If you could only own one

[Cary Ford]

I would want an MX Leader that actually fit me - the stock geo never worked for me.

But I haven't ridden my Responsorium yet.

[scrooge]

Curtlo's are not bad cycles at all. .

No, they're not.
I've just learned a bit more about what I want in the last 4 years. So much for "Really, honey, it will be the last bike I buy!"

[palincss]

I get the idea of playing this game and that's all good with me but the thought of only one just breaks my heart. I've spent years getting to where I am now. Okay, so that's promiscuous and outlandish, excessive, whatever one might like to call it, though I'm not sure why anyone would need to have an opinion about why a guy like bicycles, owns them, or does whatever he damn well pleases with them, including not ride them. Is there some sort of moral superiority to a certain kind of bike? or treating a bicycle one way (like riding it) or another (like not)? That's all nonsense to me. I'm guilt free, not interested in feeling badly about what I love that's harmless enough.

There are bikes I could part with and I'm not feeling particularly acquisitive these days but...but...why would I not want more than one kind of cycling experience? Is one bike supposed to suit all styles? All moods, all terrain, all kinds of riding? Clearly I don't believe that's my experience. What would I gain from such monogamy? Don't give me that simplicity zen crapmo atmo. I teach Zen yearly and know my way around those arguments well enough to know that there's no superiority in such preferences. I like race bikes, even euro-trash and I like old French five speeds that imhoatmo ride as sweetly as anything in the whole wide world ymmv/tastewhatever.

Let me add one more thing: I value the bikes that evoke a personal relationship way more than, say, my Colnagos or a rare bike that didn't connect me to the builder. When I take my Sachs, I think of RS, the Mariposa Mike Barry, and the Singers or Toei/Ebisu my long connection with those shops and persons (Csuka, Iimura). I can sell the Colnago, buy another one (maybe) but Ernesto and I aren't pals and some bikes are not only great, they are part of a relationship I value.

Prolixity warrants reprimand. I await thee.

I'm sorry, you do not deserve a reprimand. You've expressed yourself well, if at length, and you've pointed out a couple of big reasons for having more than one bike (i.e., different riding experiences, and emotional connections). Unless driven by sheer necessity, I really can't understand the whole "could only have one" thing.

Even if your interest in a bicycle is only for transportation, you quickly learn you need at least two. That way, the need for maintenance doesn't become a crisis.

[DCT]

tough question.
probably one of the vxr.
but i would all over hate to ride it in the winter when its shiity out cause there is no way to put fenders on it.

r u kidding me? the time with the flexy top tube?

[Catulle]

You've expressed yourself well, if at length,

I feel lucky when I can read dbrk at length. Different strokes for different folks...

[palincss]

Not all steel bikes are the same, not a better or worse thing just different. My Merckx, Kirk and Goodrich are all steel, yet each is different from the other and all are better than any of the wonder material bikes I've owned and ridden.

Steel is a wonder material. It's as simple as that.

[soBRIquet]

I'm sorry, you do not deserve a reprimand. You've expressed yourself well, if at length, and you've pointed out a couple of big reasons for having more than one bike (i.e., different riding experiences, and emotional connections). Unless driven by sheer necessity, I really can't understand the whole "could only have one" thing.

Neither do I, but my wife is constantly trying to teach me.

I feel lucky when I can read dbrk at length. Different strokes for different strokes...

I feel lucky when I can understand him!

[soBRIquet]

r u kidding me? the time with the flexy top tube?

(I can't believe this Darren CT kid has a collection that will be in a museum someday, and yet he hasn't thrown down an answer)

HEY! Don't dodge the question, answer it! Pick one!!

<Runs like hell>

[SteveP]

r u kidding me? the time with the flexy top tube?

yeah,
when i let boonen ride it he shifted from the 12 to the 11 in a sprint.
oddly i havent been able to.

[DCT]

I value the bikes that evoke a personal relationship way more than, say, my Colnagos or a rare bike that didn't connect me to the builder. When I take my Sachs, I think of RS, the Mariposa Mike Barry, and the Singers or Toei/Ebisu my long connection with those shops and persons (Csuka, Iimura). I can sell the Colnago, buy another one (maybe) but Ernesto and I aren't pals and some bikes are not only great, they are part of a relationship I value.

well said d.

[davids]

If it could only be one, I'd have to say either an IF Club Racer or a Hampsten Classic OS (made by IF...) 'cuz I think they'd make me the sweet, snappy "all arounder" that I want to compliment my Nove and Love #3.

However, if this hypothetical steel frame was going to form the basis for my one and only bike, I would have to select a Pegoretti Responsorium. I'll have to get back to you regarding the paint scheme, though.

[SteveP]

If it could only be one, I'd have to say either an IF Club Racer or a Hampsten Classic OS (made by IF...) 'cuz I think they'd make me the sweet, snappy "all arounder" that I want to compliment my Nove and Love #3.

However, if this hypothetical steel frame was going to form the basis for my one and only bike, I would have to select a Pegoretti Responsorium. I'll have to get back to you regarding the paint scheme, though.

david was broken hearted when he saw catulle with the nixon portrait on his.
he was ready to be the first...

how about reagan? w?

[davids]

david was broken hearted when he saw catulle with the nixon portrait on his.
he was ready to be the first...

how about reagan? w?

I'm thinking of a native son:



You voted for Silent Cal, correct?

[Jonathan]

david was broken hearted when he saw catulle with the nixon portrait on his.
he was ready to be the first...

how about reagan? w?

I'd go to Zank for my new portrait work. He knows how to set a brutha up.

[M_A_Martin]

While I like to have more than one, for varieties sake, I have to say that my Kirk is taking care of all my needs.

I could attach photos, but you guys would laugh at my fredness.

[Dave Kirk]

While I like to have more than one, for varieties sake, I have to say that my Kirk is taking care of all my needs.

I could attach photos, but you guys would laugh at my fredness.

If you are a girl doesn't that make you a "Wilma"?

dave

[maunahaole]

If you are a girl doesn't that make you a "Wilma"?

dave

I understand the logic, however, I think the female cycling equivalent of a fred would be a "Velma", as in Scooby-Doo.

[swoop]

its like quantum physics, there is only the one you're riding.

[M_A_Martin]

If you are a girl doesn't that make you a "Wilma"?

dave

Yeah, it does...but I've heard plenty of females called "a fred."


Besides...maybe they wouldn't. It handles cross tires for the trail, road tires for the road (yummy neutrons), and a fenders/rack and flat pedals when it has to.

[WadePatton]

MAM:
Gayle's color scheme clashes with your bags.:willy:

AS to the OP, I'm not far enough along to make that call. And my first response is--a mountain bike. All of my bikes are steel, so I'd be stuck with one bike under the materials premise. That is unless I bought ti. And I really like ti.

Really, I have enough mental gyrations to occupy me without trying to nail down the one single most perfect bike for me in any or all configurations.

Top 5--now that'd be a bit easier for most folks to answer-DBRK (and all the other folks with more than a room full) naturally gets a top 10.