Originally Posted by
Rowan
I've downsized several times and later regretted giving up some, but not all, stuff. The bikes and parts are among the regrets. It's why this time, when we packed up for this current overseas trip, that we put everything into storage. Not an item was sold or given away.
I know of a guy who kept all his bikes from his racing days in the 50s and 60s, including one he won a state indoor title on. They were kept in mint condition. Not only are they collector's items now, they are great talking points for visitors.
The other problem is that you have to pay to store these bikes. In your situation, that probably works as you need to store other things for when your tour finished.
For myself, I have 4 bikes currently and the fourth bike has me convinced that I'm over the top. I only have it to for tweed rides and kind of showing off (it's a sweet old thing though...). The other three bikes serve a real purpose in my life. I used them all the time... including a dedicated winter bike.
However, every time I think about adding a fifth bike... I stop and consider whether I really want to go there.