Originally Posted by
wgscott
This has always puzzled me.
The number of bikes you should own is N+1. To prevent separation from the spouse or whatever, it is S-1.
So,
N+1 = S -1
solve for S:
S = N + 2
I think this means one should buy two more bikes.
It actually means the exact opposite: N+2 = S, i.e. buying two more bikes in one go equals instant separation. But your initial premise is all wrong, since N+1=S-1 is the critical state. As long as N+1 < S-1 you're safe.