Wait a sec. Those three road frames are all going to be too valuable, unless I manage to build the International cheap. Yes, I'd be downtrodden if the bike were stolen, but I wouldn't be out much money.

But still, I oughta have a cheapie bike like my Super Course. The paint on it is pretty bad, so I don't care when I lean it up against a signpost to lock it and it gets another scratch.

I could keep the Super Course for that purpose. But then there's too much redundancy.

I wonder if I could lighten up the Rudge a bit. I could put plastic fenders on it, aluminum stem and bars, and maybe an aluminum crank. It could surely benefit from aluminum rims, and while I'm at it, I could change to 650B wheels. But this is nuts, isn't it? I have a heavy, practical bike in the Trek 720. It's heavier than a typical road bike, but it's much easier to pedal than an old 3-speed.

Oy, I'm confused again!

I guess the idea of making a stealthy 3-speed is appealing. Plus if I keep the IGH, I could equip it with a drum (hub) brake front wheel, making it very suitable for rain and snow and hauling. And I could swap out the 3-speed wheel and toss in the fixed gear wheel for fun fixie rides.

This would enable me to get rid of the 720. While the 720 is more practical than the Rudge, the Rudge's presence is fixed in my fleet, and the 720 is expendable and sellable.

So now I have

- Cross Check with two pairs of wheels. It has an Ultegra 9-speed (27-speed) drivetrain with brifters.
- McLean, as is. It has a 12-speed friction drive train with bar end shifters.
- Raleigh International for elegant commuting and errands but to be kept mostly shiny.
- Rudge that serves a real purpose, not mere sentimentality for old English 3-speeds. This will need work and would involve expense, but I can do it over time.
- Twenty waiting for a raison d'ętre.