Cyclists all the know the formula for calculating how many bikes you need to own. It’s n + 1, of course, where n=the number of bikes you currently possess.
But my household has a different rule and unfortunately we’re maxed out on bicycles at the moment. We’ve set a household limit of fifteen (3 per person) and I already own more than my fair share: road, cyclocross, fixed gear road bike, mountain and track….
Since my partner and I are both cyclists we needed a limit because otherwise each time one of us would need a new bike, so too did the other, and so the bikes went forth and multiplied.
People with non cyclists as partners have the terrible task of having to argue for each new bike. For some excellent advice on argumentative technique see the Fat Cyclist’s column on how to justify your next bike.
I’ve also overflowed our outside bike cage (that’s where the “place de cyclistes” sign can be found, thanks Dave and Gillian!) and I keep my best bike in my office. I joke that the romance is over because it used to live in my bedroom but I’ve moved it to less intimate quarters.
And really, I don’t need a new bike. But my eye is taken with the girly cruiser bikes in pastel shades with baskets and bells that come out on warm days. They look suitable for wearing with sun dresses and riding to coffee shops and the market on sunny spring days. I know I’m in trouble when I start browsing Copenhagen Cycle Chic, a fashion blog featuring bikes.
Truth is though, I like speed. I know from past experience of renting cruiser bikes that I’ve tried hard to make them go fast. And I hate being passed. So for now I’ll just look and admire.
I do like cargo bikes though…
What kind of bike are you lusting after this spring? And how many bikes do you think is too many?
What is a cruiser style bike? Here’s some examples:
