Originally Posted by Machka
I couldn't imagine having less than 2 ... what if you had to take one into the shop, or order a part for it or something? You have to have a back up bicycle to ride!!!
+1,000,000!!!
I just spent three weeks riding a loaner bike that my LBS was generous enough to provide me with while they waited for a replacement part for my bike. I learned several things from this experience:
- my bike is freakin'
awesome! It was such a joy to be back on it after three weeks of riding the loaner, even though the loaner wasn't too shabby a ride.
- riding a less-than-awesome bike is a great training strategy. I found I got stronger and faster by pushing this heavier, clunkier, less "gear friendly" loaner bike around.
- most importantly, not having a bike sucks. (Or would have sucked, so I am grateful the loaner was available.)
The day after I got my bike back from repair, I bought a backup bike off eBay. I never again want to risk not having something to ride if my bike has to go back into the shop.