Based on your experience...
 

I was ogling another bike on ebay, a pretty 1970s era Bianchi road bike, and got to wondering about why I would be thinking about another one, especially since I hadn't put that many miles in this year anyway. Just looking for that "perfect" bike (as opposed to the pretty darn good ones I've got?) Or just the desire to see what it would be like? Is this the root of N+1? (the Bianchi has been bid up past the price I'm willing to pay---so I'm safe this time!)

Anyway, instead of choosing which bikes you would give up, how about if you were starting over--what kinds of bike would you choose now (vintage, steel, road, commuter) for your first bike, then how many different ones; not necessarily particular brands and models but if you have a strong preference go ahead & say so!

I so missed my old Schwinn Varsity that I bought an '86 Raleigh Marathon two winters ago to take it's place. It's a better bike than the Varsity was but the ride seems similar to me. I don't ride it often, but when I do the ride feels quite nostalgic.

I'm glad I don't have to buy my first ever bike armed with what I now know for the scope of what's available out there, both new and old, is mind boggling. I'ld end up second guessing my every thought.

Starting over? Like if all my bikes vanished? I would like to try a titanium road bike, and a carbon framed bike after that. I'd also like to get a light 4 inch travel full suspension mtb.

I think this is part of why I've been looking. I now like my Trek Pilot (didn't at first) but it still doesn't feel like I think I remember my Nishiki feeling--even though that bike was a bit too large for me.

Please don't make me think of rebuilding the stable, it would cost too much. But then again I too would like a quality Ti road bike.

Another tough scenario to imagine. Lots of variables to consider, but I'll take the approach that there is no magic pot of gold to allow me to buy lots of great bikes at once so I'll need to make careful selections.

If I knew the first bike would be the only one for a while, I'd probably go for a quality steel-framed cyclocross bike first, mostly because of the versatility. That way I could get to have fun on and off the road while I saved up for the next bikes. I would build up the fleet in a series of road and offroad pairs as funds allowed.

The next two bikes would be tough to decide which to get first. One would be a 5 or 6 inch travel full suspension MTB, something between a XC racer and an All Mountain type bike. What is generally called a "trail bike" these days. Or the second bike might be a go fasty road bike. Material for the road bike would be a tough choice. I would probably go for a carbon frame as that is where most of the manufacturers are focusing their attention these days and the bang for the buck would be the best.

The next pair of bikes would most likely be an older lugged steel road bike and a rigid steel 29er.

Next would be a Ti road bike built for all day cruising at speed and a lightweight XC racing bike with 4" travel at both ends (or possibly a hardtail).

This is what I think I would do, but really, who knows?

I would want a mid 70's Schwinn Paramount with sew up tires. It's the bike I could not have at the time.

My first real road bike was a 1983 lugged steel (Reynolds 531 throughout) Trek with a combination of Campy and high-end Sun Tour components. I spent more money that I had any right to on that bike, and I'm glad I did.

I still ride it a lot. It's the bike I used for "The Great Birthday Ride: 53 Miles on My 53rd Birthday." You can see the bike here:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?...no&context=all

Thanks for the link Travis,

Looks like a great ride! Wish I was motivated to stop that often to take photos, but I'm glad you were!

Back to the OP, I'm happy with my present collection. I don't have a cyclo-cross bike, or a Penny Farthing, but don't desire either. Looking for a 16" wheel folding bike since I sold my 20" wheel folder because it wouldn't fold small enough. Lusting after a Brompton, but the prices keep scaring me off.

Probably end up with a Dahon. But otherwise, I already have all the bikes I need and am happy with my choices.

Rick / OCRR

I have the three bikes I want. The Dale offroad tandem that is sorted for all the abuse it gets. The Bianchi MTB but must admit that it could possible do with a better set of forks and the Boreas. Each one is built for its use and I can't see me wanting or requiring anything better.

Now all I have to do is explain the other 7 that are not quite up to what I want.

Ever notice how hard it is to get this crowd to answer a question the way it was asked? :rolleyes:

The OP's question could have been on a S.A.T. exam. I answered it the best I could and hoped the marshalls would give me at least 1/2 credit.;)

All right, since you asked;
1. A light steel "English Racer" 3 or more speed IGH, as close as I could find to what I had in 1957.
2. A folder with IGH, preferably 7 or 8 speed, 16" or maybe 20" wheels.
3. A hybrid something like my Giant Cypress with front suspension, disk brakes and trail tires.
4. A SWB recumbent 26" x 20" wheels. Maybe like a Lightning P-38 if I had the funds.
5. If I was really not financially challenged then I would love a Tour Easy Gold Rush Replica with fairing.
6. Then maybe a <15# carbon road bike just for good measure.
I think that would just about cover it.

If I were 'rich' and had to rebuild the stable as you say....I'd go for a trike, tadpole...not sure what kind but trike it would be.

If I had the funds and room I'd start with what I don't have now

• modern full carbon bike, perhaps with SRAM group
• recumbent
• folder

then I'd replace my current stable

• titanium frame road bike
• road bike, mostly carbon with TT/bullhorn/aerobar setup
• fixie/ss
• collectible vintage bike kept mostly period correct - that I would ride
• vintage bike with modern updates
• cyclocross
• electric assist
• MTB

Some bikes would have a mix of racks, fenders, and lights so I'd have at least one all year commuter bike and a couple fair weather commuter bikes.

I would start with a road touring bike with a relaxed geometry and a steel frame, preferably lugged. I would add a cyclocross bike.

I would start with a lugged steel road bike with sport touring geometry, add a pure racing road bike as a second bike. Then I would keep adding bikes.

Hey...wait a minute...that's exactly what I did.:p

Nice bike, Jet. Nice pics too.:thumb:

Well, all the replies are interesting!

Seems to be a definite preference for steel, though, for a first choice of material. Then it's "one of each, please!" I would have never thought I'd discover such variety ( or enjoyment) in a simple machine.

I will try to follow the instructions above.


Q.What kinds of bike would you choose now for your first bike?

A. The Davidson I have now. Ti frame, designed for hilly, long distance riding. Not the lightest bike in town but light enough; clearance for 32c tires and fenders in case I ever decide to use it for commuting or light touring.

Q. ...then, how many different bikes?

Ideally, 5 more:
- An all-out CF race bike
- A lightweight summer commuter
- A heavier "winter" commuter
- A vintage bike (my Tommasini would do nicely)
- A dedicated touring bike, possible a Bike Friday New World Tourist so I have a folder for touring/traveling.

This sort of looks like my current stable, if I:
1. Added a CF race bike
2. Substituted a lighter bike for the Univega I own
3. Added a touring bike

So, N+2, here we come!

I like any thread that leads me to conclude I need to buy another bike...

If I were starting over I'd go with a road bike with classic European stage geometry, but given my current abilities I'd go with a triple. Sloping tubes are OK, but I like the look of the straight top tube. I really like titanium (at least the one I ride now) and would head in that direction. Frankly, I don't have a need for different kinds of bikes. I prefer to spend time in the woods on foot. So, an off-road bike has little appeal to me. I'm not interested in doing anything but credit card touring; so a touring bike is not needed. And, I just can't get my head around the idea of ever riding a bent (And, yes I have ridden them, but just don't like being that low or the feeling that I'm sitting and not ridding). Hmmm, I'm realizing that I've pretty much got the perfect bike I need in terms of just riding. But if we're talking art.... well.... this changes things a bit. Purely on aesthetic grounds I'd love a Tommasini Prestige or the new 853 Schwinn Paramount 70th anniversary model or an IF titanium/carbon Crown Jewel or a Colnago Master..... this list could get very long..... drool....

Lately, I have been attracted to 1980s Japanese steel: Miyata, Lotus, Univega, Fuji, and more.

So if I started over, I would look for a good 80's Japanese bike with mid level or better Suntour components.

If its steel, its real.

There were certain race bikes that always had a certain panache that I would love to try... just to see how they feel and because of that panache. DeRossa, Colnago, Medici (if I am spelling those right) are just a few.

The other thing I'd look for were the old hand cut lugs... I always loved the art of bikes... and I'd love to have a drop dead pretty bike... you know chrome hand cut lugs and beautiful paint... just those little details. I go to the Vanilla bike site now and then just to look at their V dropouts (pure bike porn... ).

I have to admit I tend to ride my bikes into the ground... a bit too much sweat and a few scratches and before too long they start looking too much like they were rode hard and put away wet.

I would start with this: http://www.schwinnbikes.com/paramoun...ery/index.html

Same one I have now.