HOW MANY bikes do you ACTUALLY need?

[@Deedumdee]

Need: 0 Want: Lots Afford: 1

[@nommchompsky]

3 bikes is too few, but I think if you add a 4th "party cruiser" it is possible to get everything a person could need out of 4 bikes. 5 If you need a cargo bike for big loads. 6 if you need electric. 7 if you...

[@DejanOfRadic]

I really appreciate your humble and practical approach to bicycles

[@stockton350]

Gotta have a vintage steel single speed beater for locking up outside the bar.

[@GreenRC24]

Mountain Bike for fun on the trails. Gravel Bike for long travel, commuting, and adventure travel.

[@MatthewWenzel31]

The 3 bike stable for me would probably be very similar to the three types you've suggested - Commuter, Mountain Bike, Road Bike. Unfortunately, I only have space and money for one, so my gravel bike has to be all three ;)

[@davidgaible7906]

one of the reasons gravel bikes are so rad!

[@Spindatt]

I’ve tried making this video for just one bike in the past, but need to do it again. Fast gravel bike, with tonnes of room for tire but that still looks good with something smaller. But also a BMX. And a mountain bike. Also a fixed gear. Or two. Oh that dirt jumper is cool! ....I wonder if I could build a budget cargo bike?

[@stinkyfungus]

N+1 , it's the only way to live.

[@donovancash4661]

I guess it's kinda off topic but does anyone know of a good site to stream new tv shows online ?

[@bakercolton9226]

@Donovan Cash flixportal :D

[@donovancash4661]

@Baker Colton Thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service =) I really appreciate it !!

[@bakercolton9226]

@Donovan Cash You are welcome =)

[@paulanderson2201]

I practiced bike monogamy for two years with my REI Co Op ADV 3.1, upgraded to Gevenalle shifters. Then a few weeks ago, I rented a 2016 Synapse AL 105 while that was repaired/maintained, and I shaved ten minutes off my work ride each way. Couldn't let it go. Wife is still around...

[@MrParacristo]

I agree with your categories. I got a Surly Disc Trucker and was convinced that it was the one bike for everything! It’s NOT. I was getting left on group rides and realized it is just heavy. Since then I have grown to love my Cervelo once again. I don’t race but it is nice to go on a T-Shirt ride, BAK or RAGBRAI and not get destroyed. Also my wife loves her road bike and it is great to have a machine to ride with her. My newest bike is my Penny Farthing. I want this to be my Adventure bike, parade bike, car show bike. I am starting a video series about PennyPacking (BikePacking on a Penny Farthing) and it is going to be my main machine. Thank you for the content!!!

[@l2-4upphysicaltrainingover40]

Great mix of bikes! I think that this question needs some context!!! I think that the standard answers will ALWAYS be jaded by a singular concept, that complicates the discussion. That concept is, ARE YOU A legitimate competitive "RACER"??? If you are not, which is true for 99% of all of us, then, OF COURSE you can get away with one solid choice for ALL of your LEGITIMATE, biking needs. By way of example, a Trek Check Point ALR 5 can be: A daily commuter; A shopping/grocery trip bike, A fitness bike; A local personal-friends-family group ride bike; A weekend on or off road local travel bike; A bike that allows you to ride with large local team/club rides; A bike that allows you to enter large non-professional biking events that occur within driving distance of your home; A bike that you can use for Bike Packing; A bike that you can use to tour long distance (Ryan Van -Duzer road his TREK CHECKPOINT across the USA). WHY DOES ANYONE NEED MORE THAN THE EXAMPLE OF A TREK "CHECK POINT", OR SIMILAR OPTION....UNLESS YOUR LEGITIMATE COMPETITIVE RACER??? I THINK THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF FOLKS OUT THERE THAT ARE TAINTED BY A "FANTASY", THAT THEY ARE "CYCLISTS"...VICE WHO THEY REALLY ARE...WHICH IS FOLKS THAT SIMPLY ENJOY BIKING. IF YOUR BIKE WEIGHS 30 POUNDS, AND YOUR FRIENDS WEIGHS 35, AND TAKES HIM A LITTLE MORE TIME TO GET UP THE HILL LEADING TO THE COFFEE SHOP...DOES HE REALLY NEED A NEW ALL CARBON "WEEKEND COFFEE SHOP $4000 BIKE???

[@wesleywright7322]

My theme matches yours. Daily driver: LHT. Off-road adventure/tourer: ECR. Fast fun: Pacer. I'm just a Surly guy.

[@ADAP7IVE]

LHT was my daily too. I'd like to switch to a Steamroller I think for that, and move the LHT to true touring mode.

[@sedricmalonejr]

I am interested in the Surly line. Any suggestions for a straight bar commuter, fitness bike? Thanks!!

[@brianbechtol7329]

I've pretty much settled on 3 also- 1. Fast and light bike 2. Utility bike 3. Mountain bike Tried including a #4 Beater bike but never really seem to ride it since It's a POS

[@jochenkraus7016]

Number four is great when there's sometimes snow and ice and you need a second "daily driver" with studded tires.

[@wsmvolunteers8588]

I'm a recreational and fitness rider of advanced age (76). Without any specific plan, I have ended up with three bikes. My go fast bike for pavement and path riding is a 2013 Specialized Tarmac Elite. My all around bike is a 1989 Specialized Rock Combo. I'm retired and live in a rural area ten miles from the nearest town so no commuting. The SRC would fit that role. It also is useful on gravel and hard pack roads near my house. The mountain bike is a 1986 Diamondback Ascent I bought for $7.50 at a thrift store. It is set up with rack and bags for longer rides on unstable dirt and cross country on public grasslands. Thank you again for useful videos that are a good source of information and inspiration for the type of riding I do.

[@chris.s1678]

1. My curly bar beach cruiser, converted to flat bar fixie with rear rack for the weekday commute. 2. The custom steel frame drop bar all road bike I’m currently building for long hauls and gravel rides/charity events.

[@xbmarx]

1. Daily utility/touring - Surly Disc Trucker 2. Offroad/adventure touring - Surly Troll 3. Car replacement/commuter EBike - Priority Embark All three make rotations as my "daily driver" depending on my mood

[@nickponz]

Same categories. 1) Surly Long Haul Trucker (Daily & Touring) 2) Surly Karate Monkey 27.5+ (MTB & Bikepacking) 3) Advocate Lorax Ti (Fast & Gravel). Perfect!

[@csobering3108]

I think my sweet spot was 4 bikes - before I got into collecting vintage bikes. 1 disc commuter/cxish bike, 1 go fast bike, 1 mountain bike, and a back up commuter or snow bike. I like to have an eroica bike, a klunker for shopping and a gravel bike too. A vintage drop bar mountain bike would be sweet too....

[@p4blodiabl0]

I'm also part of the non-competitive team, so I like to try different things: - Urban/Light XC/Do it all: Bianchi Meta '90, retrofitted (3 wheelsets: slick, hybrid, mtb) - Commuter/Gravel: Kona Dr. Dew (2 wheelsets) - Mountain: short travel double suspension K2 Attack 2.0 trail - Fast Road: Rossin Ghibli '86, full 2x11 Campagnolo Athena carbon (my precious). Usually I fall in love with the geometry, that's why I can't sell them in order to have a new one...

[@MikeSwift.v1]

I have a Kona for the commuter too. Love it.

[@travisjgood02]

I pretty much have the perfect stable for me now. I’ve got a checkpoint for road, gravel, and tame mountain bike trails. A stache for pretty much any mountain bike trail here in my area . And I have a farley fat bike since I live in northern Indiana and we be a good amount of lake effect snow every winter.

[@wescheslak9408]

I’m in South Texas. It’s super flat and super hot eight months of the year. I get in close to 200 rides a year. My opinion, or what works for me is: Road Bike 🚴‍♂️ Gravel Bike 🚴 Mountain Bike 🚵‍♂️ three total.

[@burkec33]

Actually amazing how many people are in the 3-bike family, although some for different reasons. They all seems to be the equivalent of sports car, SUV and minivan - speed, rough terrain and pragmatism.

[@Frostbiker]

The closest thing to rough terrain that most SUVs experience is suburban roads damaged by... heavy SUVs.

[@salvadoribarra1985]

I’m think of myself as a slow speed junkie. 1. The Commuter/ comfort/ Daily- 2014 Motobecane steel with full 105 drive train 28c tires 2. My quick run errands/ Fun - 1970’s Gitane Tour de France Aluminum with a 46x16t single speed drive train 25c Tires 3. My fast/ Race - 2010 Fuji SST 3.0 Carbon with Full 105 Drive train and 23c

[@zroeder]

It is difficult to imagine living with only 3 bikes, but...road bike w/ 28s and fenders, singlespeed hardtail, and Big Dummy. Touring would be interesting.

[@ttiwehde]

My three “single” go to bikes: Rodriguez UTB Journey . For touring ,commuter. Jones LWB Titanium plus . MTB ,Gravel. Carl Strong road custom blend . Fast road. And our double: Schwinn duo for a non riding wife. Thanks for your awesome work that you do Russ

[@DirectRegister]

I was excited to see this video, because I’ve also been planning a three-bike stable. For me it would be a daily driver with front basket/bag, a carbon road bike to make the most of city rides, and a gravel bike with single-track and bikepacking capabilities. Thanks for posting the video!

[@spennysailor]

Currently at 4, but I think it is perfect! 1. Racey gravel bike (Norco Section) 2. Single speed gravel bike 3. Full suspension XC mountain bike 4. BMX

[@ThatGuy-mn2gg]

If you are still active can you share your experience regarding the Norco Section. I have a Felt Breed 30 which is perfect, but I want fast steel road bike.

[@MattX451]

1 - Steel gravel bike 2 - fixed gear commuter

[@yateswebb]

yep. steamroller.

[@MattX451]

@@yateswebb that's what I have !

[@yateswebb]

@@MattX451 nice! mine got stolen last week in brooklyn, on my last day in the city no less :( .... now i'm in Atlanta and have a Straggler on the way. Hope to rebuild a steamroller some day, or similar beater. Then down the road add a mountain bike to the stable...

[@KowalskiVanishing_Point]

What a coincidence. I have 3 bikes but mainly because I don't get rid of them. 1) a mid 90s Cannondale MTB with rigid fork- good commuter with 1.5-1.9" tires and pretty bullet proof. 2)2008 Kona Dawg Supreme DS for trails-again, bulletproof. 3)2019 Salas Fargo 29" which is all I've been riding this year. Gonna have it as road/touring/off road touring bike. Throwing some Hookworms on this week.

[@MnBicycleCommuter]

I’ve got it down to five. Your three categories and two other categories. I add a fat bike for winter trail riding and a Brompton I take in the back of the car on every road trip. My daily driver is an A-train Cycles custom all-weather drop bar bike (Rohloff + Gates Belt drive). I also bought a Jones Plus SWB complete. It’s my mountain bike, mixed terrain bike and my off-pavement bikepacking bike. My go-fast bike is a custom Ellis Cycles road bike. Great content Russ.

[@leestuurmans2837]

1st gen Surly Krampus w/ racks everywhere for trail touring and daily hauling. 2011 Kink Tocco BMX mostly for reminiscing at this point and occasionally getting hurt while discovering how fat and clumsy I am now. 2018 Bat'leth (custom hardtail I made at UBI) whose main function is to remind me that I can't finish anything, ever.

[@kurtruppel6156]

Thanks for another good video Russ. New viewer and go back in your archives to pull out gems like this one. Just did a N+1-2 when I bought a Tanglefoot Hardtack. Sold the Yeti downhiller MTB and Lemond cyclocross bikes. Retained the Specialized Epic and Parlee Z5 for MTB and Fast Road. Hardtack is getting 95% of my miles currently. Your philosophy on riding has re-energized my riding - thanks for that!

[@12tayloaush]

Same here! Daily Driver - 1983 Specialized Expedition Adventure Bike - 2018 Surly Wednesday Go Fast Bike - 2018 Surly Midnight Special

[@FireWoksFilms]

Working on building this stable: - Town Bike: single speed cyclocross bike with a basket & fenders - Adventure Bike: for gravel rides, mellow singletrack & weekend touring - Winter Bike: so that I don't go crazy in the snowy months...

[@alexhelling4128]

Russ I love your perspective and think you nailed the 3 bikes most riders would want. I know winter riding isn't really your thing but in Anchorage Fatbikes rule the winter. There are so many trails and the community is great. If you ever make it up here I would love to show you around. We can even make you some coffee outside if it will help keep you warm.

[@PaulVizard]

#1 Brompton (If I only had one bike, this would be it) #2 Trek Conduit eBike #3 Salsa Fargo (29", but could go 27.5+) All three can do most things I want, but under different situations

[@dougfromsoanierana]

If you are a fan of folding bikes check out Bike Friday (based in Oregon). I used to own a Tikit hyperfold with a belt drive and loved it.

[@joelelvery3092]

1. Daily rider: Fixed gear 1982 Trek 710 road bike with mustache bars 2. Off-road: 2007 Trek 6000 3. Classic 3-speed: 50 year old Rudge The 3-speed isn’t really necessary, but it makes a great back up commuter bike and I love it too much to sell it. It is is such a great example of form follows function. For example, it has a 32 spoke front wheel and 40 spoke rear wheel. This gives same weight as a pair of 36 spoke wheels, but puts the strength where it is most needed.

[@jeremiahjensen8389]

I love seeing other riders' stables! I'm more of a full dirt fan, so skinny tire bikes just don't float my boat. I'm definitely a plus tire fan, but like all style of dirt riding. I'm currently trying to cut my fleet down to 3 or 4 right now....as I currently have 9 bikes! I believe my go to stable would be as follows (but it's hard now-a-days with so many amazing rigs out there): 1.Commuter / Snow Bike / Grocery Getter- Super 73 S2 (I know it's an ebike, but my commute each day is 15 miles each way, and in the snow the pedal-assist motor helps a lot!) 2. MTB- Canfield Balance (for park, trails, long epics, steep tech, and forgiveness in the gnarly stuff) 3. Hardtail- Pyscholist Flunker (one-off Titanium fat bike w/ custom geo, tire clearance for ANY wheel size, light for bike packing, and made to look like an old Schwinn klunker) 4. EITHER*** plus sized SS **OR** Tour Packer- Transition Trans AM set up SS w/ 50mm 26+ wheels, dropper, and 30/19 gearing, OR Stooge Dirtbomb w/ a basket and bags for days ( both are steel, and currently trying to decide on the fourth man out bike and not sure if I enjoy romping around on the SS w/ no care of damage more or if I enjoy touring on 29x3.25 tires on 50mm rims w/ bags everywhere for anything in front of me) HONORABLE MENTIONS: -Velo Orange Nutrino Minivelo -Surly Instigator 2.0 -Stanton Sherpa 853 -Transition Bottlerocket -Stooge MK5 -ANY Oddity Cycles rig

[@MTBIKEXC]

I’m down to two: 1. Fully rigid MTB for gravel and 2. 150mm full suspension for mountain biking. No more road bike and no XC race bike anymore.

[@baytinsopo]

3 bikes, all 700c: Road/CX: 2000 Specialized M4 Fixed: Steel All-City build out (when I don't want to be lazy) 'Rain Bike': Old Univega with fenders for Florida summer rains Appreciate your work. All the best

[@CaptainShiny5000]

Well, I can only afford one bike so I went for the Trek Checkpoint ALR. It's not the lightest at ~10.5kg give or take but it accelerates very well due to the short wheelbase and if you you're going for stability you can lengthen the wheelbase with the adjustable dropout and for suppleness I added a Redshift suspension stem and a Ritchey Flexlogic Carbon seatpost. I also like that it's not a headgiant - the front-end is a bit lower than some Gravelbikes which puts you more in a sporty position but you could just flip the stem and go for a more upright, relaxed position if you want. I was even able to keep up with a bunch of roadies during an uphill ride (actually overtook one despite him having a superlight carbon bike). And absolutely love taking this thing into the woods. So, it's fast on the road, fast on rough terrain, let alone gravel, quite comfy with the additional stuff I put on and with the rack mounts I could still use it for bikepacking if I wanted. So, right now I'm not missing much - I guess it could be lighter.

[@BikeTouringMike]

I have a kind of similar stable. Touring/commuter bike, Hardtail as a MTB and everyday use bike, plus a road bike. I would however have to add a fourth category: a dedicated winter bike. Living in northern Sweden I need a bike with studded tires 6 months a year, and all the salt wears on the bike. So having a dedicated winter bike keeps the other three in good condition.

[@davidgaible7906]

Wow, what type of bike do you run in the winter?

[@BikeTouringMike]

@@davidgaible7906 Just an old Mountain bike that I've equipped with studded tires.

[@MsRotorwings]

My main bike is a Trek Checkpoint SL5 for bike packing and trail riding. My other bike is a 2002 Bianchi Boardwalk. It’s important to have a backup bike because I ride to maintain my sanity.

[@devoidbmx1]

Im down to two: -A steel road bike with 35mm supple tires that rides great on gravel or paved surfaces -A fully rigid mountain bike with 3 inch tires that can tackle mountain biking trails or bike packing trips, and even fat bike trails in the winter I use either of these as an every day commuter/grocery getter - they both work fine for that purpose.

[@cornerstonechiropractic6185]

Which fully rigid mountain bike do you have?

[@devoidbmx1]

@@cornerstonechiropractic6185 Salsa Fargo with 27.5x 3.0 tires

[@brycerink]

Similar philosophy but slightly different execution... Surly Krampus- Dad Bike/commuter/bikepacker Titanium Grav Grav - gravel race bike/road bike RSD Middlechild - Mountain shred bike

[@mherke]

3 main bikes for me as well. Daily driver is my Surly LHT. Mountain is my Yeti. I don't yet have a fast road bike, but probably would get something that could handle gravel as well. Good video, thanks.

[@gjtramey]

Russ, from your description of your mtb bike riding, I think you might love the Jones LWB even more. It has a long rear end and front end that makes steep climbs and steep descents more fun and stable. Plus the extra fork rake yields a (dirt) playful, flickable 76mm of geometric trail with 3" diameter tires.

[@phatrickmoore]

I'm starting to think the Jones LWB is the GOAT do it all bike...

[@FredChagnon]

I like your three classes. Mine are similar. 1. Go fast and far - I'm a randonneur. I need a light drop bar bike with a wide wheel base and comfortable geometry that can last a whole day. Currently use a Trek Checkpoint with 35c hybrid tires. Getting a second wheelset for heavy gravel would give me versatility and allow me to lose my next bike. 2. Off road - Like you I don't want to "get rad". I want a trail bike but I'd also like to do some offroad bikepacking. Currently ride a Trek Marlin but would look to replace with something more adventurous like the 1120. 3. Daily driver - Same criteria you mentioned, but I'd also like this ride to be a single speed, with a flip flop hub, and maybe even a belt drive. Bullhorn bars, Dynamo hub, fenders and lots of racks. (Currently building this one piece by piece from an old Trek FX frame)

[@douglawrence4066]

Long time cyclist. I daily commute, tour, bikepack and am a Shredder. Love you channel! I currently have a Chromag Samurai for shredding, I daily commute and tour on a 1987 Myata Terra Runner I bought new. (I’m that old ... 52). I just bought a, as you call it, Go Fast Bike, and that is a Salsa Cutthroat. If I could change one, for me would be the daily commuter and make it an electric. I want to ride more than I do but get tired....... bring on some Juice in a couple of years....lol..

[@DaveWarnock]

For the daily driver the biggest 2 changes that make it more practical are connected 1: Gates belt drive. A massive reduction in bike maintenance (they last for ages and don't need oiling or cleaning) and huge gain in convenience (you stay clean). Plus they are silent. 2. Then if you need gears my choice has been Rohloff but I think the Pinion might be even better. Both require an oil change about once a year and that is all. The other features of a daily driver/practical bike are more common. Racks, fenders, puncture proof tyres, dynamo lighting front and rear.

[@thriftest]

I had 7. 7 bikes! It organically grew as I got a hold of 'project frames' and built them up with bits. I'm also getting down to 3 - a roadie, an MTB, and a bike on the trainer. I had those 3, then a fixie, a seperate commuter, a 541 steel roadie, and a SS CX bike. No room for that stuff now, but I really, really, loved the different feel of riding each one. Especially the fixie.

[@luisvega903]

One bike 3 wheelsets, Salsa Fargo FTW!!

[@Lousysuperior]

What's your third?

[@matto4222]

Boring

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I make due with two bikes... just got a Norco Section "all road" bike 700×32 with a tail rack, I commute with panniers and without the bags it's my "go fast" road bike too. Second whip is a Trek Slash 27.5... 160mm travel front and rear takes care of the local off road trails. We all know, however, the number of bikes we need is N+1!

[@PlacervilleRick]

Lynskey Gravel Pro - Do everything 'supple bike', this gets most use now due to road car driver hazards and the beauty of off-road adventures. Pivot 429 Trail - Full suspension MTB for FUN! Boardman SLS - Road bike for occasional speed run and metric century. Trek 1120 - Off-Road BikePacking, 29+ tires and rack system are spot on. Specialized Turbo Levo - Because I tried one, this is MTB FUN on another level.

[@blebla4]

I could narrow to two: (1) Jones Complete for my utility, go anywhere, explore, travel bike, and (2) A “go fast” bike (of your choice)

[@Zyzzyx42]

Coming to it a bit different as a recumbent rider, but similar genre choices: 1. Solid commuter, do everything: A classic long wheelbase, steel frame Tour Easy 2. Go fast and go far bike: Dual 700c highracer, just acquired a Pelso Brevet that accepts up to 700x45 tires, love it. 3. If keeping it to three, really would be an either/or situation: the old full suspension mt bike, or the cruiser with an Xtracycle cargo attachment. Very different purposes, but I could choose either if I had to.

[@LeDore38]

I live in Paris and my parents live in the Alps. I've got 3 bikes too: - a fuji jari 1.3 2018 (gravel bike) with 35 mm tires, I bought second hand. It's my main bike, I use it for bikepacking or touring, day long rides, on the road or hybrid terrains, after work training ... It can even hold its own on trails outside of the really grindy alpine ones. With its 30-46 -> 11:34, it's really versatile enough for me, I rarely wish I had an harder or lower gear. - a 2014 middle of the road (around 1k5€ at the time) aluminium cross-country hardtail from Lapierre. I use it in the Alps or when I do a mountain biking week-end with friends. - a fixie, with "woman" geometry, a padded saddle and a front brake. I made it from an old motobecane steel frame I got from my grandad. It doesn't look like much but is really fun to ride and surprisingly fast (had to raise the ratio a few times). I use it for commuting up to the "second crown" of Paris. Its weared down look is perfect to deter the ruthless parisian bike thieves. If I were to get a new bike it would be a pure road bike, but honestly I don't really need it, I'm considering getting a second set of wheels with road tires for my fuji tho. I also use the parisian bike sharing service, vélib', a lot. Despite their flaws (change of contractor in 2018 fucked the system up, heavy, only 3 speed and you start maxing your rpm at 27 km/h) they are decent enough for

[@astro61362]

I enjoyed your video. My wife and are big fans. Here are my three. Daily Driver: Marin Four Corners. Mine is the 650b version. Mountain bike: 1999 Specialized Hard Rock Classic, rigid frame, chromoly. Fast bike: It was a Cannondale CAAD 8 but I just traded it in and ordered a All City Mr. Pink Classic. I cannot wait to get this bike as I have wanted an All City bike for a very long time. Thanks.

[@Wa61105]

Ok. Mine are: 1. Bakfiets (Dutch cargo bike) 2. Co-Motion Cascadia (Touring bike) 3. Jones SWB Complete (bought but not arrived yet) Thanks Russ for doing a review on this bike!

[@dougcohenmiller]

That’s a solid set of bikes and great explanations. I’m very similar to you. 1) daily rider - my soma saga dc w 2” wide 26” tires. I can ride this to the store, across a country, or off road pretty easily. 2) go-fast bike - that’s the term I used when I contacted VO to start this build; passhunter w front rack and rando-style bag. Not carbon light, but propelled me faster than any bike I’ve ever had! And in relative comfort. If I had to go to one bike, I would probably keep this one. 3) I would like a mountain bike or a folding bike. An mtb could be fun for Northern Kazakhstan winters (saga fills this roll w studded tires), or lively cross-steppe jaunts. A filing bike could be fun for the fairly regular international travel my family does.

[@todd92371]

2 bikes. 1-Mountain bike with suspension seatpost and Jones bar. I can ride trail with it. Then throw on thinner tires... lock the fork out and tour with it. 2- Gravel bike with two wheelsets and Redshift suspension stem. Road wheels and more burly gravel/trail wheels. This covers all my bases. At least for me. Now I do have a problem constantly drooling over bikes. There are so many beautiful bikes out there.

[@amylase1584]

1) Around town // road bike rides that involve a train/bus journey at the end // travel! and "flat" touring = my Brompton 6 speed with massively reduced gearing (i installed a 39t chainring!). The luggage system + rack make carrying items really easy and it's a surprisingly excellent touring bike. 2) Fast road bike rides / rando rides / hilly touring = I have a Ti Van Nicholas with a Campy triple drivetrain. Not the lightest set up but the bike is quite versatile! 3) Off road = Soma Double Cross Disc. This bike hasn't seen as much mileage as the other two, so I suppose I could narrow it down to only TWO bikes!

[@curtbrown7967]

In order; Daily D: Surly Bridge Club. Off Road: Surly Bridge Club or 1995 (old) Jamis Dakar full suspension. For really rough road touring - Surly Pugsley. Go Fast: 2016 Masi Randonneur w/ 650b conversion.

[@NoFrictionZone]

Long live Steel!

[@davidbianic4350]

N+1 is a dogma, Russ. You don't mess with this, it's like crossing the streams in Ghostbusters, it's BAD

[@fatbikeinbraunschweig]

absolutely right!!!

[@davidcummings5826]

Except that in order to reverse the particle flow of the portal to Gozer, they HAD to cross the streams... just sayin’

[@davidbianic4350]

@@davidcummings5826 You got a point.

[@davidcummings5826]

David Bianic don’t get me wrong, 99.44% of the time it’s a BAD idea to cross the streams. And Russ was really just speaking hypothetically, so let’s keep it real and stick with n+1. ;)

[@jonpoon3896]

1. Folding bike for urban commuting: Brompton 2. Ti gravel bike with multiple tyres/wheels: Lynskey GR260 3. Mountain bike: Jones SWB

[@vitamincisgoodforme]

A Brompton for very selective commuting ie workplace with secure storage facilities, expensive magnet for thieves. Def not for all urban commuting. Can't see myself carrying it around everywhere I go in the urban environment

[@jonpoon3896]

vitamincisgoodforme of course it’s selective. It’s my list. I already own the first two. And the Jones is next on my shopping list. Brompton is specific to my urban commuting. My city’s subway require bikes to either remove a wheel or fold. And it won’t ever leave my sight anyway... the whole point of folding..

[@vitamincisgoodforme]

@@jonpoon3896 true I need to get out of my city more I think I also forgot other places are more bike friendly in general.

[@jonpoon3896]

vitamincisgoodforme actually, it’s not a bike friendly metro system... which is why a folding bike is more practical

[@vitamincisgoodforme]

@@jonpoon3896 couldnt you get away with just an electric bike and skip the metro altogether? We gotta pay for another ticket if bringing a bike on the train, and you cant even bring them on during peak times

[@jmoore3854]

My 3 bikes that I own and enjoy are: 1) Road bike Seven 662s Ti with a spare set of wheel 32mm gravel. 2) Gravel Salsa Cutthroat 3) Mtb Trek Procaliber 9.7 with 2.4” tires

[@crosslink1493]

Good selection, but since I live near the beach I also have a beach cruiser. Its a 1992 Trek 8000 MTB I picked up for free. It had no (quill) stem/handlebars/brake levers, no FD, no pedals, no chain, no saddle (did have the seatpost) . . . no problem whatsoever to get it back up and running for cheap. Added a removable front basket, and cheap rear rack. Its a great 7-speed utility bike/commuter. Also have a light tourer (based on an old Nashbar touring frame & fork), roadie (Nashbar CX frame), and a Surly Steamroller.

[@ryansager6100]

Daily commuter/ long trips - Co-motion tandem (wife and I work at the same place) Light Travel - Brompton 6 speed. Off-road/gravel/on my own - Rholoff/gate belt equipped Salsa Fargo 2017

[@jstruchy5356]

For now, and somethings will change, I use a custom Marinoni handbuilt track / single speed for town, a Marinoni steel roadbike for ligther / faster bikepacking / brevet style outing (clearance tops at 28mm on tubeless wide rims) and I recently got a Kona Sutra LTD for (bigger) gravel / singletrack bikepacking trip that I’m going to take out on a trip for the first time in Alberta in a couple weeks.

[@bullfrogboss8008]

I have more or less the same approach to having multiple bikes. My commuter is Jamis Coda Elite, my off road is Jamis Dragonslayer and my fast bike is Giant Revolt

[@walshman70]

1) Colnago Classic - Fast Summer Club Ride roadie with café stop appeal 2) Soma Double Cross Disc - Cyclocross/Gravel bike with multiple sets of wheels depending on route / conditions 3) Soma Wolverine - City Bike for commuting, groceries, etc.

[@anthonylascola11]

Dead to rights agree! Daily driver: specialized roll x1 with Jones bar and Brooks saddle and front/ rear racks MTB: s-works fuse Go fast: specialized Sequoia elite with i-9 wheels

[@BradWadeNL]

1. Specialized AWOL - Commuter and Touring bike. Currently my only bike and use everything from front and rear racks with a front basket, to full on bikepacking bags w/aerobars. a bit heavy but very capable bike. 2. Specialized Diverge - I've been wanting to go faster on dirt and tarmac. This will allow me to go for group rides and keep the rack on the AWOL for it's purpose. 3. Specialized Fuse - I'm like you when it comes to mountain biking. I want something to take me on very rugged roads but not overly complicated. 4. Vintage Specialized Stumpjumper - I've been eyeing these for a while and I want to do a retro mod with a 1x and use it as a commuter. This will allow me to use the AWOL for strictly touring.

[@leoschu]

I live in São Paulo - Brasil. Here I ride mostly over asphault. Tough it is not that smooth it is still very supple. Here we also dont have that much bike lanes and structure to ride in a supple-safe way on the daily basis. That said I find most of times that I need a fast bike so I can keep up with cars when needed. Also I need smt to go up and down the sidewals, to go over the often found holes in the streets, and that can carry some weight when needed. I'm also found of offroad rides in weekends. So then to the machine: I have a Bornia & Cox (local framebuilders) Cro-mo bike. It got rigid fork, dropdown handlebars, 3x8 claris ratio (30-50 x 30-11) and clearance for up to 2.1 tires. I rode the last years with a 28mm slick tire but recently (inspired by your channel) I gave fat tires a try. I bought a 700c, 42mm Specialized Pathfinder pro. With those I feel that I can go wherever I want around here. And often I go to the countryside and at those moments I swap to my Kenda Small Block Eight 2.1" that make the bike rly fun to use. It is a all around bike. If I had to choose other bike I'd probably go with smt faster. But to tell the truth I'm really happy with what I got.

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

I agree.. 3 bikes is just right for me.. I had 3 bikes.. now I am down to 1 bike.. currently reviewing for my next purchase.. some good ideas.. thanks for the information.. have a Great Day..

[@gilerd77]

Daily: VO Piolet, 29 2.2 slicks, surly moloko bar ; gofast: any light drop bar gravel or cross will do..I have a diamondback haanjo comp..nothin too fancy; offroad: specialized fuse 6fattie..27.5 mid fat hardtail. I am planning on thinning out the cannondale fat caad, the fairdale weekender, and maybe stripping down my 92 gt mountain bike and hanging on the wall. So crazy you put this video out right after i made my 3 bike plan! I agree with the 1 bike thing, aint gonna happen.

[@Explore53]

Daily driver/tourer/gravel?: Soma Saga Disc v2 Road/All Road: Rivendell AHH (MIT) City/Travel: Brompton M6R No current need for a mountain or rough stuff exploring bike like the Jones but I would dearly love to have that need and bike! One bike category left out of the discussion, and maybe it does not matter, is a "lock up" bike, a bike you lock up outside the grocery or take places you might not want to take a truly nice bike.

[@RadCatFood]

Don’t need the lock up bike with the Brompton

[@Jon-cw7gk]

Great topic Russ, pretty much nailed it down. I’d say 1 - commuter/winter/general hack ridgeback world tour - full steel, 15kg/ 33lb, triple upfront, unbreakable sora 9 on the back. It just works and can carry loads of weight. Only 28s tho 2 - trek 1120 for off road/ bike packing. Love this bike. Striped the racks off for the dirty remover (UK) gravel race and loved it - if a bit slow 3 - Reilly gradient on order. Ti frame, room for plump tyres, hope it fits the bill, cos I’m not buying any more Ps do have a couple more but could live with out them

[@TheDrewbruce]

3 is also the magic number for me! 1) Surly Cross Check: daily commuter, touring, gravel riding, towing kids in trailers and tagalongs, etc. A real do anything bike I absolutely love it for everything except mountain biking. 2) Norco Fluid: full suspension 120 travel ride used solely for mountain biking (and mountain bikepacking). It pedals pretty well for a full sus bike--modern geometry, lock outs and all--but riding it on pavement still sucks my soul. Love it for what's it make for. 3) winter commuter. I love the other two bikes so much and they use so much salt on the roads here in Burlington VT that it is a must have. Russ, which are you riding in the winter? I guess there's a lot less salt on the roads in Montana (there was when I lived in CO)

[@johnware1220]

My 3 bike stable 1. Daily Driver - Vintage 1978 restored Trek with Rohloff/chain on 32mm Compass tires 2. Adventure on and off road - Salsa Ti Fargo with Rohloff/Belt drive, Jones HBars with Bodyfloat seatpost currently on 2.1” Thunder Burts 3. Go Fast bike - 2015 Stromer ST2 20 speed ebike with Jones HBars on 2.25 Big Bens

[@GerVictor]

I have a do all 29er and I'm concerned that it might not last long due to my frequent trail and long distance rides so I'm planning to get a road bike and another XC bike. That's it. No more, no less🙂

[@algilmor]

I have 3 and I had a pretty similar philosophy to Russ when I made my choices. My daily driver is a Kona Rove, my mountain/trail/fat bike is a Salsa Beargrease, and my go fast bike is a Trek Domane Disc.

[@monty2078]

Like you my daily driver is a Kona Rove Ti, with flat bars, my go fast bike is a Trek Domane and my gravel/adventure is a t-labs X3, 650b. This gives me 3 bikes which fill all the niches I need as I don't mountain bike anymore. There is no 1 bike, which can do it all.

[@TheNovaNorm]

Daily driver is a Norco Threshold, MTB is a Norco XFR, road is a Devinci Silverstone, and TT is a Cervelo P2C. 4 is minimum to cover all bases.

[@LeDore38]

I have 3 bikes, - A commuter, an old steel Peugeot with actually quite decent road capability that I don't fear locking out in Paris. I almost only use it for commuting but I have ridden it up to 100km road rides a few times while lending my other bike to my father/brother/ a friend with less fitness. - A gravel bike, a 2018 fuji jari 1.3 with a 46/30 in front. which is my do everything bike. I've got 2 wheelsets, a dt swiss p1800 set with 28mm tires for road rides with my roadie friends and a dt swiss g1600 for gravel and lightish touring use. By gravel I mean from rolly unpaved roads to basically what should be xc marathon. - An entry/midrange Lapierre hardtail from 2010 I let at my parent's in the Alps, it's a bit unsufficient for how I use it, as both an xc+ and park bike, but it's holding up for now. If money was no issue, I'd probably have a dedicated road carbon bike instead of a second wheelset, a titanium gravel bike with a bit more clearance than my fuji and ability to carry more reliably (instead of my fuji) and a full suspension trail bike at my parent's that I'd probably keep in Paris and bring to the Alps when I go there since I'd have the space to keep it in my flat. I'd keep a similar commuter.

[@ChrisJBrown72]

For me... a do it all, all road, all condition, multi tool of a bike... right now, my 19 Journeyman. For back country, singletrack, creekcrossing, root hopping, is a dedicated mtn bike which right now is a brandnew(on sale thru july)Salsa Timberjack. An like you... a lightweight efficient multi surface "go fast" bike. Which is currently my 18 Specialized Diverge E5.(eventually upgrading it to a new warbid)

[@miguelcastillo8441]

Daily commute: VanMoof S2: Electrified and super-easy to travel 50Km daily on the bike. Off-Road: Orbea Wild FS: Trail eater. And 3rd Brompton to take a train and pop in another city. Plus a bonus: my 2 kids are towed on a Thule Coaster XT: Super Fun for them and for me.

[@jonlouis2582]

Interesting. My friend is a reformed bike snob and he and his wife built the same Velo Orange bikes and rave about them. I have way too many bikes but I am trying to downsize and may steal your idea. I guess I would chose my Raleigh Sojourn which weighs a ton but is a great bike for me, and two Cannondale bikes. OK, off to go clean out the barn then....

[@23skido]

Im at 4, and that is because I take my dog on long rides, around town, and bike camping. Did Kokapeli lat year with her. Otherwise 1-2015 Jamis Renegade steel for Around town, road rides. 2- Salsa Cutthroat for gravel/ bike camping tours ( without pup). 3- Salsa Blackborow cargo fatie. This is for my pup. Amazing bike regardless!!!! 4- Orbis Ripley AF for the fast mountain trails. God I love bikes sooo much!

[@brentirvine2336]

Recently dropped from 4 to 3, and eventually down to 2. Currently: 1. Salsa Vaya (2019) for touring, local rides and gravel roads. 2. Dahon Speed TR (2008) for touring when there's the possibility of exorbitant baggage fees. 3. C'dale f1000SL (2000) for touring and trail. The latter is being eclipsed by the Salsa. Thus, my son's next bike is one very cool Cdale!

[@davidsyrotiak8758]

My daily driver is a Priority 600. It's my tank. I use it as a grocery hauler, light trail rider, errand runner, general transportation. Next would be a drop bar bike of some kind, but not a full roadie. Maybe a Trek Checkpoint AL series, a Priority Apollo 11 or something along those lines. Lastly I think I'd like a cargo e-bike such as a Tern GSD or a Riese and Muller Load. I can see a lot of potential situations where one of these would be useful, especially for carrying passengers or pets.

[@Divercitylife]

1 Adventure Touring - Surly ECR 2 Long Distance road Touring - Surly Disc Trucker 3 Can't decide over gravel bike for front suspension mountain bike.

[@velocelt]

My three choices (plus honorable mention): Daily Driver: Surly Troll (26x2.50 suppleness) plus fenders and front Surly rack Adventure Bike (also for mild off road "mountain biking fun"): Surly Pugsley. Can handle winter, is surprisingly fast even on pavement with 26x4.0 Schwalbe Jumbo Jims run tubeless, and I have a second set of 29er Rabbit Hole rims that I intend to run with some 3.0 rubber for suppleliciousness. Cargo bike: Bakfiets-style bike (I'm actually custom building this bike from a hand-made frame up) - hauls all the junk for my day job, big-ass grocery runs, and can carry coolers, kegs, whatever whether it's for Critical Mass shenanigans or bike-glamping. Honorable mention: I'd like to have a 650b gravel-grinder. Something lighter than my other bikes for faster rides unloaded or for ultra-light bikepacking and general goofing off. I figure I'll probably build this frame myself as well. Probably lugged and silver brazed.

[@seven9766]

my 2 bikes (Poor college Student edition): -26in do it all, leave at the train station, groceries, trailer pulling, whatever- ragazzi (maintained but crusty looking) -27.5 XC hardtail with roadish bulletproof tires for fun and some traveling door to door. Tire pressure may vary wildly between 2,5 and 5 bar, depending on the destination of the day. Works for me so far. Never had the chance to run a road bike for too long, could never justify purchasing one.

[@Twicrumbles]

I think the amount of bikes you 'need' depends on two things: 1) breadth of cycling interests and 2) willingness to ride with a suboptimal setup. I horse around on local mtb trails sometimes, but realize I don't really enjoy the gnarly and/or rollercoaster stuff, so something 'all-road' is fine. Also, my camping kit is pretty minimal, so my camping/adventure bike can be relatively nimble, thus negating the need for a separate 'fast' bike. So I'm currently building / have: Hobby ride: french light randonneur (fenders, wide gearing, 42-584) Commute/townie: repurposed steel 80s road bike (single speed, fenders, kick stand, safe-enough-lock) If I ever get a third bike, it's probably a knobby adventure shredder, but for now there's plenty of exploring to be done on 42s here in Europe.

[@SteveFullerBikes]

I have a sizeable stable right now, but I have often thought about what I would keep if I were forced to pare it down. 1) Off Road / Adventure - Salsa Ti Fargo (27.5 x 2.8 w Rohloff) 2) Daily Driver - Salsa La Cruz w 650B 3) Go Fast - Salsa Ti Colossal

[@sagehiker]

Fun and interesting to watch three years later. I have the same categories but always seem to be a four biker. Then I sell or give away to family two. My downfall is I like to ride, commute, and now build bikes.

[@hartwood9078]

From Michigan: 1. Salsa Mukluk - Snow and Ice 2. Speciallized Stumpjumper ST 29r - Single track 3. Trek Checkpoint 700x45 - Road and gravel “That’s all I need”

[@nmcheese]

The 3 bike categories to me are the faster bike (usually a road-ish bike with clearance for at least 28's), the off pavement bike (27.5 hardtail or fully rigid), and the beer ride bike (something thrifted or frankenbike, whatever is interesting at the time)

[@francoisjacques504]

there needs to be a channel for frankenbikes

[@davemorris3006]

Utility / Bikepacking: El Mariachi in steel, 2.0 tires. MTB: Ibis Ripley LS Faster: Warbird (wanted!) Winter: 1991 S-Works MTB with studded tires. Looks like hell, still rides well.

[@sickunit2096]

Stoked on these. Fingers crossed 😁 My stable includes a Salsa Vaya, Salsa J-man, Giant Fathom, and Surly Ice Cream Truck.

[@weirdnessbeardness]

Funny I just bought my 3rd bike, another bicycle moto cross offering. (Orange) 2019 Cult Devotion 26in cruiser bmx 4130 Chromo. My other bikes are a 2013 Scott Scale 960 Hard tail Mtb for single track/commuting and gravel (Aluminum). 2016 We The People 'Envy' 20in brakeless bmx (German) 4130. I ride flatland and street with it. Very responsive and super technical. Big fan of the channel. Keep up your amazing content. U make me want to ride all night long. I got up yesterday, took it outside. Liked it so much I left it out... Weirdness