More Than I Need, But Not As Many As I Want...

Having purchased two bikes since the 1st June to add to the one that I already own, this is predictably attracting a few comments of why I should want more than one bike...

I have a wishlist of about 5 or 6 bikes at the moment in the short term. I've decided I'm going to have a different bike for a different purpose. Once I've bought them all (only another 2  to go, a fast commuter and a folder for public transport) I shall buy pretty much anything simply because I like it ie it's different (bamboo frame, shaft drive). I might end up over the long term with over 20 like the 26 owned by an acquaintance of my Dad's.

I've noticed a degree of double standardism (my word, so there) when it comes to off beat interests and those of the mainstream, for example, soccer and TV watching. Seems those who question mainstream outside interests are told "each to their own", whilst it's OK to question and criticise the less popular ones, or pretty much anything that doesn't interest them...

I don't have to justify myself as to how I spend my money when it doesn't adversely affect someone else - ie spending the housekeeping on booze or gambling...

I've seen some Americans quoted as saying when asked how many guns they have and the answer is: "more than I need, but not as many as I want".

Well, it's the same with bikes for me ;-)

So, what do I have?

Kettler Selection

Gazelle Toer Populaire 

Kettler Spirit

And what do I want? Well, have a rough idea though it might change, it certainly does and has, and I'm not sure there's enough space either in this blog or in my house...

And what do I need? All of them...

New Stuff August...

OK - a smart phone holder, some cycling shorts, a chain checker and another rear rack basket for the right side - bit of a spending spree...but still only totalling £50.

I've sprayed the weeds...must remember to pick that coat hanger up...

I got this from Cellapod - on Ebay for £13.95 and am very pleased with it - nifty, nifty...Much better than sticking your phone in your pocket, you can see and hear if someone's ringing you. Comes with cushioning that protects the phone and has a water resistant clear plastic zip-up cover as you can see. Also looks great...I think...:D

I thought it was best mounted on the handlebars, the actual case can be unclipped from the mount when you park the bike. The mount is ball mounted so you can position to suit. The unit can be attached without tools. Which also means someone else can take it off without tools, so be wary when leaving the bike unattended...

`

My workhorse is even more useful...

Bought another basket from Clas Ohlson for the drive (right hand) side of the rear rack, as I've said before, from experience one of the most useful accessories you can add to a pushbike, but also the uncoolest - UK-side at least. Doubles my carrying capacity volume without luggage straps or bungees. I think that a bike should work for me, not the other way round.

Also bought a Park Tool Chain Checker, £9.99 from Evans. A simple must have tool for good bike maintenance. As some of you will know, the chain doesn't stretch through use, but because of dirt particles getting into the links. If the chain stretches a small amount, it needs replacing before it stretches even more. Should it stretch even more, there is the danger that the chain will damage the sprocket and chainring - a potentially very expensive situation because you should have but didn't replace a £10 part...I'm speaking from experience...

Chain checker from Park Tool who are 2nd to none with regard to bike tools - reflected in the price...2nd PT product I've bought...feeling a bit posh...

2 measurements to indicate whether just to change the chain or everything else damaged by a chain that should have been replaced before it damaged everything else.

The 0.5 will not insert into the links so the chain's OK (as it should be given it's new). If it did go in, the chain would need to be replaced; if the 0.75 side fit, then the chain, sprocket and chainring would need replacing, I understand as the stretched chain will have damaged them. Bit blurry - still working on my photography...

Occasionally I like to ride to a town about 15 miles away from where I live; I've noticed that it can get a bit hard on the posterior so I bought these Muddy Fox cycling shorts from Sports Soccer for £9.99. RRP is over £20. Typically cycling shorts are over £40, but I think these are more than adequate for occasional use. They are not lycra, but polyester and something called elastane (will look it up out of interest):

Some might be pleased
Some won't be pleased
That on this occasion
I 'ain't modelling these...