Commuting - 3 bike maximum dilemna

The SO and I live in a two bedroom apartment. I am car-free 42 years now and will be for the remainder of my life, GOD willing. As you can imagine, there is limited space so I need to keep it to three bikes. I ride everyday year round regardless of the weather. I do bring my bikes indoor but at work i have to leave it outside but I could cover it up in bad weather. Give me your ideas for three bikes you'd like to have if limited to that number and had to ride at least one in rotten weather and possibly a second one if the first one was unrepairable before going to work. Price is not really my aim here but I would like to keep it realistic.

I don't see the problem. I have a one bedroom apartment with 5 bikes. ;)

...Surly Crosscheck

My personal 3 would be:

1. Nice, fun light road bike.
2. Well built touring bike. The work horse.
3. Hard Tail mountain bike.

Either throw a rack on the hard tail or get a good backpack for the emergency situations.

Get rid of her. More room for bikes. Hookers are a lot cheaper.

Hard to choose but I'll try...

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If you're gung-ho enough to be car-free, ride year-round in rain, sleet, snow, etc., you probably know the answer. Look deep inside yourself and the right bikes will come to you when you are ready.

Otherwise, I'd suggest a light road/touring bike for quality riding and an ugly but solid and road-friendly hybrid for commuting, local riding, and some light off-road trails. The third one can be your choice, depending on whether you're into mountain biking or not. If you aren't, I'd suggest getting a cheaper but solid road bike you can use as a backup for either of the first two.

One Hardtail MTB this is your worst weather bike, get some fenders, and maybe a spare wheelset with slicks.

One hybrid (700c) and one cyclocross bike. Both with fenders, and matching dropout spacing so one spare wheelset will work with both, the spare wheelset would have cross tires on it, while normally both would wear road or commuter tires.

This should give you the most possible options, with bad and fair weather tires for all three bikes, fenders to deal with whatever, and the minimum number of spare parts taking up space.

I would recommend putting tubeweenies on the hubs of each wheelset, so you always have matching tubes no matter what wheelset you're running. Racks or whatever luggage you use needs to be able to be thrown from one bike to the next with minimal work (I use a Carradice SQR series, and just adding a bracket on each seatpost would allow my entire commuter bag to go from one bike to the next in about 11 seconds.)

What's your worst weather? And how much of it do you get?

I have 7 bikes but in reality if I had to do it all with one I could. Perhaps a simple commuter for emergencies but my all purpose bike is a converted 90's mountain bike with wide gearing, good lighting, and good racks and fenders/mudflaps. Can't go wrong with that. All of my other bikes are essentially toys.

I think about this a lot as although I do not have a lack of space and do have some 17 bikes and play the, "what if I could only have one bike" game as it lest me focus on what I consider to be a bike's most important traits.

I like my all rounders and my white Trek 7500 is all of that... it has a second wheelset with cross tyres that get fitted up for winter and off road riding.

The blue Kuwahara has a sister that is almost identical frame wise and I could actually run two wheel sets on on one frame here also...the sister is a slightly nicer frame and I use it for everything from commuting to utility rides, and long distance rides.

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I love my 1955 Raleigh Lenton (fixed gear) and although I have a prettier 1957 Peugeot PLX8 it does not thrill me quite as much as that old Raleigh which comes with a nice local history.

If I had no bikes and could only have three I'd have a bike like my Trek for a primary commuter, a fixed gear bike like my Kuwahara for winter riding, and something that was practical and yet fun to ride like my Lenton.

Right now I have a Trek 730 that I painted Rustoleum green, sprinkled it with green aquarium sand and let it dry. The next day I painted it again and let it dry. It is almost like a sandpaper finish. I put my new 1lesscar stickers back on. I put different bars on it, took off the front reraileur and the rear brake. It also has a rack on it as well. I now have a cool 1X7 bike for everyday driving.
Bike #2: I have a Kona Eighty-Eight comfort bike as my neighborhood cruiser and it's also the MILF-mobile. It is stock except for a front wicker basket I zip-tied on.
Bike #3: I am looking to fill this spot. In my inventory I have a 1955 Schwinn Deluxe Racer beat up but original. I have a 1977 Free Spirit girls bike that I am parting out. I have a Columbia Charger 10-speed that is in good condition but too small for me so I may sell it or part it out. I have a 1964 Monark that I would like to make into a vintage looking board track racer and figure out how to hang it on the wall as art, but still ride it too so then I wouldn't have to count it. I just had a 1963 Huffy stolen that I loved and wanted to turn it into the board racer, nut it's gone.
My son actually found the 55 Schwinn so it's his BUT my birthday is coming up so I may get it as a gift, then I can't get rid of it so I may have to go to four bikes.

I have four bikes in one room of the house. I use a 1995 Schwinn edge for a commuter/winter bike.
I use a modified giant boulder for touring. I have 1971 Raleigh super course for my road bike. My fourth bike is a 1995 Giant Yukon waiting for a make over with touring components. If I had to choose a single bike, it would be my giant boulder. It can be use as a commuter, tourer, and trail bike.

...Surly Crosscheck

+1000

I might want a winter beater (any old ATB will do) for really lousy conditions depending on where you live.

If I had to pick three (a luxury for me, since I have ONE and have to make it do for all I do), they would be:

My FS/AM bike for play;
Santa Cruz Chameleon, switchable between SS and geared if needed;
Ibis Ripley/Castellano Fango softail for the beater.

Durability and sturdiness come before speed for me.

The MILF and I live in a two bedroom apartment. I am car-free 42 years now and will be for the remainder of my life, GOD willing. As you can imagine, there is limited space so I need to keep it to three bikes. I ride everyday year round regardless of the weather. I do bring my bikes indoor but at work i have to leave it outside but I could cover it up in bad weather.(highly recommended :thumb:) Give me your ideas for three bikes you'd like to have if limited to that number and had to ride at least one in rotten weather and possibly a second one if the first one was unrepairable before going to work. Price is not really my aim here but I would like to keep it realistic.

Depending on terrain I'd have a 'commutered out' CX w/a double cr w/bags, rack, lights, etc. for utilitarian purposes. A roadbike w/a seatpost rack/trunk bag combo w/lights, blinkies, etc. And a singlespeed/fixed gear for light commuting and recreational rides. If commuting swap the seatpost rack/trunkbag/blinkie, etc depending on which 'fastbike' you're using. Equip each w/as many accessories as posible to avoid 'swapping out' as it gets to be a pain.

This is exactly the combo I use on a regular basis.

In extremis, ditch the wife and keep the bikes. If you have to really choose! :eek::cry::mad:

i'm in the same boat: 3 bikes max (that can be kept indoors). i have a lightweight roadie for fast/long group rides, a fixed gear for training/recovery/group rides, and a folding bike for commuting (to be fitted with fenders and rack). the roadie/fixie overlap a bit in function but they are so different and i can't decide one way or the other so i kept them both. i also would like to add a mountain bike for XC trail riding but space/money are restraints.

I'm a spokesman for SOB (save old bikes). So I say, save a bike, ride the milf.

In addition to the 3, you could also keep a huge pile of dissembled bikes and bike parts in the garage, basement or, if necessary, the living room...like a lot of us do.

If she questions it, just explain that it's not technically a bike unless it's complete and rideable.

I only have one bike so having to "narrow" it to 3 seems like heaven to me.

Anyway if I had my picks I'd have:

A light, fast road bike for day rides

A fixie just because the riding style is different and I like variety

A touring bike that I could also use for commuting

1. Fast no speed compromise road bike eg Look 585 or Cervelo S2
2. Tour bike with rack and fender support eg Tricross or Trek Portland
3. Hardtail MTB eg Specialized Rockhopper Comp

If you are in Ohio you can get some pretty nasty winters I'd imagine. I think a touring bike like the LHT would be a nice all arounder. You can attach racks and fenders as well as fit some pretty wide tires if needed. Plus it is designed to carry loads since you are carefree.

As a backup a good hardtail mountain bike should work nicely. Throw some slicks on there and it can be a pretty quick and agile commuter. Keep the knobbies on if you plan on doing some offroading.

The third option is the hardest. A roadbike would be nice for faster rides. I also like the idea of a folding bike so maybe you can bring it into work. I think some of us would like to have your problem.

My personal 3 would be:

1. Nice, fun light road bike.
2. Well built touring bike. The work horse.
3. Hard Tail mountain bike.

Either throw a rack on the hard tail or get a good backpack for the emergency situations.

This is basically what I've got.
1. Scattante CFR Race
2. Surly Crosscheck (the commuter)
3. Schwinn Homegrown (oldest bike in the stable, ~2000, may get rid of it for lack of trails and time)

I've got 3 bikes I plan to keep:
1. Sears 3-Speed with Fenders, rack, Wald Baskets, and lights
2. Sanwa Classic Road Bike
3. Trek 8000 SLR

I was just making up a bike-quiver dream list today;

Touring & utility bike;
Frame Soma Saga or Surly LHT
Crankset Sugino touring crankset 44/34/24
Cassette Shimano 9 speed 11-28
Group Tiagra brifters, Ultegra GS RD, IRD FD
Wheels Mavic 719/Shimano XT
Tires 700x32 Marathon Supreme HS 382

Commuting, hilly century-rides and unpaved roads & trail riding;
Frame Soma Double Cross cyclocross
Crankset Shimano 105 triple 50/39/30
Cassette Shimano 10 speed 11-28
Group Shimano 105 & Ultegra
Wheels Mavic Open Pro/Shimano 105
Tires 700x28 Continental Gatorskin for road use and 700x32 CX tires for gravel & trails.

Fast riding & fitness bike;
Frame Motobecane Le Champion Titanium
Crankset FSA Compact Double 46/36
Cassette Shimano 10 speed 11-23
Group Shimano Ultegra 6700
Wheels HED Ardennes Stallion
Tires 700x25 Continental Gatorskin

The first two bikes can be built for $1400 to 1800 each. The titanium Motobecane with $900 wheels from HED would be $2500. At less than $6000 total cost your set, and that's 1/4 the cost of the average car.

Michael

...Surly Crosscheck

Surly Crosscheck
Any Diamondback MTB with disc brakes (or similar Gary Fisher, for that matter)
Specialised S-Works Roubaix SRAM :D

My carfree setup:

Commuting/Touring/Hill Ride/Winter
Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw
-triple crankset
-rack/fenders
-disc brakes
-large tire clearance

Fair Weather Road Bike
Bianchi Campione D'italia
-vintage columbus steel with modern components
-fast, fun, non-utility riding

Backup Bike
Specialized Sirrus
-Flat bar 700c aluminum hybrid
-Large tire clearance
-Rack/fender capable

For a car free individual I would suggest the following combo.

A long wheelbase cargo hauler such as the Surly Big Dummy, Kona's similar bike or an xtracycle conversion of a older steel no suspension MTB. Good for hauling loads other bikes cannot handle.

A touring or cyclocross frame 700C bike set up with whatever you need for commuting and general use.

The third is your own choice depending on preferences.

As far as the true year-'round stuff goes, and not knowing where Willoughby is, I put in a vote for either a Surly CrossCheck/LHT-like bike or a hard tail (maybe fully rigid) MTB with the clearance to take some stud tires and fenders. I have a separate set of slush/ice day wheels and they help.

More to the point, the quirky MILF lingo has survived several glancing blows without the OP getting drawn into that cul de sac. Bottom line: if that remains hypothetical (i.e. like to) then this bike culling needs some quid pro quo. Close the deal, we're all counting on you. If this really is a MIDF or MIAFR (do, am...regularly), then carry on. As long as you're not a high school English teacher.

I am carfree and happy with two bikes
1. Cyclocross - my do all from group rides to off road rack eylets a must.
2. FG/SS - general riding around, errand running and work bike this one I would be bummed if stolen but not heart broken rack eylets a must.

[QUOTE=slcbob;9627784]As far as the true year-'round stuff goes, and not knowing where Willoughby is, I put in a vote for either a Surly CrossCheck/LHT-like bike or a hard tail (maybe fully rigid) MTB with the clearance to take some stud tires and fenders. I have a separate set of slush/ice day wheels and they help.

The only Willoughby I know of is in Ohio. I believe it is in Northern Ohio and close to a lake so they might get some nasty lake effect snow fall. I don't know how good they are about clearing the roads but I suspect it gets pretty slushy, windy, and cold.

MILF stands for Mom I'd Like to F*$K if memory serves me correctly sportridertex.

Running ym own mobile bike repair service, i have at leat 8-10 bikes crammed into my two bedroom apartment. the bikes with front fork quick release, i take the front tires off, and it your really tight for space loosen the handlebars so you can turn them parallel with the frame. also does your building have either underground parking or a bike cage

1. CF road bike.
2. Cross bike for urban, suburban, trail riding plus bad weather studs.
3. Stealth Beater bike. supper nice mechanically but looks crappy.

Basically, I just don't want a million bikes. I want two or three of mine. Then I have the SO-Mobile and the kids bikes.

I think I'll switch my pick for the fast road bike to a commuter hybrid with fat wheels. Riding on Philadelphia streets is more akin to off-roading than riding on actual pavement.

For a car free individual I would suggest the following combo.

A long wheelbase cargo hauler such as the Surly Big Dummy, Kona's similar bike or an xtracycle conversion of a older steel no suspension MTB. Good for hauling loads other bikes cannot handle.

A touring or cyclocross frame 700C bike set up with whatever you need for commuting and general use.

The third is your own choice depending on preferences.

+1. I`d keep my longtail,

my mixte (light, fast) and

my folder: full fender IGH utility bike that is great for taking indoors both at work, on a bus or a shop/bar.

I am also car free.
I have two bikes that are very similar to one another - fenders, rack, lights, basic utility bikes. One is used more in bad weather, one when it is nice, but I could use either on any day. If one needs repair, I ride the other. I also have a fast, fun bike, totally non practical, but very fun. The fourth bike (which doesn't really count) is a folding bike which I can take with me on business trips.

I'm in the same situation. Here are my three:
- Commuter/beater/errands bike. Old steel Bridgestone converted to single speed. Carradice SQR trunk.
- Nice weekend bike. In my case, a randonneur. Has never seen a lock.
- Cargo bike. Surly Big Dummy. I couldn't be car-free without it.

It's not ideal because my backup commuter is the Big Dummy, which is slower and much more expensive than my single speed. Though that will be a little less true when I upgrade the single speed in a year or so.

This isn't a dilemma. It's more of a trilemma.

If you're gung-ho enough to be car-free, ride year-round in rain, sleet, snow, etc., you probably know the answer. Look deep inside yourself and the right bikes will come to you when you are ready.

I agree.

My choices would be a lightweight single speed/ fixed gear, utility or touring bike with disc brakes, and a cruiser for relaxed rides with friends and loved ones.

I've narrowed it down to four, but I have the perfect garage (no room for the car).
-Surly Pacer for commuting
-Scattante for club rides
-Kona rigid mtb set up with drop bars and a bob trailer for hauling and touring
-Cilo, 80's lugged Columbus Steel for Coffee or social rides
about the only thing I'd add is a lighter, higher end road bike. I figure I'll have the Surly for a few more decades, the thing is a tank.

I only have one bike and I ride it year round, so I think you can manage somehow.

Cargo (xtracycle)
Tourer (LHT)
Folder (Xooter)

Hell, with the folder, you could just keep it in your closet folded up and get another bike!

Thanks Chip. Most kind.

My three:

1. Commuter, with rack, drop bars, wide enough tires to cope with all but the worst of the Toronto weather. Also works on city trails, and hard-pack dirt
2. Nice light road bike for fun out-of-town ride. I'm partial to my Merlin, myself.
3. Folder, for out-of-town trips

In fact thinking about it that just about matches my stable.

My personal 3 would be:

1. Nice, fun light road bike.
2. Well built touring bike. The work horse.
3. Hard Tail mountain bike.

Either throw a rack on the hard tail or get a good backpack for the emergency situations.

I agree, but I tend to think of it more by use

1. Town bike: fixed gear (for me at least), wide tires, fenders, and small rack.

2. Country bike: ok, this is just a touring bike, with medium wide tires (~32) and full front and rear racks.

3. Mountain bike: set up for however you like to ride offroad, (dirt drops and command shifters for me)

I have a folding bike, and a go-everywhere/do-everything bike.

The folding bike is what I use if I'm taking a bus or train or car somewhere.

The other bike has a waterproof plastic bin on the back, aero handlebars, and mountain bike tires. I don't really use it for offroading, but I use it for summer and winter, in rain, snow, or sunny weather. I like the tires I have because they don't flat easily, too.

Don't really feel like I need a bike that is not meant for transportation of one kind or another.

1- Surly 1x1 with alfine (or other) internal geared hub, disc brakes and full coverage fenders
2- Cross bike with full fenders
3- Full on roadie bike

The 1x1 for nasty weather, cross bike for rainy commutes and winter club rides, and the roadie for summer speed. That's just me, road racing may not be your thing. Then I would say sub in a fully indulgent "play" bike that speaks to you (ie pugsley, downhill bike, or 29er. whatever floats yer boat)

1. a smaller folder
2. a larger folder
3. a recumbent

I can't understand why anyone would want three diamond frames because they're all the same. I bike everywhere and I don't own any.

1. a smaller folder
2. a larger folder
3. a recumbent

I can't understand why anyone would want three diamond frames because they're all the same. I bike everywhere and I don't own any.
I applaud your extraordinary individuality.

There are some subtle nuances you may be glossing over in the same-y diamond world.

Perhaps you could illuminate one for me on your side of the biking fringe: smaller vs. larger folder? Me confused. Smaller / larger when? Before they fold, after they fold, etc. Aren't they awfully same-y? I'm not busting your chops -- I'm really interested. What's the importance of the difference?

And please tell me you're not sneaking in an S&S-enabled diamond frame on us as a "larger folder". Say it isn't so, Chucky! :eek: (OK, that last one IS just chop-busting)