RomeoTango

Here on the 41 the mantra of "N+1" for bikes is well established. What I wonder about is this: given that a cyclist wants to be able to ride consistently though the year and at variety of events (let's stop short of a full-on racer) what is the minimum amount of gear to have on-hand to rotate through or have as backups?

I have one bike with Sram Force 22, two sets of wheels (one good, one inexpensive; one 11 spd, one 10 spd), an older 5600 groupset, a couple extra miscellaneous items from either chasing the proper fit or buying something then not really using. Not at all organized or planned such that I am prepared to ride no matter what. In my defense I have not really had many bike issues at all in the last 3 or so years (only been riding for ~5).

Current issue sparking this post: As in another thread, I just upgraded my groupset and had a few issues getting it all sorted out that cost me riding time. So while my one and only bike was "down" I had nothing else to ride. First I thought I should just take my 10 spd stuff, get a used frame to build for just a trainer bike so I could at least train indoors. Of course I immediately then thought it is "time for N+1!" Then that led to thoughts on wheels, tires, how should I spread the style of bike (light, aero, other) so that no matter what - I can ride.

What does a well-prepared set of bikes and cycling gear/spares look like?

DXchulo

Just have 2 bikes and you don't really have to worry about it. The 2nd bike doesn't have to be anything fancy. My commuter bike probably isn't even worth $200, but it's good enough in a pinch. The beauty of the internet is that you can get almost anything shipped to your door in 2 days. No need to have a ton of stuff on hand.

I just stick with the small stuff that I know I'll use eventually: tubes (cheaper to buy in bulk, anyway), a set of cables, and a tire or two. If anything else breaks I'll just ride the commuter bike for a few days and wait for the UPS man.

CafeVelo

At minimum two bikes, one for using and one as a bad weather/stationary trainer/backup, one extra tube for each bike, and a can of spray lube.

I keep extras of most parts, but that's mostly because I've acquired a lot of them in upgrades and such.

Homebrew01

Good to have all "wear items" on hand.

Jakedatc

Sounds like you just need a frame and maybe some bars/pedals and you have bike 2 ready to go.

I have main bike, 2nd bike. spare front wheel from upgrade (rear rim cracked), 4-5 spare tubes not in saddlebag, few spare tires i keep after i put on fresh ones that has come in handy. I would like to find another cheap rear wheel to ride in the winter.

mostly you need to be able to ride anytime

pdedes

i use the end of season on-line store sales to stock up on consumables. tubes, tires, chains, cassettes, cables, housing ... you're getting the picture i trust. all the road bikes i own run the same drive train, so cassettes and wheels are interchangeable. I also keep two spare wheelsets ready to go with tires and cassettes. if i have a last minute problem, there's no problem.

planning ahead can alleviate all sorts of grief

RollCNY

I have four bikes, all with the same pedals. I have five sets of those pedals unopened on a shelf in my basement. I will probably order a few more sets in the next month or so.