Hi SemperFi... Regarding more than one bike of similar types (i.e. road bikes for example). Here's some of what I have. 1) A 1989 Schwinn Paramount - it's reasonably stiff, about the most comfortable bike you'll ever ride, and very stable - tracks in a straight line easily. It's not the best for hills or twisty, turning roads though. Best use: long distances - centuries and longer, it's reasonably fast, very stable, and very comfortable. 2) 2000 Waterford 1100: a stage racing frame: like the Paramount it prefers straighter roads rather than tight corners, but it's stiffer and faster, and really comes alive when pushed hard. Best use - hard fast riding in flat to rolling terrain, but it's stable and comfortable enough for centuries and general recreational riding. A 1970's era Nishiki Professional: very stiff, very tight, very harsh riding, very quick handling, very fast. Best use: all out riding for shorter distances (up to 50 miles) in hills and on twisting roads, and, if I raced, criteriums. It's way too twitchy for straight roads or speeds less than 16 mph and don't even think of riding it on anything less than the smoothest pavement, but it will get you around a corner without even trying, and on the rare occasions I can get it over 26 mph it's the most exciting bike I've ever ridden. Here I've described three older, higher quality steel road racing frames, but each has it's own distinct personality and use. I haven't even gotten into the different feel of steel, aluminum, CF, or titanium, or other frame geometries such as touring, cyclo cross, etc. Everyone of these things makes one bike different from another, and once you've owned and become acquainted with a few different bikes you start to know each ones personality and how you prefer to use them. I know this answer is long, but I hope it helps answer your question.