I currently have one bike, a ~2004 Norco Bigfoot that I put slicks on to commute to work and do fitness rides on roads and I also put on knobbier tires for riding out to camp (Northern Ontario lingo for the cottage) which is 30km on paved 2-lane highway and 30km on moderately rough dirt road. I also like to bike on cross country ski trails which are pebbly but not very technical and I use the knobbies for that too. I use a rear rack and panniers for commuting but for longer fitness rides, rides to camp or on trails, I remove the rack and panniers. So, as you can see, my bike is somewhat a multi-purpose bike.

It is seeing its age, especially in the gears, chain and derailleurs so I am considering replacing it. I can't afford to purchase 3 bikes (a sport road bike or cyclocross for road fitness riding, a mountain bike for camp and trails and a commuting bike for comfortable commuting) but even a new single bike would require me to ask it to perform multiple roles.

I was thinking of a 29er because it would certainly work as a commuter and road bike but I am not certain how it would fair on trails and the dirt camp road (especially when the road gets really washboardy). Besides, I would still want to switch tires between road and offroad purposes.

I also thought that I should consider 2 bikes: a road bike for road fitness rides and a mountain bike for commuting, trail riding and, despite the 2 different surfaces/conditions, the ride out to camp each weekend.

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