and touring, as well as a trike in our house!

Thought I'd ask this question in Living Car Free, since many here understand the ideas of simple living. I often find that my desire to live simply competes with my desire to acquire more bikes. I realize it is more of a 'want' issue than a 'need' issue, but it's hard to get over that hurdle. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to live as simple as I'd like with all these bikes.



I have a nice Dirt thing that was a gift. It is a toy, a toy only, it is very fun.

My real bike is a Hard Rock with street tires and rigged for hauling and towing.
It makes a good bike for that but it sure makes me want one of those skinny tire road bikes.
Now I gotta confess that is a want thing, but with the gas prices going up I may just move it over into the need list.

Reading this thread I see many prefer an MTB to use as a utility bike.

Same as many here... 2 bikes. If you can do your own repairs and have some parts, you might get away with 1 bike. But if the LBS is expected to do a repair this time of the year, you might be waiting a while. That's when Bike #2 comes in handy.

Just one bike? my head almost exploded trying to accomodate that thought.

hahah likewise:D

The old sailors had a wife in every port. Modern cyclists have a bike in every town they visit. I keep an old Fuji road bike at my dad's house in Traverse City to ride when I'm up there. Those hills kill me when I'm so used to flat old Lansing!

Your thoughts? Any ideas on how to thin out the herd? I have 4 right now, with a 5th currently being built up, and plans for a 6th. What is wrong with me? I try to rationalize to myself that each bike has a specific purpose (which they do for the most part), but I'm pretty sure I'm kidding myself here. I'm just getting tired of oiling chains and airing up tires, I guess.

I have 3 bikes but mostly just one gets used...

Before being car-light, I had 5 cars. All for a specific use! I swear! :rolleyes:

Sorry but there's probably no help for you, all we can do is empathize:p

if you truly do want to thin the herd, I'd keep the most comfy & utilitarian.

I could get down to 2 if I wanted: the commuter (the ute bike) and the full-susser (the fun bike). the road bike could go since it doesn't get ridden much anyway, plus anywhere it can go, the commuter can go. A bit slower, maybe, but it'll get there.

Yikes...one bike? I'm not the one to ask...

If I had to have only one I guess it would be a mountain bike. One with alot of accessories that I could change at will...like an extra wheelset with slicks and a rack, basket, panniers.

I'm glad that I don't have to choose. I think three bikes is about the minimum. A beater/commuter, a mountain and a road (for me) Most folks need some variation of three...hybrid, road, recumbent. Mountain, cruiser, vintage. Touring, Xtracycle, folding....

You get the idea...;o))

I have only one bike, and it works well for me. I put a little effort into maintaining it, and it's never broken down on me yet (knock on wood). Of course, it's a total utility bike, with a rack and fenders, so it's not a performance bike by any stretch of the imagination, but I've ridden it as much as 80 miles in a day with no problems. This works largely because I'm not a hard-core lycra-clad type of bicyclist. I do occasionally go on longer recreational vacation rides, but 90% of what I do on a bike is pure transportation: going to the store, going to a pub, going to work, etc. I'm also not too worried about going faster than my usual 25 mph on flat ground in no wind. I can get by with a single bike because it's something I merely enjoy, not an all-consuming obsession.

.... I'm also not too worried about going faster than my usual 25 mph on flat ground in no wind. ....
Man you're fast! If I go 25 mph it's downhill with a tailwind....:o

Thought I'd ask this question in Living Car Free, since many here understand the ideas of simple living. I often find that my desire to live simply competes with my desire to acquire more bikes. I realize it is more of a 'want' issue than a 'need' issue, but it's hard to get over that hurdle. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to live as simple as I'd like with all these bikes.

Your thoughts? Any ideas on how to thin out the herd? I have 4 right now, with a 5th currently being built up, and plans for a 6th. What is wrong with me? I try to rationalize to myself that each bike has a specific purpose (which they do for the most part), but I'm pretty sure I'm kidding myself here. I'm just getting tired of oiling chains and airing up tires, I guess.

It could be depression or you're just lonly.

I was up to 9 bikes at one time and thined the heard down to four. I still wonder what i can do since only one gets used 95% of the time. All you really need is a beater and one nice bike. The beater can be a folder but also a simple grocery getter.

Man you're fast! If I go 25 mph it's downhill with a tailwind....:o

Okay, it's 25 mph on flat ground on a windless day, which is actually rare. (This is what my hand-held GPS tells me, at any rate, on the Burke-Gilman Trail.) I often ride much, much slower. I live in Seattle, which is very hilly; flat roads are few and far between. Up some hills, it's close to walking speeds. Downhill, I sometimes pass cars, so I may be doing 30 or so if I'm feeling particularly bold. Including traffic stops at intersections, I figure I can cover 10-12 miles in an hour pretty reliably. So maybe I'm not nearly as fast as I let on...

I have 3 at the moment, and they're all basically the same. Fixed gear brakeless road bikes for work. One use daily, one as a backup, 3rd one just kinda happened, but I might get rid of it soon, I dont need it.

I relied on one for my first year car free, but recently broke down (or the bike did) and I got a second one. If I had $2,000 I could get a perfect bike that would do everything and not break down, but as it is I have to make do with two much cheaper bikes. I have the big electra cruiser for loads and local shopping and now I've got a Marin Redwood for longer distance and commuting. Makes life easier. Both use 26" tires so that helps a great deal. If you get two, get two with as many similar measurements as possible and you can save money.

I have a cyclocross as my main bike (with 2nd wheel set of slicks) and a bike I am not afraid to have stolen an older used bike. The cross pretty much covers all types of riding that I do, though I have seriously cosidered getting a third, a light road racer, and had even put money down at a bike shop on one. Backed out a week later because I just didn't want to be cash tight for the next few months and it was a pretty impulsive move I had only test rode that one bike and not slept on the decision. I must have had new bike fever, bad that day. Still debating if I really need to have a 3rd bike when I am completly satisfied with my main bike.

After I stopped pouring money into a car, bikes seemed very inexpensive...why have just one? Used bikes especially are a great buy.

As far as thinning the herd, I put one of my old bikes out by the curb...it was gone in ten minutes. I recently gifted a good friend with a very nice used bike...

If you want to be truly minimalist you could walk everywhere!:)

If I could have only one bike it would be a mountain bike.

I rarely ride more than 25 miles a day, which is practical with a MTB. I like to ride on trails, alleys and gravel roads as well as being on the streets a lot--usually wihtin the same trip.

The MTB is rugged, better in bad weather IMO, good for heavy loads and more adaptable than some other bikes. You can easily put fenders and panniers on one. (but check the kick clearance for panniers, as some MTBs have a short wheelbase.)

Downside--it's hard to maintain speeds much over 16 mph, so not good on those long road commutes.

I totally agree with you Roody, Mountain bike for me is the most practical for everything I like to do, sturdy, handles well and comfortable.:)

This thread makes me believe I need a back up bike now I am car free. I have had a flat, but carry patches and a back up tube. Have few spare parts at home, and I really would love a more road-worthy bike than my MTN bike.

My beach cruiser will be donated to either a neighbor or goodwill. I just never use it and would rather someone in need do so.

It's nice to have at least one other functional bike as a backup in case you need to work on your main squeeze for a couple days. Therefore it's good if the second bike can handle most of your ride distances, cargo loads, etc. Most.

Another thing I like in a secondary bike is a significantly different handlebar type and riding posture. So that if, for example, you go on a 120 mile ride one day, and you are a little sore from sitting on the same bike for 120 miles, the next day, you can ride your different bike to work or the store or whatever, and it won't pester you in exactly the same places. Like taking two pairs of shoes on a trip where you will do a lot of walking.

Hmmmm. I can't begin to answer this question. My stable looks like:

Early 80's Gazelle Trim Trophy - second from top of the line 531 road bike, now with Look pedals, exclusively for riding as fast as I can for fun and training.

80's Raleigh Royal Tourer - top of the line 531 tourer, my load hauler, perma-panniered, with a trailer hitch. I really need a front rack for this.

90's EG Bates track bike - used to be a roadies spring trainer, and geared ludicrously low. This'll be going to the track with me soon.

80's Nigel Dean - converted to fixed. Ridiculous riding position, built for fun and for looks. It surely does look cool

Unknown brand single speed - gorgeous chrome frame, set up like a nice roadie, but only 1 gear. Ride it around the city a lot, and for training.

60's Raleigh Roadster - 4 speed Sturmey Archer, full chaincase, the works. I just felt I had to have one, and with the generator hub, it's practical, though the lights are far from bright.

70's Raleigh 20 - my multi mode commuter. I ride it to the station, take it on the train, and ride it again in London. Looks like an old piece of crap, so nobody steals it.

70's 3 speed tandem - just for fun; as has been mentioned, you can't drop your wife, or your kid, on a tandem!

80's Raleigh Gran Sport - almost finished building into a randonneurish sort of bike. Wrights leather saddle (a skinny one), moustache bars with leather wrap, replaced what remained of the Nuovo Gran Sport with Shimano Golden Arrow derailleurs (the bike is gold) and Simplex Retrofriction shifters. Has a saddlebag, which means it's great for fast road rides where I want to take my sandwiches etc! (that's my justification, anyway).

70's Falcon Westminster - yep, my beater is a 531 tourer. It's a size or two too small, and has all sorts of mismatched components from my parts bins. Nobody wants to steal it, and it never breaks.

Falcon Urban Assault - an old gas-pipe Falcon road frame, with MTB wheels, single speed, and fenders. Not quite finished yet, but intended to be an all-weather go anywhere bike. With bullhorns.

Dept store MTB - don't know why I've still got it. Too small, dual suspension, crap.

Dawes Galaxy - early 70's Galaxy frame that's most of the way to becoming a superlightweight Raleigh Sports alternative - full 531, alloy rimmed wheels on the 3 speed, lightweight fenders, Brooks saddle. It'll be lovely, when I get round to finishing. I call it my Gentleman's Express.

I'm fairly sure I'm missing some here, but you get the picture. The beauty of doing it this way is that whenever I need to go somewhere, there's a bike that's ready to go. 5 of them can have problems at the same time, and I'm still not stuck.

Have you considered building up a Karate Monkey (http://www.surlybikes.com/karatemonkey.html) with a spare wheelset and some drop bar extensions? If you ran disc brakes, a wheel swap would take seconds, turning an agile MTB into a fast pavement pounder.

I've got a primary bike, a Kettler European commuter, and a backup bike, a Specialized Crossroads with lights and fenders. The secondary bike only gets ridden when the primary bike is in the shop, which is only a few days a year. I could easily do without the second bike and just drive to work those days, but why would I want to?

Paul

I probably shouldn't do this....:o :p

Favorite bike 1972 Raleigh Superbe
Grocery getter 2003 Staiger(soon to be xtracycled)
Quick Cruise to the ice cream store 2006 Redline 9.2.5 modified usually ridden in fixie mode
For beating around on the Farm I have an old Aluminum Frame Mongoose age unknown
The rest have various reasons for hanging around..
1968 Raleigh Compact RSW it folds and I like British bikes.
1972 Raleigh Sports (shaggy dog) My original carfree bike and still works
1989 Giant Excursion set up as a long haul tour bike, gets ridden when ever it works it's way to the front of the storage container
1989 Giant Iguana rigid MTB first "real" MTB, steel frame and I have used it with slicks as a commuter for a couple of years when my brother had the Sports. I still like the feel of it.
1977 Dawes Galaxy frameset. 531 going to get built up with an FG hub, 700c alloy wheels, fenders etc to make a club racer that fits. Most of the original true club racers are 22" frames and I ride a 25"+
I also just acquired a pile of junk bikes and have a cruiser frame picked out to Rat Rod
Those are mine.
Wife has 3 rideable bikes, and a 193?-194? Hercules Skyliner single speed rod brake wonder..as in we wonder how old it really is and why;) the other 13 or so are parts bikes or waiting to be rebuilt and sold or donated. Nothing of real interest in that pile. I am budgeting money for a new high end folder for flying and travel use. Right now the leading candidate is a Brompton M3R with the suitcase option.
I enjoy tinkering, working on and riding my bikes. I also rebuild thrift store finds to give away to people that really want to ride, but either can't afford a bike or don't know if they will like it or not. Only stipulation that I place on the giveaway bikes is that if they don't use it at least one weekend a month to please pass it on or bring it back. So far only one has come back and that was because they bought new nicer bikes and wanted me to pass it on to someone else.

Aaron:)

Alright, I don't feel bad mow for desiring more bikes:D (as if that's a bad thing)

Currently have the two in the sig (Raleigh Supercourse 10 speed roadie, Schwinn Speedster 3 speed internal for commuting) and a Surly LHT frame/soon-to-be loaded touring rig. Also looking at a Trek 930 (replace my stolen one) frame at an LBS to "xtracycle" (it is a verb if I say it is) and then maybe something like a Bianchi San Jose (or San Jos8 (http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bianchi-sanjos8/index.html) maybe) as a more durable commuter.

As has been pointed out before... you can never have too many bikes.
No, but you can have too many bikes to count.

Problem is, how much of a bike is a bike? Every time I bring home one out of the dumpster, does it count? What if I only bring home part of it? And... what if, from all the recycled parts, I put together a bike for one of my kids? Does that count? And what if I pick up a junked bike, take it apart, and don't do anything with any of the parts... do I have to count that one, too? But I digress....

Having a backup bike is not materialism. Having specific bikes for specific needs isn't necessarily materialism either. That said, materialism does exist, we bicyclists are not immune from it, and it probably is contrary to frugal, simple living. Packrat-ism is a whole nother pathology....

Thought I'd ask this question in Living Car Free, since many here understand the ideas of simple living. I often find that my desire to live simply competes with my desire to acquire more bikes. I realize it is more of a 'want' issue than a 'need' issue, but it's hard to get over that hurdle....
I would suggest you get the most comfortable bike you can find, outfit it with fenders & rack for civilized living, and then get a cargo trailer for when you need to carry bigger loads.

That said, I have two bikes... :rolleyes:
I'm not shopping for any more really, so I guess that says something.

I have a recumbent and a semi-recumbent bike. I have found recumbent bikes to be vastly more comfortable than uprights, but then, recumbents' primary disadvantage is that they're more difficult to transport (especially such as on public transportation) and I don't live in circumstances where that's an issue.

What I occasionally ponder now is a faster recumbent.... the two bikes I own now are a touring-style and a cruiser-style.... -but then again, I don't have much storage space, I almost always ride alone and I don't ever race anybody--so nobody's going to notice if I ride by going 3 or 4 MPH faster than I do now.
~

Ach! too many bikes, there is no such thing. I currently have a Fuji touring that is getting rebuilt this winter, my beater dept store MT Bike, my giant TCR2 and a Cervelo Dual for triathlon racing. I have also set my sights on a Kona Ute which will replace the Fuji as my commuter.

I could'nt deal with not having a collection of bikes.....when i moved i sold of my collection of over 50 bkes, mostly classic mountian bikes, lots of handbuilts, several cargo bikes, a road bike, a tri bike, and lots of "bar" bikes (beaters). I'm down to 5 bikes now, a classic mountian bike, a SS art bike, a fixed gear city bike, a real ugly beater bike and a 61 Typhoon.

We currently have 5 bikes. My bike, and my wife's bike, and old department store mtb I pulled out of a dumpster for winter riding, my wife's old huffy, and my old Raleigh Technium. Only two of the bikes ever get ridden... the rest will be donated as soon as I get around to it.

I find that it takes longer to get the bike shop to even LOOK at my bike than it does to take a bus to one of the various shops, buy parts, and replace them myself.

My current bike is a Novara Randonee... lights, fenders, rack, you name it. Serves me very well... sure, I could keep up with the lead group better on a lighter bike, but I'm fairly happy hanging back with the slower riders.... and there's nothing to compare to the feeling of dropping the hammer on some full racing kitted roadie-wanna-bes on carbon fiber dream bikes when you're on a fully outfitted touring bike. It's SO much fun! :p