Originally Posted by
nubcake
The idea is to limp it along until parts show up, not use band-aid fixes for permanent repairs
Even if you do completely trash a wheel or a part that is un-available right away to where you can not keep the bike going you can try scavenging or just walk/take public transit, a cab for a couple days, etc.
You can justify your 2nd (3rd, 4th, 5th, however many you want) bikes however you would like to yourself but telling new commuters the NEED a second bike is only going to discourage many would be commuters. I promise you if I tried telling a customer who came into the shop they need 2 bikes if they want to commute they would either go to another shop or give up the idea of commuting entirely. Hell this isn't even the car free section so take your car for a day or two if you trash the bike beyond repair (again, extremely rare if you keep up with repairs) Although I am liking the creativity in your way of justifying multiple bikes SlimRider
Quite frankly, I think it's a good idea for newbies to approach commuting with the idea that they're gonna need their main commuter steed and a possible beater for a spare. They don't have to focus on the beater, spare, or N+1 project, immediately. However, it's quite a healthy idea, just to keep that extra bike, on the back burner of their minds.
Even two beaters are better than just one!
PS.
'
Tis better to have and not need, than to need and not have...