Is a spare bike necessary?
06-15-20, 12:13 PM
#101
Junior Member
Interesting timing for this question: I just messed up my front wheel and had to take it to the LBS for replacement and tuneup. I don't know what sort of time frame they could do it in "normal" times but it'll be a long while before I get it back - they're slammed. So I just have one other one - a three-speed old thing that I hadn't touched in over a year. I filled the tires and replaced the brake shoes and I've ridden it near-daily since then. (I'm not a "serious" biker in that I only ride 6-16 miles per trip, but I'm pretty consistent - it's my main form of exercise and recreation). I had actually been planning to sell it.
So - the answer to the question is, of course, "no", in that you don't "need" a spare bike unless it's your only vehicle. But, yeah, I'm glad I hung on to this one; it's amazing how few bikes are available, used or new, and this works fine for now.
So - the answer to the question is, of course, "no", in that you don't "need" a spare bike unless it's your only vehicle. But, yeah, I'm glad I hung on to this one; it's amazing how few bikes are available, used or new, and this works fine for now.
06-15-20, 12:18 PM
#102
Newbie
Messed up
thing I love about being a commuter cyclist is a bicycle is a very basic mechanical piece of kit, its not randomly going to not work, like an electrical gremlin in a car. In 35 years of commuting the worst I’ve had is a snapped rear derailleur cable where I “Limped” home in fixie mode. Even this was avoidable as I felt the cable was need of replacement for months, but knew it wasn’t going to be lights out if it broke.
a spare bike? If you have the money or space, we’ll go for it, me_ have neither so will “survive” with just one bike
06-15-20, 12:26 PM
#103
Newbie
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I don't sell my old bikes and use them as either a backup or put them on the trainer so I don't have to put bikes on then take them off.
06-15-20, 12:31 PM
#104
Senior Member
If you’re looking for an enabler, I’m you’re source. Go buy the bike and as you’re leaving the store, get some new kit, pedals, saddle, other varied and sundry gear and top it off with the chain lube of your choice.
If you’re wife has a problem, call me and I’ll help you formulate some pretty good arguments in support of how you did it for her.
If you’re wife has a problem, call me and I’ll help you formulate some pretty good arguments in support of how you did it for her.
06-15-20, 12:48 PM
#105
Junior Member
Some of us don't even have to lube chains because we ride Gates belt drive (my touring bike).
Just spray it with water to clean.
Just spray it with water to clean.
06-15-20, 02:08 PM
#106
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I'll just speak of road bikes, but I do have one mountain bike.
For road bikes, the minimum is one of each of the four major materials, steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium. I would consider this basic, and none are really "spares" because, for example, if the titanium bike has a flat tire, you don't have another titanium bike to grab and go. And, at least as far as steel goes, you'd probably need to have a contemporary steel with modern parts, and a vintage steel with - at the very least - period correct parts, if not as-built. And a back up for both of those too. So 12.
For road bikes, the minimum is one of each of the four major materials, steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium. I would consider this basic, and none are really "spares" because, for example, if the titanium bike has a flat tire, you don't have another titanium bike to grab and go. And, at least as far as steel goes, you'd probably need to have a contemporary steel with modern parts, and a vintage steel with - at the very least - period correct parts, if not as-built. And a back up for both of those too. So 12.
06-15-20, 03:19 PM
#107
Senior Member
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I have spare wheels to avoid that.
Being partial to 2001-2006 Campagnolo Record apart from 2010 Ultrashift levers, I also have enough spares to build up frameset except for the cockpit parts
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 06-15-20 at 04:44 PM.
06-15-20, 04:42 PM
#109
Member
The utility/beater bike is a conundrum. I got my first utility/beater bike so I could save my good bike for appropriate occasions. But as a bike to use every day the beater has to be fun to ride and at least as good as the ‘good’ bike or it wouldn’t get used. However I then realised I needed a utility/beater so my utility/beater could be saved for good, but again the beater had to be fun to ride, but again I realised I needed another beater/utility bike. Anyway heading towards 10 utility/beater bikes now with no end in sight, not sure how to deal with this problem?
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06-16-20, 08:09 AM
#110
Senior Member
My old Trek has new wheels, a whole new drivetrain, new seatpost and seat. Stem too. Only thing remaining is the frame, which was repainted after a repair. So, is it the same bike, or a new bike?
Discuss.
Discuss.
06-16-20, 08:13 PM
#112
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
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I don't have any "spare" bikes, just bikes.
06-16-20, 09:38 PM
#113
Senior Member
06-17-20, 05:02 AM
#115
Hand-cyclist
If you can...why not?
A spare bike is nice...if you already got all the classifications of bikes you need. Some of us have no options but to be happy with what we got, especially when you ride a hand-cycle. Your basic Top End Force (the Schwinn of hand-cycles) is $6K, and I couldn't even afford that. Mine was donated by Project Hero, otherwise I'd have no bike at all.
Since I live in SE Arizona, I'd like a MTB, but the mountain bike version of a hand-cycle starts at $12K.
Since I live in SE Arizona, I'd like a MTB, but the mountain bike version of a hand-cycle starts at $12K.
06-20-20, 12:43 AM
#117
Senior Member
Two road bikes works great for me. One commuter and another for weekend. Commuter with fenders is very good for a ride on the wet too 
Then, got an e-bike so my wife could keep a good speed when riding together. She also has one hybrid Trek.
And another hybrid Trek.
And, ended up getting another road bike that I borrowed to a friend on the new normal (spare ?).
Then, got an e-bike so my wife could keep a good speed when riding together. She also has one hybrid Trek.
And another hybrid Trek.
And, ended up getting another road bike that I borrowed to a friend on the new normal (spare ?).
