Road Cycling - Back Up Bike

Since most of us are junkies here, and are multiple bike owners I ask this question mainly for fun. But, if you had to lay out criteria for a back up what they be? And, what would be your model of choice?

First things that come to mind for me:

1. Less than $700
2. Not Sora (tough one)
3. Carbon fork

As for the model I really don't know. Something like a KHS or Iron Horse comes to mind. I'm thinkimg out loud here.

Hmm...maybe one of those Motobecanes or a Fuji?

I'd say at least a 105 group...and would need clipless in there too.

You could get seven huffys, and still have enough left over for at least a six-pack.

I think I have my back up and am upgrading it a little.

Bianchi Eros with mixed Veloce and after upgrading, Centaur components. Maybe the wheels too I dont know yet.

Primary Bikeis a TCR Composite 1.

I saved my old Specialized M2 Pro with 600 and a Kinesis carbon fork as a back up.
That way if I have to travel with a bike or just ride under really adverse conditions I still have something.

Primary is a Serotta Legend Ti, carbon fork, Dura-Ace 9spd w/7700 wheels

backup Waterford custom steel with a 600 parts and dura-ace 8 speed levers, original SPD pedals

To just have, steel at a good price w/600 parts and clipless pedals

Why that's easy!

The frame is whatever you had before you bought your current bike.

Equipment should include something that makes it different from your current bike for example fenders, puncture resistant tires, rack for carrying groceries, hillclimb gears, whatever.

I bought a gorgeous mint '02 Lemond Poprad with many upgrades as a second bike for around $700 off Ebay.

55/Rad

20 year old Fuji touring bike. It's my commuter. I wanted it to be more of a workout (and it is, it's almost 10 pounds heavier and also less efficient)...and I wanted it to be able to carry a bag of groceries + work clothes at the same time.

I second it, your old faithful, the first real road bike you bought and used for the longest time, that is my back up bike. I even upgraded it from six speed to eight with new rims and a more upright position that I could use for just commuting.

I wish I could have a $700 FIRST bike :(

I second it, your old faithful, the first real road bike you bought and used for the longest time, that is my back up bike. I even upgraded it from six speed to eight with new rims and a more upright position that I could use for just commuting.

Agree. The old frame, 531 or equivalent, and the old wheels, but I with good tires -- and minimum 105.

I can't belieeeeeeve the people who only have one bike!! You eventually here them say, "I can't ride this week; my bike's broken." AAAAAGGHH!!!! How can they cope without a bike?!?!? :eek:

I second it, your old faithful, the first real road bike you bought and used for the longest time, that is my back up bike. I even upgraded it from six speed to eight with new rims and a more upright position that I could use for just commuting.

I agree. When I get a new bike, my previous every day bike becomes my back up bike. The bike fits me. I am very familiar with it. When my new bike is out of action, I go to my old bike. It can even be fun, like visiting an old friend.

What do you ride when its raining, or you want to commute or take a trip into town or pick up a few groceries. You need a winter-training/touring style hack bike. It helps if you can fit fenders and a rack, but it doesnt need to be an expedition touring bike.
I have a frame compatible with Shimano long-drop caliper brakes to fit any tyre size up to 32mm, + fenders.
Keep that lightweight expensive bike for weekends and races.

When i buy my new one,i'll have my backup.

What do you ride when its raining, or you want to commute or take a trip into town or pick up a few groceries. You need a winter-training/touring style hack bike. It helps if you can fit fenders and a rack, but it doesnt need to be an expedition touring bike.
I have a frame compatible with Shimano long-drop caliper brakes to fit any tyre size up to 32mm, + fenders.
Keep that lightweight expensive bike for weekends and races.

I have six bikes, so I have a bike for all purposes :D

I don't ride if it's bucketing down rain, but I often ride in light rain. For this, I specifically bought an alu bike, and put some older stuff on it, but I don't put on new cassettes and chains. I also have a crappy old Tange bike that I call my "ATM bike" that I enjoy throwing up against a pole and locking up.
It surprises me that people like us (fit, cycling nuts) drive 1 mile to an ATM in a busy area when the weather is perfect.

[QUOTE=Fat Hack]Agree. The old frame, 531 or equivalent, and the old wheels, but I with good tires -- and minimum 105.

I can't belieeeeeeve the people who only have one bike!! You eventually here them say, "I can't ride this week; my bike's broken." AAAAAGGHH!!!! How can they cope without a bike?!?!? :eek:[/QUOTE

This is why you learn to fix your own bike. Then you will also maintain it better and it will break less. When it does break, it gets fixed in minutes, not days.