I'm such a cad.

About three months ago I acquired an aluminum framed Peugeot MTB, full Shimano components, light as a feather, and has been the catalyst for getting me back into riding. The problem is I had never ridden mtb's before, and soon found myself wanting a road bike. That's about the time I found BF, and this forum, along with others.

The Peugeot is a utilitarian sort of mount. She gets me where I want to go, doesn't care about weather, terrain, or keeping up with the Joneses. The problem is, she's utilitarian. I soon found myself eying other bikes. I told her I was just looking.

Enter the Centurion Ironman Expert. She's a great ride, has had a triple added, which helps in my unfit state, and really rides like a dream. The problem is, she's not much to look at, has some serious makeup application issues, and I try and ride her when no one is looking. She's currently down for cosmetic surgery.

Enter the Condor. She's British, has great Italian bling, and one sleek physique that's built for speed. But, she is set up for TT/Tri's, fast and furious, but she's all into weird positions and stuff. So, she's down for bar enhancement/augmentation.

Enter the Cannondale Criterium. Wow, she's fast, super light, an exotic ebony, and really cool 105 bling. She's always ready to go, loves to fly, and is blessed with compact geometry. The problem is her temperament is more suited to quick sprints, and her aluminum frame can leave you flat out whipped if you try and coax her into nice long leisurely ride.

On the other side of the garage, there is the Panasonic Sport 1000, a really nice older girl, but sort of big boned. A simple 10 speed, but a real "take her home to meet your Mom" kind of bike. I feel bad in that I only ride her every now and then, and usually when there is nothing going on with the other bikes, or they are not in the mood. But, she's always there if I want to drop by.

Over in the corner is the Miyata One Ten. She's been ridden hard and neglected in her former life. She's missing parts, isn't much to look at, and resigned herself to bon bons and old issues of Bicycle magazine a long long time ago. She's friends with the Panasonic, and when I met them, the Sport 1000 wouldn't leave unless the One Ten could come as well. She's kind of a blank canvas at this point, big boned as well, and with some hand me down parts will make a right nice Bike With Benefits.

Yet still there remains the Peugeot MTB. It's been weeks since I did more than just move her to make room for another addition to the Harem. I did put some road tires on her thinking maybe it would make her more appealing, but so far, no go. I suspect she might post herself on CL, or some other site, with a personals add "Lonely bike in bad relationship seeks companionship"

If they can all get along while knowing about each other, that's quite an accomplishment
It's got to be difficult to give each one the attention she deserves. Nice problem to have, though! Any pictures to share?

The bikes seem to have worked out a negotiated peace agreement. She Who Must Be Obeyed, on the other hand, seems less than amused at times.

As for pictures, there is a gallery opening scheduled for this week. Either I find my long time MIA camera, or I buy a replacement..................

There are a couple of threads, the Centurion ones, with the cosmetically challenged Expert, and a Condor one with pics of those two. The Panasonic, Miyata, and Cannondale lack digital media at this point. The Peugeot, well, it's here.......I can't believe I can't find affection for such a nice bike.

Brilliant post.

I keep looking for the one that can fill all my needs and I don't think she is out there.

Bikes are so much more trouble than women.

hmm Well ive got one thats 1/20th my age and then two older women...

Heh.. Reminds me of a story my mechanic once told me. Ferraris are like the beautiful but needy cheerleader you want to take to the prom, while Porsches are like the understanding, never complaining wallflower you want to marry.

I've come to conclusion that I need a bike for every purpose. Maybe that mountain bike needs to be just that. A MTB. Put the knobbies back on and hit the trails! Maybe the "big boned" girls need to be grocery getters or maybe a SS/FG conversion for some no frills quick runs........You called it a harem. Harems can have tons of ladies.....Don't feel bad if one sits for awhile. Maybe make a schedule and rotate.

My 2 cents.......From the guy with 30 something bikes in various states of repair.

P.S. You don't have a folder yet do you? Or a BMX? Or a trike? Or a vintage 50's Schwinn? Etc.........
Great post BTW

Anyone who's ever made a snide comment about the weight of a Schwinn Varsity has never had a Peugeot MTB. Those things need a triple ring to make it up a curb cut.

I understand the personification of your harem, today I entered into an arranged marrage. My mother's best friends husband was getting rid of a bike so we went over to look at it. I've got a birthday coming up, and mom has seen the positive results, so I smelled a set-up. It's been no secret that I've been trying to find the "right" bike for a while. I've got a few fast european girls--one french, one austrian--that I go round with but they are starting to become "high-maintianance" and we've not gone out in a while. I've got a girl I've been hanging out with for a long time now, she's a huffy and we say that we're just friends, but I found some old ape hangers at a garage sale and now she's got a great personality and a lot of fun to be with. We've been out riding quite a bit lately. Well today I met a Ross Diamond Cruiser 5-speed black w/white trim and nice fenders. She was well mannered and graceful as we met in pleaseant company but all I could think of was how I'd like to change this or that, handlebars, chainrings. She had a lot going for her--slick tires w/knobs on the sides that are perfect for my gravel roads & light trails--and you could tell that she came from a good family. I'm not floating on a cloud or anything at the moment but I can tell that in time as we get to know one another I will come to adore her.

I've made dishonest darlings of those who followed me home. They do what I want, for the most part, and don't complain. I give them a little paint and powder when it matters. There are a couple of uppity ones who think they're better than the rest, but a good ride solves that problem. A little new bling, and they're Oh, so grateful.

My only problem now, is the older babes keep showing up at my door for a makeover. I do what I can, but I'm not the Miracle Worker.

Also, a young thing, incomplete, has entered the area. Her Ti lines and low mass has got me looking.
I feel kind of awkward about it. I mean, she likes carbon accessories. Still, she may be a pretty fast girl, even faster than the older pretties. They haven't complained, yet. A couple just may have to leave, if I want to court the youngster.

Sometimes, it gets really dirty in that garage...



PS. And people keep trying to get me to take their ugly sister.