I am down to three road bikes. None are completely stock, which is a matter of choice. I like bikes to look nice, but they are meant to be ridden, and ultimately I just don't care that much about matching groupsets.

1. 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, owned since new. It is now powdercoated, nothing like the original color, and is a fixed gear. Other than the crankset, all the parts are replacements. I love this bike but wish I hadn't re-painted it when I was young and stupid.

2. 1978 Motobecane Team Champion, also owned since new. Mostly original, although I have replaced the bars with Nitto Randonneurs, and use Simplex shifters and clipless pedals. For me these are improvements that make the bike fit and perform better. The original parts are on a shelf.

3. 1982 Ross Signature 294s. I bought this one last fall and think of it as my "perfectly good bike." Fewer than half of the parts are original. It uses 6-spd dt index shifters, fits me great with a Technomic stem and Noodle bars, and takes 32mm tires with fenders. If it was my only bike I would have no cause to complain.