when is too many ,too many
01-27-10 | 07:55 PM
#1
Thread Starter
beater bike addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: qcy,il
Bikes: 3schwinn2ross,puchAD,Raleighreliant,PugUE8,panasonicspecHR,sig djerba others
when is too many ,too many
Do you have too many vintage bikes in your collection when your wifes favorite new show is Hoarders on A&E and when she watches it the only thing she can say is see! see!
01-27-10 | 08:17 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 24
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Bikes: many
The only intelligent Phil Graham said was when he was running for president. He was asked about his shotgun collection and replied, "I have more shotguns than I need, but not as many as I want."
01-27-10 | 08:31 PM
#4
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Ask two questions... Is my collection creating a negative situation in my life? ...Can a rational reason for each bike be stated?
01-27-10 | 09:04 PM
#5
Seņor Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,462
Likes: 1,554
From: Hardy, VA
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Define "rational". "I really would like that, I have room, and it won't hurt the budget" are good enough for me. I think we all have our own criteria, even if there's a lot of overlap amongst them.
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01-27-10 | 09:09 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 2,039
From: Up
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
I'm glad that my wife doesn't watch that show. But she started this whole thing by getting me to buy a new bike instead of a motorcycle, and I have never regretted it.
01-27-10 | 09:21 PM
#7
Bike Junkie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
I think owning a nice, round number of bikes is healthy. I think 50 is a nice round number.
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01-28-10 | 08:02 AM
#10
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Looking at the list in your signature, has sort of got me thinking...but if you have the room, money etc. I guess it's ok. I mean bikes are large when compared to somethings people collect such as figurines. You could easily put 60 figurines in a single cabinet...sixty bikes on the other hand just starts to look crazy. Then again, 60 bikes may not look so crazy if you have a 5 car garage and only 1 car!! It's all relative, right?
01-28-10 | 08:05 AM
#11
.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12,769
Likes: 38
From: Rocket City, No'ala
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2, 1985 Pinarello Treviso, 1990 Gardin Shred, 2006 Bianchi San Jose
My wife starts discussing houses on the market that have nice "bicycle houses" in the backyard. Apparently, bikes hanging from the garage ceiling do not appeal to her decorating tastes.
01-28-10 | 08:13 AM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,918
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From: New York Metro Area
American Pickers ... ten-part series on the history channel ... scour the countryside looking for treasures ... sound familiar to anybody?
https://www.history.com/content/american-pickers
https://www.history.com/content/american-pickers
01-28-10 | 08:15 AM
#13
Back In The Saddle
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 205
From: NorCal
Bikes: N+1
I believe I can be happy with just one. Even choosing "the one" among the six I own wouldn't be hard.
-Shin
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Last edited by High Fist Shin; 01-28-10 at 08:19 AM.
01-28-10 | 08:19 AM
#14
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
I don't look at it as you know you have too many bikes when...
I prefer to look at it as you know you need a bigger house and/or a storage unit when...
I think a perfectly rational reason to own a bike is "it's cool, it makes me happy, I like it and I want to ride it".
Shin...which would you chose? I'm betting the Univega?
I prefer to look at it as you know you need a bigger house and/or a storage unit when...
I think a perfectly rational reason to own a bike is "it's cool, it makes me happy, I like it and I want to ride it".
Shin...which would you chose? I'm betting the Univega?
01-28-10 | 08:21 AM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 2
From: Southwest Michigan
Bikes: Fuji Monterey, Schwinn Traveler, Fuji Special Road Racer, Gitane Interclub, Sun EZ-1, Schwinn Frontier, Puch Cavalier, Vista Cavalier, Armstrong, Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Stingray
I'm struggling with this right now. There's an entry-level road bike fairly nearby going for a reasonable amount. I do not need this bike, but the frame may be better than any of the other frames I have that are actually in my size. I'd like to have a nice looking bike to keep in my cube at work, but I also want it to be light. I believe this bike has steel wheels, If it had aluminum I would not be waffling over if I should get it or not. I have to pay 20 bucks more than I want to and drive for 1.5 hours to make it happen. On the other hand I think 'hey the parts alone justify the cost' but then I have to put off buying other parts to fix up the bikes I already have. Storage isn't an issue and my wife likes my bike habit because it's been very good for my health.
01-28-10 | 08:25 AM
#16
Back In The Saddle
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 205
From: NorCal
Bikes: N+1
I don't look at it as you know you have too many bikes when...
I prefer to look at it as you know you need a bigger house and/or a storage unit when...
I think a perfectly rational reason to own a bike is "it's cool, it makes me happy, I like it and I want to ride it".
Shin...which would you chose? I'm betting the Univega?
I prefer to look at it as you know you need a bigger house and/or a storage unit when...
I think a perfectly rational reason to own a bike is "it's cool, it makes me happy, I like it and I want to ride it".
Shin...which would you chose? I'm betting the Univega?
Surprised?
-Shin
__________________
In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
01-28-10 | 08:27 AM
#17
surly old man
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 44
From: Carlisle, PA
Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.
Not that I advocate it, but there is also the N-1 principle which applies to spouses too.
jim
jim
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Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
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01-28-10 | 08:33 AM
#18
Back In The Saddle
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 205
From: NorCal
Bikes: N+1
01-28-10 | 08:45 AM
#19
Vello Kombi, baby
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 16
From: Je suis ici
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
I hate to quote myself, but I also hate to type. I have given careful scientific investigation to the n+1 theory, and found it lacking, and have replaced it thus:
I accept donations to further my research. Interestingly, like many great scientists, I use myself as a subject in my investigations. I bought a bike last night. I rated it a six, and figured I could bear Amy's undying love for Michael Bolton....
Okay, I've been giving some thought to the n+1 equation that is so often expressed on this board as the perfrect number of bikes to own or some such. After long consideration, many pints, and much Jamey's, I awoke one morning to find this scribbled on a cocktail napkin:
P= n +(e/r)
where P= perfect number of bikes to own
n= number of bikes currently owned
e= excellence of bike just found (ie, a Serotta has a better value than a Huffy, unless it's a Serotta Huffy, in which case the HUffy has more excellence)
r= rage of girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other at purchase of yet another bike
Frankly, if e/r does not have a value greater than one, I don't buy the bike.
P= n +(e/r)
where P= perfect number of bikes to own
n= number of bikes currently owned
e= excellence of bike just found (ie, a Serotta has a better value than a Huffy, unless it's a Serotta Huffy, in which case the HUffy has more excellence)
r= rage of girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other at purchase of yet another bike
Frankly, if e/r does not have a value greater than one, I don't buy the bike.
Next, we have to establish a rough numerical scale (say, 1-10) expressing a numerical value for both the e and r values.
On the e front:
0- gaspipe huffy, apollo, the like
1- schwinn varsity
2- peugeot uo8
3- bridgestone rb2, like mid level Japanese or Euro.
4- peugeot px10
5- schwinn paramount, high end italian, the like
6-Serotta
7- Huffy Serotta
8- Eisentraut
9- Rene Herse or Alex Singer
10- Handed down from on high, blessed by the pope, handbuilt from unobtanium by master gnome frame builders.
On the r front
0- Honey, I love you and your hobby is wonderfully fascinating (value not observed even in lab conditions)
1- Mild annoyance
2- Sparks of anger
3- Broken dishes
4- Large knot on forehead from frying pan
5- Dog sleeps in bed, you're chained up in the yard.
6- Wife gives you letter stating her undying love for Michael Bolton
7- Trial Speration
8- Divorce
9- Backed over repeatedly with family SUV
10- Your remains found buried in backyard. Homicide ruled justified.
Note that in the equation, it is theoretically possible you could find a bike worth being killed for.
On the e front:
0- gaspipe huffy, apollo, the like
1- schwinn varsity
2- peugeot uo8
3- bridgestone rb2, like mid level Japanese or Euro.
4- peugeot px10
5- schwinn paramount, high end italian, the like
6-Serotta
7- Huffy Serotta
8- Eisentraut
9- Rene Herse or Alex Singer
10- Handed down from on high, blessed by the pope, handbuilt from unobtanium by master gnome frame builders.
On the r front
0- Honey, I love you and your hobby is wonderfully fascinating (value not observed even in lab conditions)
1- Mild annoyance
2- Sparks of anger
3- Broken dishes
4- Large knot on forehead from frying pan
5- Dog sleeps in bed, you're chained up in the yard.
6- Wife gives you letter stating her undying love for Michael Bolton
7- Trial Speration
8- Divorce
9- Backed over repeatedly with family SUV
10- Your remains found buried in backyard. Homicide ruled justified.
Note that in the equation, it is theoretically possible you could find a bike worth being killed for.
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01-28-10 | 08:55 AM
#20
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
No. It would be my cyclocross bike. Slap on some knobbies and I can ride the trails, slap on some slicks and I can ride the roads. It has fender and rack mounts and is without question, the most versatile bike I own. As much as I like the Uni, if I was to choose just one, I'm 90 percent sure, I'd take the Cross. It's a bike for all seasons and occasions.
Surprised?
-Shin
Surprised?
-Shin
01-28-10 | 09:12 AM
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 24
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Bikes: many
I hate to quote myself, but I also hate to type. I have given careful scientific investigation to the n+1 theory, and found it lacking, and have replaced it thus:
I accept donations to further my research. Interestingly, like many great scientists, I use myself as a subject in my investigations. I bought a bike last night. I rated it a six, and figured I could bear Amy's undying love for Michael Bolton....
I accept donations to further my research. Interestingly, like many great scientists, I use myself as a subject in my investigations. I bought a bike last night. I rated it a six, and figured I could bear Amy's undying love for Michael Bolton....
01-28-10 | 09:14 AM
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,901
Likes: 526
From: SW Ohio
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
That's hilarious if not dead on accurate. What about a Huffy Racing Team mongrel bike painted like a Huffy Serotta? Just asking because I had my Puch Marco Polo painted for free 30 years ago to be a member of said team. Pearlescent white with same dorky Huffy decals.
As to the original question. One good indicator for me of being in the red zone of bicycle excess is tire wear. If I wear my tires out on the road from regular use, that's a great feeling. On the other hand, if my tire treads show minimal use yet they are riddled with cracks and the sidewalls are falling apart, well this is not something that makes be beam with pride.
As to the original question. One good indicator for me of being in the red zone of bicycle excess is tire wear. If I wear my tires out on the road from regular use, that's a great feeling. On the other hand, if my tire treads show minimal use yet they are riddled with cracks and the sidewalls are falling apart, well this is not something that makes be beam with pride.
01-28-10 | 09:14 AM
#24
Seņor Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,462
Likes: 1,554
From: Hardy, VA
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
01-28-10 | 09:16 AM
#25
surly old man
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 44
From: Carlisle, PA
Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.
Equations can be solved in different ways.
Might I suggest solving for r. Which gives you r = (P - n)/e. But the real insight is think real, real hard about the one way to get the value of r in that equation to be 0. I think there is just one way. Once that is solved, then the remaining variables in the equation are easy to fill in.
jim
Might I suggest solving for r. Which gives you r = (P - n)/e. But the real insight is think real, real hard about the one way to get the value of r in that equation to be 0. I think there is just one way. Once that is solved, then the remaining variables in the equation are easy to fill in.
jim
I hate to quote myself, but I also hate to type. I have given careful scientific investigation to the n+1 theory, and found it lacking, and have replaced it thus:
I accept donations to further my research. Interestingly, like many great scientists, I use myself as a subject in my investigations. I bought a bike last night. I rated it a six, and figured I could bear Amy's undying love for Michael Bolton....
I accept donations to further my research. Interestingly, like many great scientists, I use myself as a subject in my investigations. I bought a bike last night. I rated it a six, and figured I could bear Amy's undying love for Michael Bolton....
__________________
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever