How many "Commuter bikes" is too many?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 795
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From: NEW ZEALAND
Bikes: Marin Bolinas ridge, Carlton Corsa 5, Falcon Olympic 12, 98 Shesh Rockhopper,
How many "Commuter bikes" is too many?
I have about 4-5 bikes that I commute on,although most of the time it is my Jamis Commuter in the summer months a Claud Butler Majestic or a Healing(NZ Made) ten speed, I have a couple of MTB type builds in process too.
The Jamis has been my go to bike more often than not because of the puncture resistance tyres, and I think I like the ITG hub more than my external Mech set ups.
With the Claud I am trying to get the ride feel right, I will then use it for some Retro touring, weekend type trips. It is a beautiful bike
My question is how many bikes is "normal" in a commuter fleet. How may bikes do you have?
The Jamis has been my go to bike more often than not because of the puncture resistance tyres, and I think I like the ITG hub more than my external Mech set ups.
With the Claud I am trying to get the ride feel right, I will then use it for some Retro touring, weekend type trips. It is a beautiful bike
My question is how many bikes is "normal" in a commuter fleet. How may bikes do you have?
Last edited by Bicycle Addict; 12-08-12 at 05:00 PM.
#2
Full Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 359
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From: Wisconsin
Bikes: Salsa Fargo, One-One Inbred 29er, Blue Norcross
1 commuter is normal in my estimation, though many, myself included, have a winter bike and a summer bike. I also have a mountain bike that keeps knobbies year-round that occasionally sees commuting duty if my other rigs are out of service or I just want to mix things up.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
As long as they all get ridden, then you're fine. When you start getting bikes that never see the outdoors anymore, it's probably time to get rid of those.
#5
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Springfield, MA
Bikes: 2012 Motobecane Fantom CXX, 2012 Motobecane Fantom CX, 1997 Bianchi Nyala, 200? Burley Rock 'n Roll
At one point I decided that since most of my biking is commuting, all my bikes need to be set up for commuting duty (a rack and light mounts minimum, plus 2 out of my 3 single bikes have fenders). Therefore, all get used for commuting sometimes. One is mostly just a winter commuting bike. I've never commuted on the tandem, but that has a rack and fenders as well.
What is normal? I would say that if you're really committed to bike commuting, you should have a minimum of two ready to go at all times. I can also drive or take the bus to work, but when I'm planning to bike it's quite a letdown to go into the garage and realize that I have a flat....
What is normal? I would say that if you're really committed to bike commuting, you should have a minimum of two ready to go at all times. I can also drive or take the bus to work, but when I'm planning to bike it's quite a letdown to go into the garage and realize that I have a flat....
#6
I have more than a dozen bikes, three of which get ridden regularly. If I happen to find another bike that piques my interest, I'll buy it so n+1 is the number that works for me. That's yet another advantage of being single... I get to decide correct number.
#9
Mad bike riding scientist




Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29,209
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From: Denver, CO
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
I currently have 7 bicycles. Everyone of them has been used for commuting. I've also owned 31 total bikes and everyone of them has been used for commuting.
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Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#10
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 795
Likes: 5
From: NEW ZEALAND
Bikes: Marin Bolinas ridge, Carlton Corsa 5, Falcon Olympic 12, 98 Shesh Rockhopper,
I am realizing that I love getting new bikes, I think I will need to sort out the shed and maybe get a couple more?! I really like all the bikes I have and get a different feel on each, I think that will be the thing that keeps me commuting when it gets mundane. I want to get some Brahma bars and finish setting up one of the MTB's I have in build stage ATM.
Last edited by Bicycle Addict; 12-08-12 at 07:11 PM.
#11
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
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From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
How many angels can dance...etc.
n + 1. Have as many as you want, riding different bikes is fun.
n + 1. Have as many as you want, riding different bikes is fun.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,492
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From: STP
Bought an old Trek 720 last week.
Needed a "to work and back" bike.
My favorite lbs had the bike as a recent trade.
Dirt cheap, crappy paint, and a few "needs."
Put on lights, bar wrap, Blackburn mtb racks, longboard fenders and an old set of Schwalbes that they had sitting there.
Should be ample.
I vote for one. I won't ride the nice stuff in the snow.
Needed a "to work and back" bike.
My favorite lbs had the bike as a recent trade.
Dirt cheap, crappy paint, and a few "needs."
Put on lights, bar wrap, Blackburn mtb racks, longboard fenders and an old set of Schwalbes that they had sitting there.
Should be ample.
I vote for one. I won't ride the nice stuff in the snow.
#14
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
#17
The Rock Cycle


Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,691
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From: Western Colorado
Bikes: Salsa Vaya Ti, Specialized Ruby, Gunnar Sport, Motobecane Fantom CXX, Jamis Dragon, Novara Randonee x2
I have two dedicated commuter bikes. Both older Novara Randonee frames, one with flat bars (lock-up-able, main winter ride), the other with drop bars and STIs. My LHT is also perfectly fine for a commuter bike, as is my Motobecane Fantom CXX (Crosscheck clone). I'm currently contemplating buying a tiny 50cm Salsa Vaya Ti that CC has on sale. Do I really need an 8th bike??
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Gunnar Sport
Specialized Ruby
Salsa Vaya Ti
Novara Randonee x2
Motobecane Fantom CXX
Jamis Dakar XCR
Gunnar Sport
Specialized Ruby
Salsa Vaya Ti
Novara Randonee x2
Motobecane Fantom CXX
Jamis Dakar XCR
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls
Bikes: Bianchi Road bike, Nashbar Ultegra triple cyclocross, Raleigh full XT hybrid, lugged steel Schwinn, Full rigid Diamondback MTB
1. Full rigid MTB with Nokian Extremes for the really nasty stuff. 2. IGH with nokian W106's for general winter use. 3. hybrid with front and rear racks, fenders for heavy hauling, utility use. 4. CX bike with fenders for above freezing wet days. 5. Waterford for the nice, dry days. 6. Old, lugged steel Schwinn for when I'm going places after work where I don't want to leave a $1,000 plus bike locked unattended.
I figure that gives me six set up with racks that get regular use. There's also several bikes without racks hanging in the garage as well that get used for bopping around with the kids. I agree it is really nice to be able to pick the ideal bike for the conditions.
I also figure that despite having over 200 commuter days each of the last 5 years I haven't saved a dime on commuting - just put together a very nice collection so I do have a choice each day.
I figure that gives me six set up with racks that get regular use. There's also several bikes without racks hanging in the garage as well that get used for bopping around with the kids. I agree it is really nice to be able to pick the ideal bike for the conditions.
I also figure that despite having over 200 commuter days each of the last 5 years I haven't saved a dime on commuting - just put together a very nice collection so I do have a choice each day.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Guam USA
Bikes: 2011 Giant Advanced SL ISP, 2008 Advanced ISP
I agree and I have 3 always ready to go. My main "Commuter One" is decked out with heavy commuting wheels/tires while the others can be same with a simple wheel swap. I have a spare set of commuting wheels that fit on all bikes.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 184
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From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Trek tandem, Specialized road bike, Specialized cyclocross, Schwinn Varsity, Schwinn Jaguar, Schwinn Frankenbike Commuter,Fixie of unknown origin
Let's see.....I have three that I use for commuting: a beater cruiser, a cyclocross, and a fixie. I also use a tandem when I have to take my daughter somewhere. I have a vintage Schwinn Jaguar that I'm overhauling, and soon that will be thrown into the mix. So, I guess I have 5. That's not too many, is it?
Oh yeah....two Schwinn Varsities, as well.
And a Schwinn Traveler that's being customized.
So I guess I have 7.
Um....and a Specialized Allez. I never ride it, though.
Hi. My name is Sprayman, and I'm a bikeaholic.
Oh yeah....two Schwinn Varsities, as well.
And a Schwinn Traveler that's being customized.
So I guess I have 7.
Um....and a Specialized Allez. I never ride it, though.
Hi. My name is Sprayman, and I'm a bikeaholic.
#24
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 795
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From: NEW ZEALAND
Bikes: Marin Bolinas ridge, Carlton Corsa 5, Falcon Olympic 12, 98 Shesh Rockhopper,
Guys Thanks for the replies and well . . . it would seem I am not alone in my bike addiction
(Sprayman should we set up some bikeaholic meetings??
)
I will post so me pics tomorrow of the bikes I ride.
This bike llife is a lovely ride, isn't it?
(Sprayman should we set up some bikeaholic meetings??
) I will post so me pics tomorrow of the bikes I ride.
This bike llife is a lovely ride, isn't it?
#25
I can and have commuted on all the bikes I have (I have lost count) although a few are really dedicated to this as they are kitted out for whatever mother nature can toss at me.



