Mods, can we get a lock on this thread - clearly a troll post. There is no such thing as "too many bikes."

I have 20 bikes ready to ride. 2 bikes I'm building up from frame-sets, and a few "collector" type bikes/frames that IMO have special value. And although I haven't bought anything too special in the last few months, I look at cl and eBay daily trying to find my next "keeper". I just sold my vintage comic collection for 3k, and am reluctant to buy anything right now because I think I want to save a little more and get a Cinelli Laser.

q. E. D.

No, it's a fair question.

When I see my wife backing out of the driveway with all of her clothes in the back of the car, I'll look back at the bike that broke the camel's back with sadness.

You'd think after nearly 800 posts you'd understand by now...

We're not very sane.

We haven't even talked parts either. I picked up a set of mint C-Record hubs on MA 40 rims with a Dura Ace freewheel today just because the price was too good.

As long as you ride and enjoy them all, I don't think there is an upper limit.

Let's get the Kettler. We can talk later.

No such thing, just maybe not enough room.

I just made what I thought was an easily-rejectable offer on a Colnago, and it got accepted (oops!). I think I'll wait until it arrives before I tell my wife.

N +1 = max storage space

So here in my little world without big driveways, triple garages etc, the last owner used the room as a dining room now its my workshop. I've 5 ride-able which is on rotation basis that includes road & off road, & 3 restoration projects hanging, if I threw all the shelving out with all my parts, possible squeeze few more but no parts !

Well, for me it comes down to an on-premises/optimal storage situation. I currently have 9 bikes (and a frameset, and 4-bike rack) in my 495 sq-ft apartment. I "lose" when I have to store it not in my apartment unit, which is a hard and fast line that I have no and will never cross. Out of sight = forgotten = not the point of having bikes if I have to go get them somewhere. Currently pairing down to 7 bikes, all of which live in the living room where I can gaze lovingly at them from desk. Single, obviously(?), and really enjoying the free reign for bike count, storage and repair/building.

As others have said, it's generally a storage thing--what are you comfortable with keeping nearer to you and in better environs (aka not outside). But it's hard! New project, "I've always wanted to build X bike with Y components" (me), deal was too good to pass up (generally me), forlorn and forgotten nice bike/frame that obviously needs my rescuing (my vice, personally). As long as I know I want to and will ride them at times, I'm ok. And with all this continuous Seattle rain and only using the rain/winter bike (as designed/built!), the pent up desire to ride anything 15+ lbs lighter, faster, and sexier is really getting to me. Looking like four more days until some freedom on that front (no pun intended..).

Have kids it is easy to justify more bikes. You can build bikes that they can grow into

This. And also rarely serious
There are only so many bikes I can sneak past my wife.

There. See?

Rainman....




Got back into cycling in 2006 after about a 7-8 year hiatus... Had 6 bikes back then.

Started searching for a few grail bikes: an orange Colnago Super and an orange and blue Mercian Vicitore.

During the quest, I kept finding good deals on interesting C&V bikes. When I got to 20 my riding buddy said it was "a sickness" but wanted ythe key to my house "just in case".

By 2007 my retirement fund wasn't making squat. I decided to buy bikes instead!

During those years I found a number of Cinderella bikes - perfect fit, ride and handling - N = ~12.

This year it's time to start thinning out the herd!





verktyg

Chas.

Around here the more accurate formula appears to be

(N+1) x (N+1)

Yes. If you need help rationalizing, this is the place.

My "N" was negotiated with my spouse (of course). The number was decided to be less-than a hoard (defined by her)... and large enough to meet my needs and most of my desires (determined by me). So.... I honestly can't even guess at how many bikes are too many... or even enough.

I am currently N+2

Because I also enjoy wrenching as a hobby... as well cycling... project bikes are not counted (by the terms of our agreement) as part of my herd. So I can temporarily exceed the "N". I will be taking pictures for a CL post in the afternoon sun.

I keep a vintage bicycle (parked in my man cave). I ride, wash, and lube it a couple times a year. My modern (newish) daily rider gets ridden about 100 times a year. I have a modern back-up bike as well, that is also ridden regularly. And I have a rain-bike that chances the summer storms, and tolerates the winter salt spread on the local Midwestern winter roads.

That worked for me. I just sold a bike that I'm sure my wife never even noticed.
What she didn't know didn't hurt her.

I'm down to 4. Soon to be three....etc.

My wife asked me if I could survive with three when we sell the house and downsize into a condo.

I said no problem!

She never said what the brands would be.

I seriously cant believe this question is being asked.

I honestly don't know how many bikes I own . . . .

My goal this year is to sell more bikes than I buy. So far so good, I bought one and sold one . . . .

I thinned the herd a couple of years ago and then bought a bunch more last year, I am at about 14. I think it is too many but I cannot figure out which ones to let go....

Well they say that the first step to recovery is breaking through denial . . . .

When things get to the point where I am moving stuff around to get to a bike, then I try to make space. Always try to keep the best when moving the metal.