How many “keepers” do you have?
#76
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I'm personally fascinated that so many people have such a high number of bicycles that they think they'll keep for years to come. I must ask, of those with five or more bikes on their list, how many of those bikes have already been owned for more than at least a couple of years? How do you decide something is a "keeper" if it's a relatively new acquisition, or if you're still adding to your collection?
#77
Senior Member
Three.
1973 Gran Sport. Bought new in my teens, and I still love the ride.
1978 Team Champion. Also bought new; keeper because if I sold it I’d have no bike with NR and tubulars.
1992 Ibis tandem. Even if I said it could go, I would be overruled. And it rides really nicely.
1973 Gran Sport. Bought new in my teens, and I still love the ride.
1978 Team Champion. Also bought new; keeper because if I sold it I’d have no bike with NR and tubulars.
1992 Ibis tandem. Even if I said it could go, I would be overruled. And it rides really nicely.
#78
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Out of the bikes I've built (to the left), the Monkey is the only one that I figure I could sell and actually get back most of what I put into it. I spent far too much money building the Raleigh Sports...it was my first build, had to learn everything, and things got pretty stupid. The Vertical is my go-anywhere commuter, no way am I giving that up. I love the Univega Gran Turismo too much to give it up, it rides like a dream in spite of my fat arse. The Twenty is my wife's bike, so that's not going anywhere.
#79
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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I must ask, of those with five or more bikes on their list, how many of those bikes have already been owned for more than at least a couple of years? How do you decide something is a "keeper" if it's a relatively new acquisition, or if you're still adding to your collection?
That doesn't really answer your question of how I decide. Mostly it is about how they feel on the road. Of course that dictates which ones get ridden the most. I picked these frames to build because they offered some aura, a promise of wonderfulness. Mostly they deliver what they promised. They are all different. But "keeper" implies something must be given up too or else we'd keep them all. If I must give up something to avoid the zombies, it would be ones that fall just a bit shorter than the rest, no matter how good they are. Or the ones that are not so different from another in the collection. So far they are all keepers.
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#80
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My two keepers, the Legnano I got new 55 years ago, and the Raleigh, I built from a scrap frame 3 1/2 or so years ago. Long story short, the Legnano is my first "real" bike, and we have 55 years of history, and the Super Course was my first build, but what a joy to ride. I have newer bikes that I've had longer than the Raleigh, but they aren't on the keeper list ... as of right now. My 2007 Roubaix (had since new) is close, just missed the cut because it tried to kill me a couple of times, but that's another story ...
Last edited by Slightspeed; 08-05-19 at 09:44 PM.
#81
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@Vonruden, I couldn't see selling any of those either.
--
My keepers:
'86 LOOK Equipe/Bernard Hinault (753r) - I've had this bike since I was a teenager. Rides like a dream. Tons of nostalgia.
'89 Parkpre Team Road - This was my teenage team-issue race bike. Again, lots of nostalgia.
'90 Parkpre Team MTB - Team MTB I've had since I was a teenager. (No photo)
'90 Merlin - The bike I wanted as a teenager, though couldn't afford on e at the time. I was finally able to find one in my size a few years ago,, and it lived up to my expectations. I'm not going to let this one go.
'73 Speedwell Titalite - The garage queen. I don't ride this one much, but I love to look at it.
'72 Cilo Pacer - This is my commuter, errand, go-anywhere, do-anything, gravel, Eroica, toss-it-in-the-trunk, take-the-family-out bike. This bike fits and rides wonderfully. I've upgraded the parts over time, but it remains a quintessential C&V bike.
'85 De Rosa Professional - My only Italian, and my only bike built with a modern drivetrain. Rides nice, too.
Last edited by gaucho777; 08-06-19 at 11:32 AM.
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#83
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S
1981 Schwinn Superior. Purchased as a frame set in 2017 on BF from a friend of @unworthy1. It's a keeper because it fits, 531, "fancy" (to quote my wife) lugs, orange. Been riding this exclusively for the last 2 years.
1981 Schwinn Superior. Purchased as a frame set in 2017 on BF from a friend of @unworthy1. It's a keeper because it fits, 531, "fancy" (to quote my wife) lugs, orange. Been riding this exclusively for the last 2 years.
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#84
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The Huffy has a practical place as well.
One other bike I own and forgot to list is my McLean. If I sold it, I'd likely never find another.
Besides, I overpaid for the bike at the peak of vintage bike frenzy. I'll just hold it and enjoy it out on the road occasionally.
It's a fun discussion item at the bike shop as well.
#85
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Can't see you ever moving those along. The Marnati is a very special bike, as is the Vanilla.
The Huffy has a practical place as well.
One other bike I own and forgot to list is my McLean. If I sold it, I'd likely never find another.
Besides, I overpaid for the bike at the peak of vintage bike frenzy. I'll just hold it and enjoy it out on the road occasionally.
It's a fun discussion item at the bike shop as well.
The Huffy has a practical place as well.
One other bike I own and forgot to list is my McLean. If I sold it, I'd likely never find another.
Besides, I overpaid for the bike at the peak of vintage bike frenzy. I'll just hold it and enjoy it out on the road occasionally.
It's a fun discussion item at the bike shop as well.
#86
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@Vonruden, I couldn't see selling any of those either.
--
My keepers:
'86 LOOK Equipe/Bernard Hinault (753r) - I've had this bike since I was a teenager. Rides like a dream. Tons of nostalgia.
'89 Parkpre Team Road - This was my teenage team-issue race bike. Again, lots of nostalgia.
'90 Parkpre Team MTB - Team MTB I've had since I was a teenager.
'90 Merlin - The bike I wanted as a teenager, though couldn't afford on e at the time. I was finally able to find one in my size a few years ago,, and it lived up to my expectations. I'm not going to let this one go.
'73 Speedwell Titalite - The garage queen. I don't ride this one much, but I love to look at it.
'72 Cilo Pacer - This is my commuter, errand, go-anywhere, do-anything, gravel, Eroica, toss-it-in-the-trunk, take-the-family-out bike. This bike fits and rides wonderfully. I've upgraded the parts over time, but it remains a quintessential C&V bike.
'85 De Rosa Professional - My only Italian, and my only bike built with a modern drivetrain. Rides nice, too.
Merlins are about as close to perfect as a bike gets, and, honestly, the only roadie I've ever liked as much was a custom, which doesn't count.
I have this brit by a builder named Pete Matthews, and that's a HECK of a bike, especially for older tubing.
#87
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Probably too many, but the exact number has not been settled, save for the DeRosa.
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2010 AB T1X ** 2010 Cannondale SIX-5 ** 1993 Cannondale RS900 ** 1988 Bottecchia Team Record ** 1989 Bianchi Brava ** 1988 Nishiki Olympic ** 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert(2) ** 1985 DeRosa Professional SLX ** 1982 Colnago Super ** 1982 Basso Gap ** 198? Ciocc Competition SL ** 19?? Roberts Audax ** 198? Brian Rourke ** 1982 Mercian Olympic ** 1970 Raleigh Professional MK I ** 1952 Raleigh Sports
#88
Junior Member
'90 Diamond Back MTB, converted to a 1x6. I built it to be a clone of my teenage self's bike. I can't imagine ever parting with it, it invokes too many memories.
#89
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The bikes I listed above are the bikes I own. I don't have any others. I don't flip bikes anymore. Maybe I didn't use the term "keeper" properly. If "keeper" means I don't see myself ever selling it, then maybe some of the bikes that I have for now won't be with me forever.
Lemond: I like my Lemond, but I've only had it a short time, and if I can find a similarly lightweight bike that fits 650b tires more easily, I might replace the Lemond. Right now it has 650b wheels and long-reach brakes and 38mm tires. The clearance between tire and chainstay is only 1 or 2 mm, so I'm asking for trouble. It doesn't look like a permanent configuration. But the bike rides a bit harshly with 27 mm 700c tires.
Super Course: My Super Course keeps proving to be worthy, and I've lost count of the times I've partially and fully rebuilt it. I got the partial bike for $0, and the market value is low, so if it got stolen or trashed, I think I wouldn't be heartbroken. On the other hand, I like riding it a lot, so maybe I would be. If I came upon a more lovable bike, would I replace the Super Course with it? Only if the test ride shows it to have more charisma than the Super Course.
Viscount: This is another low-market-value bike, and the ride isn't magical, either. I sometimes lock it up in the city because I won't be heartbroken if it gets stolen. I'm going to replace the fixed cog with a single-speed freewheel to see if I like that. Sometimes I don't want the vigorous workout I get from riding fixed.
Raleigh Pro Track: This is an impractical bike, like a sports car. It's not very comfortable, as it's built for short races. I raced it for one summer. I might get bored with it one day, and it takes up space. I might as well keep it while I can afford to.
McLean: This is definitely a keeper. It fits well, and the handling is very predictable and controllable even at high speed. And it's gorgeous. I built it up in 1983 with Campagnolo Super Record and Nuovo Record components. A few years ago, I rebuilt it with an indexed drivetrain. It still has my original brake calipers, Campagnolo Record single pivots.
Raleigh International: I would be hurt if this were stolen, yet I do lock it up occasionally, which I probably shouldn't do. At least I don't do it regularly. The bike proves to be versatile. As I said before, it's good for utility rides and pleasure rides. I think this one is a keeper.
Lemond: I like my Lemond, but I've only had it a short time, and if I can find a similarly lightweight bike that fits 650b tires more easily, I might replace the Lemond. Right now it has 650b wheels and long-reach brakes and 38mm tires. The clearance between tire and chainstay is only 1 or 2 mm, so I'm asking for trouble. It doesn't look like a permanent configuration. But the bike rides a bit harshly with 27 mm 700c tires.
Super Course: My Super Course keeps proving to be worthy, and I've lost count of the times I've partially and fully rebuilt it. I got the partial bike for $0, and the market value is low, so if it got stolen or trashed, I think I wouldn't be heartbroken. On the other hand, I like riding it a lot, so maybe I would be. If I came upon a more lovable bike, would I replace the Super Course with it? Only if the test ride shows it to have more charisma than the Super Course.
Viscount: This is another low-market-value bike, and the ride isn't magical, either. I sometimes lock it up in the city because I won't be heartbroken if it gets stolen. I'm going to replace the fixed cog with a single-speed freewheel to see if I like that. Sometimes I don't want the vigorous workout I get from riding fixed.
Raleigh Pro Track: This is an impractical bike, like a sports car. It's not very comfortable, as it's built for short races. I raced it for one summer. I might get bored with it one day, and it takes up space. I might as well keep it while I can afford to.
McLean: This is definitely a keeper. It fits well, and the handling is very predictable and controllable even at high speed. And it's gorgeous. I built it up in 1983 with Campagnolo Super Record and Nuovo Record components. A few years ago, I rebuilt it with an indexed drivetrain. It still has my original brake calipers, Campagnolo Record single pivots.
Raleigh International: I would be hurt if this were stolen, yet I do lock it up occasionally, which I probably shouldn't do. At least I don't do it regularly. The bike proves to be versatile. As I said before, it's good for utility rides and pleasure rides. I think this one is a keeper.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#90
Somewhat slow older guy
Timely subject, because last fall I did what I didn't think I'd ever do and sold the '71 Masi Gran Criterium. It just deserved to be ridden and used. And just last week I sold the '88 Ironman Master and a Trek XO-1. They weren't being used, so time to move them along.
Now I'm debating which of the remaining are real keepers:
'96 Litespeed still rides wonderfully with full Campy.
'01 or so LeMond carbon Versailles is nice, but might be on the fence.
Serrotta CSI is very nice, but still relatively new to me, so not sure that we've bonded yet.
And the '84 Trek (first "real"bike) is going through another reconfiguration, and will probably be around as long as I can ride.
And now, I have space for something new.
Now I'm debating which of the remaining are real keepers:
'96 Litespeed still rides wonderfully with full Campy.
'01 or so LeMond carbon Versailles is nice, but might be on the fence.
Serrotta CSI is very nice, but still relatively new to me, so not sure that we've bonded yet.
And the '84 Trek (first "real"bike) is going through another reconfiguration, and will probably be around as long as I can ride.
And now, I have space for something new.
#91
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I'm personally fascinated that so many people have such a high number of bicycles that they think they'll keep for years to come. I must ask, of those with five or more bikes on their list, how many of those bikes have already been owned for more than at least a couple of years? How do you decide something is a "keeper" if it's a relatively new acquisition, or if you're still adding to your collection?
The newest addition, granted, was only purchased a week or so ago, but it was my grail bike, so I expect a long and enjoyable relationship with that one for years and years and years.
DD
Last edited by Drillium Dude; 08-06-19 at 01:29 PM.
#92
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I've been "done" more times than I can remember. I was actually "done" again about a month ago.
Then the Look showed up, and a Litespeed, and a Cinelli.
I do recognize I have a problem. I just don't care to do anything about it.
Then the Look showed up, and a Litespeed, and a Cinelli.
I do recognize I have a problem. I just don't care to do anything about it.
#93
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there are good problems and bad problems, bikes are rarely a bad problem
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#94
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I may be a tornado of (always gratefully) nice bikes/frames/components, but my two iron-clad keepers are my 1974 Schwinn Paramount P15-9 and my 1987 Schwinn Prologue
The Paramount was a rescue. Found beaten up and broken, bought, had repaired, repainted (myself), and through a number of different configurations, is now in her best form. Truly my Queen of the Fleet. All The Pretty Parts are on her, and she is built to conquer great distances in style and supreme comfort. Her frame has always been 'strong' feeling, and with a stiffer, more performance-oriented wheelset, her out-of-the-saddle movements are a lot closer to race bike than out-and-out touring bike. Downtube shifters would be more than fitting, but for effortless, butter-smooth shifting convenience, it doesn't get any better than a 3x10 7800 Dura-Ace setup.
The Prologue earns her keeper status not only because of the initial efforts of @Clang and @camelopardalis but also because of her superb ride, handling, and feel--to say nothing of her beauty and rarity. The Ultegra 6770-era Di2 shifting and other components make her the best she's ever been. Truly a comfortable, fast, yet accessible and familiar bike to ride at any speed.
The Paramount was a rescue. Found beaten up and broken, bought, had repaired, repainted (myself), and through a number of different configurations, is now in her best form. Truly my Queen of the Fleet. All The Pretty Parts are on her, and she is built to conquer great distances in style and supreme comfort. Her frame has always been 'strong' feeling, and with a stiffer, more performance-oriented wheelset, her out-of-the-saddle movements are a lot closer to race bike than out-and-out touring bike. Downtube shifters would be more than fitting, but for effortless, butter-smooth shifting convenience, it doesn't get any better than a 3x10 7800 Dura-Ace setup.
The Prologue earns her keeper status not only because of the initial efforts of @Clang and @camelopardalis but also because of her superb ride, handling, and feel--to say nothing of her beauty and rarity. The Ultegra 6770-era Di2 shifting and other components make her the best she's ever been. Truly a comfortable, fast, yet accessible and familiar bike to ride at any speed.
Last edited by RiddleOfSteel; 08-06-19 at 10:36 PM.
#95
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Keeper(s)
Probably the one I wouldn't let go of would be my '86 Emerald Green Schwinn Paramount, although I might swap the Dura Ace for all the Campy pieces on the '89 Paramount.
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#96
Junior Member
One. I like the continuity with my youthful adventures on the same bike, and the performance check.
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#97
Member
Mid 60's Sears 5 speed made in Austria is comfortable to me. Plus, due to the green color, I ride it in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade here
1960 Western Flyer 3 speed made in England
Modern Mongoose Mountain Bike (24 inch wheels) for riding with the family. Great for the annual Halloween Parade, due to the Orange and Black color
1960 Western Flyer 3 speed made in England
Modern Mongoose Mountain Bike (24 inch wheels) for riding with the family. Great for the annual Halloween Parade, due to the Orange and Black color
#98
Gearhead
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I have 7 bikes and they re all "Keepers" because they all work, and I ride them, even though some of them are older than most of the people reading this post right now. I actually have a fondness for Old School bikes and equipment, like friction shifters, Shogun bicycles, Huret components, Vista bikes, etc...
#99
Senior Member
Me, I have a LeMond Team Pro which I've upgraded with new components & wheels, the first model he put his name on, is my only real keeper. But I kept the 53 chain wheel (when most bikes came with 52's) as it has LeMond stamped many times on it along the outer edge.
#100
Senior Member
20 bikes. One mountain bike, one carbon bike and all the rest are vintage steel.