Which one stays, which one goes?
 

Ok, I've got a decision to make. I've got two bikes that are very similar and I can only keep one. The first one is a '93 Trek 520. It's got nice Sun wheels and XT components. 7 speed Sora shifters (front one is bar end Dura Ace) and 48/38/28 triple. Nice bike, but it's a little beaten up. No rust. Probably good for commuting as it would probably be left untouched by theves. The second bike is a '06 Bianchi Volpe. Very nice as well. Stock. Would be more subseptable to theft and I worry about scratching it.. :) Both about the same weight so no advantage there. The disadvantage of the 520 is I don't know how worn the components are. Yesterday I was left stranded by it due to the front wheel bearings went out. Based on this, I worry about the shape of the other components. I want to sell one and make room in the garage, but I've been back and forth on which one.. Yes, one must go. No need for two bikes that are this similar and I don't need a rain bike. No need for a backup commuter either. Not that hard core. Only use the bikes for commuting and I don't plan on doing anything other than credit card touring. Rec rides are on a fast road bike.

Which one stays and which one goes?

I can't answer this blasphemy! :p

I know, I know....

Edit::: I do have 6 other bikes.. :D

The one you ride the least. Meaning the one you subconsciously prefer. This strategy is easier with more bikes. When I have four or five sitting around it quickly became obvious which bike hadn't been touched in two weeks and it got sent to ebay.

Wait. You are getting rid of your eighth bike to make room in the garage!?

Also, why don't you need a backup commuter? Having a second bike -- my only two bikes, for the record -- the past 8 months to commute has been great. You have a backup and can work on one leisurely while the other is in service.

Then you really should know better than think of giving one up. Let the bikes decide, keep riding both until one gives up it's own life.

Edit: On second thought, you should give up the Volpe and ship it to me. Address provided in PM.

I can't remember the last time I sold a bike. I either give them away or donate them to the coop. But for you, I'd make an exception and charge you a spam and eggs breakfast. ;)

You got a deal there. Besides, I need 2 more bikes to be in knobster's league.

Unless he ships me the Volpe, then we will be even.

Yeah..... It's a sickness. I do like the 520 a lot, but I sold my wife on the idea of "when I get the Volpe, I'll sell the 520." Now, it's "I'll sell whichever one I don't ride.". It might end up, "Seriously, I need a second commuter. Just think of how much more redundant I'll be." Thankfully, the wife is a commuter also. She partly understands. She's got 3 bikes herself.

That's easier said than done. One minute I like the Volpe better, the next it's the 520. I'm thinking that flipping a coin might be easier.

So the problem is not that you have 8 bikes, the problem is your wife only has 3 bikes!

You may have something there. Jealousy is ugly sometimes...

Obviously the solution is to go out and spend some money getting her 6 new bikes. Then you can start pining that she has 9 while you only have eight. Thereby allowing you one more! And they lived happily ever after... that is until they walked into the LBS and saw the bike that would make a might fine tenth bike. :)

I think I have to bring my boyfriend down to read this thread. He can't figure out why I have 4 bikes and am still lusting after the ones in his parents' garage (2 vintage Raleighs, a Trek 800, a Fiori road bike, and a Giant MTB). They are lonely bikes that nobody is riding!!

The 520 and the Volpe are both great bikes. I'd like to have one of each. They are both solid commuters. Do you find the Volpe a little livelier than the 520, which probably feels rock solid?

I'm trying to come up with a valid car metaphor, but happily don't know enough about cars.

Anyone?

Sell the Bianchi.
it is newer = you'll get more money for it. (would you feel right selling your 520 in uknown condition to some poor schmuck?:))
it is a Bianchi and Bianchi-colored = more likely to get stolen.
you are worried about scratching it = unsuited for commuting :)
use some of the $$ to rebuild the 520. maybe spring for fresh drivetrain & wheel rebuild.

my 2 cents, lemme know if yuo want change ;)

Yeah, the Volpe feels a little more livelier in turns, but on hills and normal roads, it's pretty much the same as the 520. The Volpe has some crappy wheels on it though. Already out of true. The 520 has some pretty old wheels, but they are straight as a board. Must have been hand built.

Good automobile analogy would be a Ford F-250 verses a Ford F-150. Trucks, but one is a touch lighter.

Your wife is a bit short on bikes. Give whichever one she likes to her.

Paul

That's what I like. Someone that's solid in their convictions. :)

I see what you're saying. I do worry about the Bianchi when it's locked up outside, but I don't at all when it's the 520. I do think I like the 520 a little better as it's a little easier to do things. i.e. more eyelets, quill stem so I can adjust the height easier. It is pretty ugly, so if it did fall over, I'd be more worried about what it fell on than the bike itself.

It probably wouldn't need much to get it in perfect condition. By drivetrain, do you mean cassette? I was thinking of replacing the bottom bracket, wheel bearings and cassette. Think of anything else I should look to replace?

Thanks for your 2 cents...

Oh, if it was so easy... She'd never go for it. Too short. Her little legs wouldn't touch the pedals. ;)

I'd start by checking the chain stretch and go from there, replace cassette & rings if needed.
maybe dissasemble the bb, replace if necessary
possibly replace the cables with something bulletproof. i invested (read: they're expensive) in "Dry Cables", similar to the old gore-tex cables. no lube, no maintenance.

inspect r der & replace pulleys if needed

rebuild wheel bearings, maybe have wheels professionally trued & tensioned. I'm a huge fan of light, fast, stiff, bulletproof wheels, been riding Cane Creek for 15,000+ miles.... you can pick up a lightly used set for under $200 on occasion. Great investment.

or sell both the Bi and the 520 and get something with DISC brakes! :) biggest safety/maintenace improvement for commuting i've made in a while

cheers!

Keep both, rebuild/upgrade the 520, then give away the Volpe to someone TBD when complete. (CB Hi has already volunteered for the drawing)

Yup, rebuild the 520. Also, learn how to build/true wheels and take a whack at straightening out the Bianchi. In a nutshell: spend more money. :D

Rebuilt the front wheel today. Runs much better. No grinding or popping sounds anymore :eek: .

Taking it to work tomorrow. Maybe I'll post the Bianchi up on the "pay it forward" thread in the for sale area. :rolleyes:

Yeah, if I can't have anymore bikes, might as well spend money on the one's I have right? :)

I do want to try my hand at wheel building though. My next purchase will probably be a Dyno hub.