I hate to quote myself, but I also hate to type. I have given careful scientific investigation to the n+1 theory, and found it lacking, and have replaced it thus:
Originally Posted by
Poguemahone
Okay, I've been giving some thought to the n+1 equation that is so often expressed on this board as the perfrect number of bikes to own or some such. After long consideration, many pints, and much Jamey's, I awoke one morning to find this scribbled on a cocktail napkin:
P= n +(e/r)
where P= perfect number of bikes to own
n= number of bikes currently owned
e= excellence of bike just found (ie, a Serotta has a better value than a Huffy, unless it's a Serotta Huffy, in which case the HUffy has more excellence)
r= rage of girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other at purchase of yet another bike
Frankly, if e/r does not have a value greater than one, I don't buy the bike.
Originally Posted by
Poguemahone
Next, we have to establish a rough numerical scale (say, 1-10) expressing a numerical value for both the e and r values.
On the e front:
0- gaspipe huffy, apollo, the like
1- schwinn varsity
2- peugeot uo8
3- bridgestone rb2, like mid level Japanese or Euro.
4- peugeot px10
5- schwinn paramount, high end italian, the like
6-Serotta
7- Huffy Serotta
8- Eisentraut
9- Rene Herse or Alex Singer
10- Handed down from on high, blessed by the pope, handbuilt from unobtanium by master gnome frame builders.
On the r front
0- Honey, I love you and your hobby is wonderfully fascinating (value not observed even in lab conditions)
1- Mild annoyance
2- Sparks of anger
3- Broken dishes
4- Large knot on forehead from frying pan
5- Dog sleeps in bed, you're chained up in the yard.
6- Wife gives you letter stating her undying love for Michael Bolton
7- Trial Speration
8- Divorce
9- Backed over repeatedly with family SUV
10- Your remains found buried in backyard. Homicide ruled justified.
Note that in the equation, it is theoretically possible you could find a bike worth being killed for.
I accept donations to further my research. Interestingly, like many great scientists, I use myself as a subject in my investigations. I bought a bike last night. I rated it a six, and figured I could bear Amy's undying love for Michael Bolton....