Whilst any cyclist worth his weight in Reynolds tubing will
fully understand the enduring principle of N+1, it’s what follows adherence to
this rule which I want to discuss..
Last year I was fortunate enough to take delivery of my
dream bike, a full custom Rourke in oh so glorious 953 Stainless Steel. This
was always going to be Bike #1 and it’s difficult to see this ever changing if
I’m honest. ‘Brian’ enjoys all the benefits that come with a #1 designation,
and his place in the pecking order is as solid as the TIG welding holding his
tubes in place.
But what about the rest of the bikes in the stable? Which is
#2, #3, and so on? Does it matter? I think it probably does, but how should we
designate? Value is far too crude; versatility perhaps; looks maybe? It’s no
easy task.
Bike #5 takes care of itself. My off road option is a bike
which I still love as much as the day I collected from Dave Mellor Cycles back
in 2007. You can keep your 29ers, as well as the next big thing, the ‘650b’. I’ll
stick with my trusty Orange 5, surely one of the greatest do it all, go
anywhere bikes that have ever been produced.
It’s #2 and #3 that are causing me most problems, and it
come down to a straight fight between two bikes which although seemingly so
different, have much in common. In the end it’s the Specialized Langster which
wins the #2 spot, with #3 going to my trusty On-One Pompino. This one really
could have gone either way, it was that close.
What about #4? Well the tandem can take this spot. It’s quite
apt as well as it’s the only bike in the line up which all 4 members of the
family have ridden.
So, with that tricky little conundrum sorted, I can now get to work setting up the new Alfine back wheel that I’ve
recently taken delivery of for London2Paris2013!
Vive la Velo