The One Bike

[RGW]

OK, so I've toying with the idea of simplifying my life and going to one do-it-all (DIA) bike; if that is even possible - which is the point of this thread. I do club rides, charity rides, some long distance riding, commuting to work, and sporadic cyclocross racing. So currently I have a Gunnar Roadie as my primary road bike, a Felt F75X for CX riding, and Salsa Casseroll as primary commuter bike.

I've grown to appreciate wider tires (28-32) and would want the DIA to be fender compatible with this tire size, as well as rack compatible when commuting. Also thinking disc brakes would be preferable to meet DIA objective.
I'd like to think I could swap different wheelsets, remove / add fenders & rack when I want to do a certain type of ride. I realize a dedicated bike is way easier, but the concept of a DIA bike is appealing to me.
I suspect a custom build might be in order to accommodate this, but maybe a off the shelf if one exists. Oh, and thinking of Ti for material, although steel is also possible (as I do like steel bikes!). I've been drooling over the Firefly bikes . . . but thought I'd get all your expert opinions! :) what's your advice ??

[Black Dog]

Something like this (http://www.hampsten.com/strada-bianca/). Fits your bill perfectly with the exception of the disks but they may be able to do that for you. There are other bike out there that do as well.

http://www.hampsten.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/sb_whole_lg.jpg

[vav]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=145178

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/13018408034_ca0489d434_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/kQoK9W)

[gomango]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=145178

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/13018408034_ca0489d434_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/kQoK9W)

That's the direction I am going in as soon as I get a couple of $$$.

[Dromen]

...with all fender/rack/3rd bottle options and 450 option if you wanna go big tire.

http://moots.com/our-bike/cross/psychlo-x/overview/

[cinema]

something like the cross check with lower bb and higher head tube sounds ideal to me. The casserole isn't far off though no?

[RGW]

As I want it to perform as CX bike, Commuter & fast road bike, cross check seems to fit the utility purpose, although heavier than I would prefer. thinking the disc brake option would allow for flexibility in wider tire sizes.
Wondering how geometry of all this would come into play. As it would not be a full time CX bike, not looking for the tight geometry of a cross bike, but need the mud clearing capability, light weight & high BB.
Anyone have anything with similar requirements??

[gomango]

As I want it to perform as CX bike, Commuter & fast road bike, cross check seems to fit the utility purpose, although heavier than I would prefer. thinking the disc brake option would allow for flexibility in wider tire sizes.
Wondering how geometry of all this would come into play. As it would not be a full time CX bike, not looking for the tight geometry of a cross bike, but need the mud clearing capability, light weight & high BB.
Anyone have anything with similar requirements??

Price range?

If you'd like to spend less than $2,000 check out an All City Macho Man disc.

[AngryScientist]

lots of bikes fit this description. when i had my geekhouse made, i asked for a bike with road geometry but with clearance for big fat tires. the bike is reasonably light with an ENVE fork and OX platinum tubes. it has no problems at all doing fast road rides, or mixing it up on gravely dirt roads. i'm a bike whore, but i wouldnt have many needs unmet if this was my only steed with a few different wheelsets.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GP1QYONumlI/UgmM1dRCFyI/AAAAAAAABX0/6Ae5YwMSUvo/s640/DSCN0022.JPG

[rnhood]

If you're pondering over Fireflly, you are on the right track for Ti. Some of the nicest Ti bikes I've seen here are Firefly. They seem quite special.

[weisan]

This is my definition of a DIA bike, factor into the design rather than an afterthought:

1) Travel-able - can be broken down easily for travel
2) Fit various sizes tires - up to 35mm or 32 mm w/ fenders
3) Age-able - the geometry, reach, and front-end able to accommodate off-season fitness and flexibility plus aging
4) Handling - capable of handling various terrain or types of riding
5) Truly a dedicated one and only lifetime bike

Some may argue that I ended up with a bike that is jack of all trade but master of none. I agree...and that's precisely what I got! :banana:

There is the group of people who say they want or have a DIA bike, which is a nice concept .....and then there is another group of people who actually USE their bike in real life to do it all ....which group do you belong to? :p

I have recorded many adventures with my DIA bike and I reckon more is in store for the years to come.

First delivered five years ago - first shakedown ride
http://alicehui.com/pics/Taylor/img/taylor5.jpg

First road trip: Blue Ridge Parkway
http://alicehui.com/pics/nc/img/81.jpg

In gravel bike configuration getting ready for a three-day ride across Katy Trail, MO
http://alicehui.com/pics/nc/img/2.jpg

Tread through mud, deep gullies and rain (2nd day Katy Trail)
http://alicehui.com/pics/katy/img/35.jpg

Went overseas, lived in Australia by the coast.
http://alicehui.com/AUS/pics/mini-P1120194.JPG

Set it up for D2R2
http://alicehui.com/pic/bike/mini-taylor_cross.jpg

Break it down to fit normal-size luggage for flight to NY
http://alicehui.com/pic/d2r2_2013/DSCN2607.JPG

Rode it in D2R2
http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697866312&stc=1&d=1377560819

[tuscanyswe]

Gorgeous pictures weisan pal! :)

[weisan]

Thank you Tuscany-pal.

One day I hope to make it to the Swiss Alps, French Pyrennes and the Italian Dolomites. :p

[Saguaro]

Here's mine:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8715002372_a9b708199d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76883232@N02/8715002372/)

1982 Nishiki Cresta, heavily modified. This is in Rando mode, good for Centuries, Brevets, cruising to the local eateries here in Central Phoenix.

Here it is outfitted for short 3-Day tours in the AZ high country:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9487214435_460f57cd83_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76883232@N02/9487214435/)

Love this bike!

[rperks]

I am biased having built our company around my ideal "One Bike", the Rambler (http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/rambler).

You did not mention how much stuff you cary when on the bike, and if you want it on the bike or you. For many the messenger bag is just fine on the commute to make up for the bike's lack of carrying capacity. Personally I prefer the load off my back, and on the bike. I like to be able to get to most of my stuff without having to get off of the bike, and thus designed around front loading with neutral handling. There are tons of decent options out there to be the single bike, some are just better than others.

http://oceanaircycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/10.31-Complete-Ramblers-1140782.jpg

[Ken Robb]

I don't know why you need a high BB but a Gunnar or Waterford RS. might work.Either can be customized for a reasonable price. My Hampsten does it all for riding but it lacks eyelets.

Rivendell might have a frame/fork for you.

[JAGI410]

I'm saving for an Ocean Air Rambler as my main road/commuter/distance/gravel bike.

[beeatnik]

If you dont go custom, get a Cielo Sportif Classic. Does everything right.

[bicycletricycle]

If you want to cyclocross race sometimes then I think you may need a frame that takes cantilevers, the high bottom bracket on a regular cross frame might be annoying year round, I think a nice custom frame, sorta fast touring style with cantilever mounts could do the job well.

Having 2 sets of wheels, a light road wheel set and a commuter/cross wheel set would be nice.

[DRZRM]

Geez Weisan, I've been drooling over that bike for years without noticing it was built with the breakaway couplers. That is perfect.

I think this is close, I get used to the high BB on the road when I travel with road tires and the mini-v brakes have a ton of stopping power. If I were starting from scratch I'd likely go disc, but I'd want wet brakes, and until someone figures out a breaker you can put in the line, that will be hard to pack.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/2013-03-05161825_zpsc60d28b1.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/2013-03-05161834_zpsf4a97d58.jpg

I'd second working with Tyler at Firefly. I'm always going over his pics, and he seems to be able to give the people what they want. I'm just shaking out the build up of my first FF road frame (new to me) and if it feels as good as it seems to, I may start saving for a similar sort of frame as you built custom for me.

[p nut]

How about a Salsa Vaya Ti? Discs, fenders, good tire clearance. I'd also be happy with a Black Mountain Cyclocross frame (although canti only).

My cross check serves me well, but for a DIA, I'd want something lighter with a slightly different geo. Probably slightly slacker geo with fatter tire clearance, as I like to hit the singletrack as well. 43's did well for me yesterday, though.

[54ny77]

that indy fab is awesome.

[johnny_flapjack]

I think a properly spec'd Indy Cross or Moots Cross would accomplish what you're describing...

[Pete Mckeon]

Moots has one. Untainted and Ti or a Hampstem has a few models Ti or steel:bike::)

[Lanterne Rouge]

I am biased having built our company around my ideal "One Bike", the Rambler (http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/rambler).

You did not mention how much stuff you cary when on the bike, and if you want it on the bike or you. For many the messenger bag is just fine on the commute to make up for the bike's lack of carrying capacity. Personally I prefer the load off my back, and on the bike. I like to be able to get to most of my stuff without having to get off of the bike, and thus designed around front loading with neutral handling. There are tons of decent options out there to be the single bike, some are just better than others.

http://oceanaircycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/10.31-Complete-Ramblers-1140782.jpg

Love that rando bag

[vav]

Curious; what's that bottle on the rear fender filled with?



I am biased having built our company around my ideal "One Bike", the Rambler (http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/rambler).

http://oceanaircycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/10.31-Complete-Ramblers-1140782.jpg

[cp43]

I'm doing a bit of a one bike experiment right now. I own ~9 bikes, mostly of different types. I've always said that if I could only keep one, it would be my Novara Randonee. Well, we're selling our house, and apparently buyers don't like seeing bikes in every room. So, until we move in to the new house, everything but the Novara is in storage. We'll see how it goes.

Chris

[TBDSeattle]

Some may argue that I ended up with a bike that is jack of all trade but master of none. I agree...and that's precisely what I got! :banana:

Great post, great photos!

You're doing a lot to convince me... only thing would add/change would be to go canti brakes. Allows for more mud rides, and works just fine on the road.

Thanks for sharing!

[TBDSeattle]

How about a Salsa Vaya Ti? Discs, fenders, good tire clearance. I'd also be happy with a Black Mountain Cyclocross frame (although canti only).

My cross check serves me well, but for a DIA, I'd want something lighter with a slightly different geo. Probably slightly slacker geo with fatter tire clearance, as I like to hit the singletrack as well. 43's did well for me yesterday, though.

I've had a couple of cross checks... I'd say that swapping the fork does wonders for that bike. Someone earlier commented on the weight... I think a big part of it the fork. I loved those bikes.

[tiretrax]

I am working down to one bike - it will be a custom ti - road geometry, cx tires, couplers, and rack eyelets. I'm thinking either Firefly, Moots, or IF.

I might have two bikes, however, because I do have Pegoretti that I am unsure I want to sell.

[adampaiva]

hey thanks. i almost wanted to reply to this thread with the same but didn't want to toot my own horn too much.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=145178

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/13018408034_ca0489d434_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/kQoK9W)

[Charles M]

I reject this thread.:)

[Saint Vitus]

Curious; what's that bottle on the rear fender filled with?

Rainwater and pure grain alcohol no doubt, purity of essence!

[rperks]

Curious; what's that bottle on the rear fender filled with?

The little bottle holds the fuel for my alcohol stove (http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/caldera-cone-keg-kit) for very little weight penalty I always have it with me.

[benb]

One thing in favor of the Salsas and Surlys and Novaras of the world is IMO for a DIA bike keeping the cost down is important.. you want to be able to lock it up and not worry so much about it.. a lot of these custom bikes are too dear to risk losing, even if you're made of money you will still have to potentially wait a long time for a replacement if something happens.

[tiretrax]

One thing in favor of the Salsas and Surlys and Novaras of the world is IMO for a DIA bike keeping the cost down is important.. you want to be able to lock it up and not worry so much about it.. a lot of these custom bikes are too dear to risk losing, even if you're made of money you will still have to potentially wait a long time for a replacement if something happens.

True, but if I'm going to pare down, I'd rather have something I really want. Raw ti without decals won't attract too much attention, I hope.

[spacemen3]

I reject this thread. :)
Well put!

I tried the one bike approach with a Rivendell All-Rounder. Beautiful bike, but the experiment was a failure. Get rid of other stuff — the more bikes the merrier, I say. :D

[TimD]

Completed D2R2. Toured Oregon & Washington. Works in the winter. Holds its own in a group ride, up to about 24 MPH ...

Apologies to those who've seen this picture before.

[weisan]

Drzrm-' TBD-pals, appreciate your compliments.

Charles-pal, I too reject this thread, if i enjoy your same privileges of revolving-door sampling of superbikes.

[mhespenheide]

This is my definition of a DIA bike, factor into the design rather than an afterthought
...
http://alicehui.com/pics/Taylor/img/taylor5.jpg


Very nice. Weisan, can I ask what handlebars those are? If they come in 46's, I like the look of the shape...

[weisan]

Very nice. Weisan, can I ask what handlebars those are? If they come in 46's, I like the look of the shape...

Thanks! They are the FSA Omega Compact.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/fsa-omega-compact-handlebar

I like it a lot. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they come in 46s.

[mhespenheide]

Well. Thanks for the link, though.

[dhalbrook]

I've often been tempted by the one-bike idea, but it never seems to work out in practical terms unless you're willing to limit the type of riding you do. If you race it's particularly difficult.

That said, I think you can do some serious overlap if you're willing to put up with it. I had a Rawland Drakkar with a dynohub and a Rohloff that was a good commuter/tourer/all-road bike, but it was too heavy to do any fast club riding, for example.

The Honey All-Road, Niner RLT9, Brodie Romax Ti, and the new Breadwinner B-Road would be where I would aim if I could only have one bike. Especially now that Shimano announced their mechanical/hydro brifters.

However, I have six bikes. Each has a distinct purpose (or at least will shortly), and I like it that way.

[Schmed]

I bought this with the same purpose: DIA bike. This and my SS 29er will be my only bikes (when the others are sold!). 2 sets of wheels, though. :)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j192/schmed123/IMG_4214_zpsa6aed258.jpg

[Ramon]

Break it down to fit normal-size luggage for flight to NY
http://alicehui.com/pic/d2r2_2013/DSCN2607.JPG



Need this in my life!

[Fixed]

I bought this with the same purpose: DIA bike. This and my SS 29er will be my only bikes (when the others are sold!). 2 sets of wheels, though. :)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j192/schmed123/IMG_4214_zpsa6aed258.jpg

Perfect
Cheers

[christian]

72gmc across the hall has done this. He has a steel Davidson for all his road riding. Doesn't seem to suffer for it.

For me, I've found that two bikes that serve the same purpose isn't a great deal - it's more wrenching than riding at the margin. But all bikes don't serve the same purposes, so I think three is the minimum for me. Especially given that we have great paved road, nice dirt roads, and good mountain biking all within riding distance.

Road/racing: Colnago Extreme Power
All-road: Hampsten Strada Bianca (incoming)
CX: Zanconato cyclocross
MTB: Cannondale Jekyll (clearly need to be upgraded; I should probably get an xc racing bike and a trail bike...)

I think if my cx bike had fender mounts and bottle cages, I could probably combine that and the all-road bike, so that would get me to three. Less than that would mean giving up a substantial part of my riding.

[benb]

For me, I've found that two bikes that serve the same purpose isn't a great deal - it's more wrenching than riding at the margin. But all bikes don't serve the same purposes, so I think three is the minimum for me. Especially given that we have great paved road, nice dirt roads, and good mountain biking all within riding distance.

Road/racing: Colnago Extreme Power
All-road: Hampsten Strada Bianca (incoming)
CX: Zanconato cyclocross
MTB: Cannondale Jekyll (clearly need to be upgraded; I should probably get an xc racing bike and a trail bike...)

I think if my cx bike had fender mounts and bottle cages, I could probably combine that and the all-road bike, so that would get me to three. Less than that would mean giving up a substantial part of my riding.

Good points about wrenching.. one thing in all of this though is many don't seem to include rack mounts in their wish list.. IMO they are more important than people let on.. they add a tiny amount of weight to a frame and add a ton of potential utility, and they're faster to remove than fenders for when you're "feeling sporty". A lot of this depends on the use, it doesn't seem like serious commuting or the potential for an overnight or tour plays a big role in "do it all" for a lot of people.

I wonder how many people with lots of bikes ever ride them in bad enough weather to have to maintain them, or if they pay shops to do everything.. that would certainly make it easier to deal with a bunch of bikes. Doing all my own maintenance 2 bikes (1 MTB + 1 Road) is enough to keep me busy.. additional maintenance time ends up having to come out of my riding time so I don't want to do to much extra.

[sparky33]

Gear sizing is a good reason for more than one bike.

On the road, a 50/34 works great.
For the trails, a compact crankset puts me at the extremes of the cassette, making a lot of front shifts - awkward. I'd rather a 46or44/36 or something more suited to the pace of trail riding. Ultra-wide range cassettes are OK but not ideal IMO.

So it's 2 bikes..... a road rig and a cx/trail bike.
And maybe 1 or 2 more for fun.

[Cornfed]

How about a Salsa Vaya Ti? Discs, fenders, good tire clearance. I'd also be happy with a Black Mountain Cyclocross frame (although canti only).

My cross check serves me well, but for a DIA, I'd want something lighter with a slightly different geo. Probably slightly slacker geo with fatter tire clearance, as I like to hit the singletrack as well. 43's did well for me yesterday, though.

+1 for the Vaya. Disks, wide tires, fenders and/or packs, ... Works for me for just about anything. Not the lightest rig, but I lightened mine a bit with a carbon fork and I swap the Thudbuster out when I know I'll be on pavement only. I also have a set of A23s ready if I'm going long-distance road. And the Woodchippers with Fizik gel pads and Lizard Skin 3.2 are oh so comfy.

[KidWok]

NO! Don't do it! Or if you do get that DIA bike, only use it as temporary justification to the significant other/household controller to immediately purchase said bike, only to explain later that it did not satisfy your needs in entirety, thereby justifying the need to purchase other bikes that fulfill narrower niche functions.

At a minimum, I require:

Grade A road bike: Stripped down and fast machines. One would suffice, but one in Campy, one in Shimano, one in Ti, one in steel, one in CF, etc is more fun. Displayed inside as artwork and cleaned more often than ridden.

Grade B road bike aka "daily driver": The one closest to the front door. A practical machine running fenders, lights, ample carrying capacity. Could include off-pavement friendly features, or those features could substantiate the need for another bike in this category. Kept in excellent working condition regardless of cleanliness.

Commuter: Large tires, overbuilt frame/fork, fenders, racks, lights, low gearing, etc. This comes closest to DIA, but will never satisfy the need for a Grade A road bike. Never cleaned, but always maintained.

Beyond these necessities, novelty functions can justify acquisition of new equipment. :help:

[cinema]

NO! Don't do it! Or if you do get that DIA bike, only use it as temporary justification to the significant other/household controller to immediately purchase said bike, only to explain later that it did not satisfy your needs in entirety, thereby justifying the need to purchase other bikes that fulfill narrower niche functions.

At a minimum, I require:

Grade A road bike: Stripped down and fast machines. One would suffice, but one in Campy, one in Shimano, one in Ti, one in steel, one in CF, etc is more fun. Displayed inside as artwork and cleaned more often than ridden.

Grade B road bike aka "daily driver": The one closest to the front door. A practical machine running fenders, lights, ample carrying capacity. Could include off-pavement friendly features, or those features could substantiate the need for another bike in this category. Kept in excellent working condition regardless of cleanliness.

Commuter: Large tires, overbuilt frame/fork, fenders, racks, lights, low gearing, etc. This comes closest to DIA, but will never satisfy the need for a Grade A road bike. Never cleaned, but always maintained.

Beyond these necessities, novelty functions can justify acquisition of new equipment. :help:

Make grade B your commuter and add a 29er to your list.

[KidWok]

Make grade B your commuter and add a 29er to your list.

Beyond these necessities, novelty functions can justify acquisition of new equipment. :help:

I'm covered in that eventuality. :p

Tai

[christian]

I rode 80 miles on my Hampsten Strada Bianca this weekend (on 25mm tubs) and 25 miles on my Colnago Extreme Power (on 22mm tubs). The Colnago is lighter, sure, but I could do just fine with just the SB.

[Ti Designs]

I have multiple bikes, but how I pick which one to ride on any given day makes going to just one pretty easy - I ride the closest bike to the door with air in the tires. The first hook near the door is where I hang my fixed gear all winter and my Serotta in the summer. This means I'll often show up for a ride on the wrong bike, but that's the fun part. Here are a few examples of showing up on the wrong bike:

D2R2 - I brought my Serotta. The gearing was 42/53 with a 12-23 cassette. That may have been a little stupid...

The Fat Bike Challenge this winter - I showed up on my Surly Steam Roller. Momentum is your friend, until you flip over...

The forum's Boston area cross ride - I brought my Serotta. There were a few times I was sure I was going to draft a tree, but other than winning the crash award I did just fine.

The first hammer ride of the season - I show up on my Steam Roller. It's not really possible to hold 20+ turning a 44x20, but that didn't stop me from trying.

Last week I was at Retul in Boulder. I didn't bring a bike, but the hotel had cruiser bikes that I could use. To their knowledge nobody else has ever taken one of their cruisers up Flagstaff mountain. I now know why. Going up was pretty hard. Coming down nearly killed me...


Looking back on all of this, I would have to say that one bike is a dumb idea.

[saab2000]

This is the closest thing I have to The One Bike, to rule them all. But even this is imperfect. But as close to perfect as they can get. Thankfully, we don't need to choose just one.

But it's Ti, so it won't corrode. It's made by IF, so it isn't likely to break anytime soon. It's got the disc brakes, which I believe are the future, but that remains to be seen. It's an ugly future. They're 'functionally beautiful' I guess.... They work well. And are no uglier than other non-caliper brakes. I think cantilever and V-brakes are fugly too. So I may as well at least have good braking, which these provide.

It's also got mounts for fenders, racks and I will probably install a dynamo up front at some point for front and rear lighting. And I asked for the most reasonable compromise for largish tires for even possibly studded tires, under the fenders, making it a nearly 12-month bike.

And with road tires the limiting factor is the rider, not the bike. It's not slow and I love the über-stable handling. I wish more road bikes had super stable handling like this one.

It's been published before. I've only got a couple hundred miles on it so far but hope to explore the limits more soon.

One bike to rule them all, one bike to find them. One bike to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/12293181786_67eebcfa6e_o.jpg

[spaced_ghost]

I'm looking at the Kona Rove for just this purpose. wish the Ti version wasn't so damn expensive.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/194289489dd837ac77bb4cae8968a5f6/tumblr_mxb6asZfj31scap7xo2_1280.jpg

[Cornfed]

I'm looking at the Kona Rove for just this purpose. wish the Ti version wasn't so damn expensive.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/194289489dd837ac77bb4cae8968a5f6/tumblr_mxb6asZfj31scap7xo2_1280.jpg

Same here. Anyone ridden the Kona Rove Ti? Impressions?

[tuscanyswe]

I rode 80 miles on my Hampsten Strada Bianca this weekend (on 25mm tubs) and 25 miles on my Colnago Extreme Power (on 22mm tubs). The Colnago is lighter, sure, but I could do just fine with just the SB.

Ah the first rides with a new bike, great feeling!

I really like the club racer, but its not the same as my moots road nore is it the same as the cx. Truth is if i could only have one bike it would be the moots road. id fit some studded tires to it somehow..:)

[sparky33]

geez weisan, i've been drooling over that bike for years without noticing it was built with the breakaway couplers. That is perfect.

I think this is close, i get used to the high bb on the road when i travel with road tires and the mini-v brakes have a ton of stopping power. If i were starting from scratch i'd likely go disc, but i'd want wet brakes, and until someone figures out a breaker you can put in the line, that will be hard to pack.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/2013-03-05161825_zpsc60d28b1.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/2013-03-05161834_zpsf4a97d58.jpg

i'd second working with tyler at firefly. I'm always going over his pics, and he seems to be able to give the people what they want. I'm just shaking out the build up of my first ff road frame (new to me) and if it feels as good as it seems to, i may start saving for a similar sort of frame as you built custom for me.


l

[rcnute]

Here's mine:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8715002372_a9b708199d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76883232@N02/8715002372/)

1982 Nishiki Cresta, heavily modified. This is in Rando mode, good for Centuries, Brevets, cruising to the local eateries here in Central Phoenix.

Here it is outfitted for short 3-Day tours in the AZ high country:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9487214435_460f57cd83_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76883232@N02/9487214435/)

Love this bike!

Man, this thing is nigh perfect as far as I'm concerned.

Ryan

[pinkshogun]

a great looking bike. i had a canti version at one time

[Admiral Ackbar]

that nishiki is lovely. I've been wanting/needing a ride like that.

don't think i could deal with having just one bike myself though, at least without having to seriously compromise.

[witcombusa]

I have to say I absolutely hate the idea of having one bike. Could NEVER do it.
That being said, this bike can do 88% of what I do most often.

[72gmc]

72gmc across the hall has done this. He has a steel Davidson for all his road riding. Doesn't seem to suffer for it.

That's me!

I don't suffer--at least not unless I intend to.

But I'm just a rider now. If I was going to return to racing in any capacity I would have a bike dedicated to it. I don't see the point in toeing the line if I'm not prepared to be as competitive as possible.

And I don't think anyone should avoid as nice a bike as they can afford just because it's going to be locked up at times. Don't let bike thieves decide what you ride. Buy a good lock, plan errands well, and have insurance.

[rwsaunders]

Here's the one that I want.

[pinkshogun]

.