How many on this list have a back-up bike for when your normal ride goes down for repairs? If you have second bike, what is it and how old is that bike?

I have six or seven rideable bikes rattling around here at any given time. Rideable meaning not necessarily ideal for commuting but the bike is complete, running, will get me there, and all I have to do is pump the tires and go.

I have a 29er. Its a fun bike. My main bike serves as a commuter and grocery go getter. In terms of my budget, two are all I need.

I have just the one bike, my car is the backup.

3 bikes sit inside the front door, here..

I have 4, but they serve different purposes....my main road bike (2013 SuperSix), Commuter (2014 CrossRip), Mountain Bike (2007 Trek 4300), and General Hybrid (2003 Trek 7300). Based on what I am doing, they can all be ridden on the road if needed.

Road bike, commuter/utility bike (spares and tools to fix both) and, usually, anywhere from 1 to more CL flipper bikes in various stages of readiness.

Spares and tools are the most important back-up.

I have 4 bikes, any of which is suitabe for commuting. Having one bike is like having one pair of shoes.

Any bike serves for a backup. If it's nicer you'd ride it more often; shoddy, kept back for emergencies.

Mine is more for rain and ice than for other reasons, since my main bike has never actually been "down for repairs". If you don't do your own work, I expect you'd want a nicer backup.

This is the first time I have more than one pair of shoes, and it's because of cycling. One pair in office, one pair at home and one for cycling. Hard to justify another bike when a round trip to work costs $1.5 by car.

I have 5 bikes, but one is down ATM. I messed up the 5 speed shifter & brake cable on my Schwinn,...

My backup bike is a Trek Earl, although I would say it gets equal riding time.

Do have any idea how complicated this question can become? Obviously not, you asked it. I have a road bike, which I use only for club rides these days, the backup for that is a nice hybrid which I can still use to keep up with a 16-18 mph group. I have a touring bike/29er and the backup for that is again the hybrid which can also carry a camping load. I have a dedicated city bike, whose backup might be the hybrid or the 29er, or, in extreme emergencies the road bike, but the city bike is not really a useful backup for anything except the hybrid which is really the best to have. There is also N+1 to consider, should I go for a cargo bike or a trailer to extend the others....hmmm?


Marc

If I had the money I'd have a twin to my uptown, and one beltway.

- Andy

Commuting and errands make up about two-thirds of my annual miles, so two of my three bikes are "commuters" with racks, full fenders, and dynamo lighting systems. Although the roadie goes to work often enough, and I'll ride it on errands that don't require hauling stuff.


Four-seasons, all-conditions commuter: 2006 Trek Portland, 105 triple, disc brakes, fits studded snow tires in winter



Three-seasons, most conditions commuter, and rainy club rides too: 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 105 triple



Roadie and occassional commuter: 1996 Litespeed Classic, full 7800-series Dura-Ace

I have only one rideable bike at the moment. And it needs some work.

I have 3 bikes.

Wabi FG/SS with fenders for commuting. Wabi RE for weekend group rides.

I have 3 bikes total. Looking for a 4th. 2 European style city bikes. One hybrid modified to ride like a European style city bike. I am looking for a single speed bike next just for a backup bike that should always work. The #1 failure on any bike I have is the drivetrain, so the simple drivetrain of a single speed should end that problem (or at least mitigate it).

Thank goodness for back up bikes. Flat tires are the norm here in goat head country, it's easy to fix a flat at home.

In the morning, waking up to a new day- facing a flat is no big deal. With multiple bikes...

My main commuter, Rivendell Sam Hillborne has a second set of wheels, if a flat occurs. But I do have a back-up, and that is my Brompton.

I have a bunch of bikes, three of which are set up for commuting. Each of the three is optimized for a particular kind of use, but they're interchangable if the need arises or when I just want a change: one for snow/ice, one for carrying lots of cargo, one that's sporty. Lately I've been riding my winter bike to work (with the bars turned up cruiser-style), just because it's fun.

My main bike is a late '80s Specialized Hard Rock that has been turned into a utility bike. The number 2 bike is a Bachetta Giro 20 recumbent that is much newer. I also have a couple of ridable 10 speeds and a Giant Stiletto chopper. All have been used for commuting. The Giro 20 is best when I have a long commute, its so relaxing.

Those are some beautiful bikes. They truly look optimized for different conditions. What bracket do you use to side mount your pumps?

On the original topic... I'm currently looking for a an old steel tourer/sport tourer to use as back-up/beater on CL - something I can use as a backup when mine is in the shop or not think twice about when locking up at the ocean,boat launch,pig pile bike rack, etc.

I actually need to get rid of a bike or 2 and get a decent cheap-o cyclocross bike. There's opportunities for me to do charity stuff here in NYC, and my current lineup needs a different type of ride.