BigBlueToe

Okay, first, the title of the thread is supposed to be catchy, but I only have one wife and I love her; I'm not giving her up.

I have four bikes that I ride - a tourer (LHT), a "fast bike" (Allez), a mountain bike (old Rockhopper), and a "shopping bike" (even older Stumpjumper with a Bob trailer attached.)

I can't think of another use as a rationale for buying a new bike, but I'd really like a carbon fiber bike, and I've always wanted a titanium bike.

Don't suggest a commuter, because I live across the street from my work, and riding a bike would be ridiculous. I don't need a rain bike; I live in central California. If I wanted to ride in the rain I'd be fine riding one of the bikes I have.

My wife thinks four bikes is ridiculous enough; getting another would be really ridiculous (she's got two!)

Doctor, what should I do?

Doohickie

Sell the Allez and get a new fast bike.

oldride

^^^^ Yep, might as well buy a Roubaix or Tarmac

BluesDawg

Get a modern full suspension MTB and hit the singletrack.

cyclinfool

Get a tandem - that way you both get a new bike.

kjc9640

You can't lose this way...

kr32

+1

stapfam

MMMMMM**********

A tandem will get a partnership going faster in the way it was already heading.

There is always the worry that one of the two will not get on with the problems that learning to ride a Tandem can bring.

And then again- they can be perfect for some.

NOS88

Ask her how she would feel about your buying a shiny new red sports car or a new 1200cc motorcycle.

My wife is grateful that I'm not a drunk, I don't gamble, I don't run around, I don't want expensive cars, and I'm a peaceful man who works six days a week. My getting another bike wouldn't be an issue for her.

Laserman

Hmmm....even if you were to temporarily increase the stable to n+1, it's not as though you were planning to keep all of them...
Surely a period of evaluation would be needed to decide which combination best suits your needs...
Of course such a decision should not be rushed ...

Wildwood 

I'd get rid of the 2 old mtn bikes (I bet you don't ride offroad much) then you can have what you want and there is one less bike for the wife to complain about. The trailer will likely fit either the LHT or the Allez.

And I'll second Stepfam regarding the tandem. Mine was a poor investment in a cycling "crusade" - had a couple of kid stokers that kept it from being a total waste.

cccorlew

Yep.

jdon

Just went through a fleet rationalization myself. Don't listen to all these N+1 clowns! Buy the bike you want, sell the one you don't and ride on.

gpelpel

Sell her two bikes so you have room for your new carbon and new titanium.

If that doesn't work (I wouldn't be surprised):
- Sell the Allez and the touring bike and get something like a Roubaix, it's fast and comfy at the same time so it just easily replaces the two you sold.
- Sell the shopping bike and use the MTB as a trail and shopping ride with the option to quickly connect or release the trailer.

And +1 on the tandem.

stapfam

Time to start "Window" shopping and testing.

It does sound as though you do want another bike- and probably need one aswell but you will have to find out what bike you do want.

Start perusing the online manufacturers and find the models that interest you. Then find the shops with the concession in those bikes and start looking. There are so many bikes out there to try, that I think you will need a holiday or long sickie to get the test rides in. Fine riding weather should be here in about 6 weeks so you have that long to interogate the manufacturers and find the ideal bike for you. Or initially the ideal 10 or so- but you will be ready for the beginning of April when the Test rides can begin.

maddmaxx 

Leave some hints that you might take up golf around the house. Include some estimates for the cost of moderately good clubs and a membership at the local club.

social suicide

I have five folding bikes. They are so much easier to hide from the wife.

Daspydyr 

Match.com has a 60 day free trial period.

NO! Sell everything but the Stumpy, get a TI MTB and a Carbon speeder.

robtown

My signature used to be "you only need one bike.." wife "no, I only need one wife" me
I sold a few bikes off thinking 4 or so were enough - and regretted their loss. I now park/hang 10 bikes - all different. I have that titanium bike and the modern carbon. SS/Fixie, vintage, MTB, cross, TT, 3-speed round out the list. I don't have a folder, bent, tandem, or hybrid. Of those I might like a bent.
Bikes take so little room and are quite cheap compared to most hobbies. If you ride them they're worth having. My wife has given up on limiting my stable. If I should die before her I'm sure some future C&V or 50+ members will make some remarkable finds.

longbeachgary

There is no such thing as too many bikes - the limit on wives is definately a limit of ONE and some may argue N-1.

miss kenton

Geez, you men make this more complicated than it needs to be. Employ the same tactic I use when I buy a new pair of expensive high heels. Buy the bike, stash it wrapped up, in the garage. Wait a few days and then go to the garage, jump on the bike and ride off as if you've always ridden it. If she asks, "Is that a new bike?", give her a funny look and say, "No, this old thing? I've had it for years! I guess you don't pay much attention to me, do you?"

SneakyKing

if only all women felt that way

akohekohe

Actually, I've done this ... more than once. She did notice the Surly Big Dummy though ... that was kind of hard to miss.

rumrunn6

build an extension on your house. the 1st floor or basement will be for the bikes cuz you're getting 2 right?

cccorlew

I was in the bike shop with my wife looking at a new bike. When I heard the price and responded "Too much."
She smiled and gave me that eye roll that says "Oh hush, you know you're going to get it."

I shouldn't' be surprised. This is the same woman who practically forced me to buy my Sidi shoes.

Yep. I'm bragging.