Just 2 Bikes?! | How Many Bicycles Should You Own? Reaction to Lanky Cyclists Gravel & Fat Bike Vid

The Lanky Cyclist made a video saying that N+1 is not true - that you only need two bikes - a gravel bike and a fat bike. It got me to thinking about what the minimum amount of bicycles I could be comfortable owning and how many other cyclists should own.
Check out his video here:
• The Two Bikes To Own │...
I filmed this with my Canon EOS R5 and my GoPro Hero 8 Black
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[@richardulrich6089]

I have found that three bikes fill my needs. One is a folding bike, which is handy for when I drop off a car for servicing and I ride the bike home and then back again. One is a shopping bike, which is a women's mountain bike which has panniers and baskets for when I go to the hardware or supermarket ( it's a girls bike so I don't have to cock my leg over the rear basket with all its shopping) and the final one is my normal commuter bike for either just riding or going to visit people. These suit all my needs. Cheers

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. One thing we should start dropping in cycling language is "girl's bikes" - these bikes are known by the French name "Mixtes" pronounced "mixed". They are common in Europe for the reason you stated. Some companies like Velo Orange are making them again - they just make sense and have nothing to do with gender. Just my lil soapbox! Cheers!

[@joowwwllllll666]

I got a Canyon Grizl with Suspension for rougher gravel and a Bombtrack Audax for road and smooth gravel plus a comfy commuter with fenders. I feel like my bikes cover all my needs.

[@xrv404]

I do have too many bikes. Scott 26" hardtail 1998, GT outpost trail 26" 1999, Cube hardtail 29" 2023, Cube hardtail 26" 2012, Trek folding bike 20" 2006, Yosemite folding bike 20" 2017, yosemite folding bike 20" 2019 and I just sold two Yess folding bikes 20". Its hard with all that love for bikes 🥰

[@Solarsystem50]

Vintage bikes are too much fun. I like to look at them and plot what new part would make them better. You can completelly refurbish them with a couple of dollars and they ride just as good.

[@TimFitzwater]

Totally agree. At some point I wouldn’t mind having some nicer ones to do “period correct” builds but for now I enjoy swapping stuff out and making new things.

[@Huguiche]

perfect number is n+1! I already have: -singlespeed for urban riding and easy commuting -semi-vintage road bike for longer /steeper rides I need: -more storage capability because i want: -gravel bike -cargo bike (currently i would go for omnium)

[@TimFitzwater]

I had written that some people need a cargo bike in my notes but then forgot to mention it. When I do grocery shop on my bike I use my touring bike and a backpack- but I understand some people need even more capacity. Not something we see often here in Ohio but when I was in Europe it was common- even the kids on the bikes.

[@BigRon092]

@@TimFitzwater I don't own a vehicle, and grocery shop on a bike with straight handlebars and hang bags off my fingers. Can carry 2 or 3 bags easily. Yeah, it's not as easy as a car, but since you're going back for more you can hit a different store. You become an expert at what to buy where.

[@TimFitzwater]

@@BigRon092 Oh man- good for you!! We don't have good enough bike infrastructure to be dangling bags though! I used to try that when I was younger. ..

[@anniebikes7002]

I've paired down to 4 and cant imagine any less. Folding bike. 80s commuter (studded in winter), mountain bike, touring bike. Thanks for an interesting video.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice - sounds like a good spread!

[@PoserBallin]

Similarly, 4 - folding 20 (pub/train commute), fixed gear/single speed with gravel ish tires for fun, x bike/atb/grocery getter 1x geared 2009 mountain theseus bike(gets the most day to day use), full suspension trail/downhill-ish bike. Pretty much covered for what I love/need with the 4.

[@rogerhart612]

I was that person who had to have the latest and the greatest bike only to find out I wasn't a fan of carbon. My heart lies with vintage steel. I own a Trek 930 MNT bike I've owned sense new, 310 Miyata, my pub bike is low end Lotus, a aluminum Trek 1000, a Old Peugeot that needs some TLC and a Gary Fisher Marlin MNT bike that I want to build into a gravel bike. I can't say which two I would have to pick. I've tried to downsize my stable of bikes before with little success.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice collection. I also enjoy messing with the bikes and moving parts around. Upgrading and switching stuff is how I find out what I like. There really is no right answer and it’s just all fun and what you like. That being said #steelisreal 😎

[@truthmatters4u]

Hey Tim ,Izzy here. I have gravel bike and a Dahon folder. The Dahon is a fun bike to ride, pretty capable on the D&L Trail here in Pennsylvania. Eventually I am going to purchase a Brompton.

[@TimFitzwater]

I've never tried a decent folder. But a lot of that is because we don't have great public transportation so I don't really have use for one.

[@jamescarioti390]

For me I ride MTB,Gravel and Road. They all have their niche.

[@JMS412]

I definitely am getting a flat bar bike with some squish this spring to be able to take advantage more of our Pittsburgh dirt trails. My daughter might also be getting a suspension bike if the right deal comes along as she sizes up to an XS. A lot of parents find buying a second hand kids bike for 4-500 bucks hard to swallow, so my attempts at selling a quality bike that fits a growing kid will be tricky in a market flooded with $100 big box bikes. Riding on the C&O I saw a lot of older seniors on E-fat bikes and it was really nice seeing as these people who would likely not otherwise be out if it wasn’t for the electrics gaining in popularity.

[@TimFitzwater]

If we had more trails locally that needed a suspension bike I would definitely be interested in one....and at some point in my life I'm sure an ebike will be on the list. I'm not sure if the industry has caught up yet but the big box bikes had been sold out everywhere during 2020 - but I get your point.

[@wnv-RawRow]

California Edition : we have mountains so own a climber either road specific or gravel can encompass that area . City urban commuter can be a "shitty looking" second hand component bike to leave locked up maybe even with fenders for rain or post rainy days . That's two and finally Fire roads or single track trails . Have a mountain bike either hard tail or full suspension.. if you like gnarly trails or just again gravel bike might be able to accommodate and encompass the majority of the harsh terrain trails. . Over all. 2 to 4 bikes in my arsenal should be ideal

[@TimFitzwater]

Makes sense. Since I made this video I've done more off-road touring and my girlfriend has gotten into mountain biking. So I now own an "ATB" - rigid steel bike with clearance for 2.2 inch tires and mounts for bags. That can get me by on most Ohio trails - if I lived out West some kind of suspension for sure....

[@siriosstar4789]

Being rather old (76] with injuries to neck shoulders and back i started riding e bikes . it was that or nothing . anyway i ride an xc trail bike with combo tires , meaning a center ridge for asphalt / cement and knobs on the sides for off roading . this works quite well . if i run max pressure on the tires it rolls nicely on the street and is fine for dirt

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! I will definitely own an ebike one day. I would definitely recommend going way lower on pressure, more comfortable, more traction, and even though it doesn’t feel like it it’s faster too.

[@PudgyPedalPusher]

I don’t think there’s a wrong answer here. Everyone’s situation is different and provides different opportunities for their “stable” of bikes. My long term plan is to have one commuter/pub/touring bike. One big clearance gravel/road/rando bike. Being a mechanic, I can change things on my existing bikes instead of having another bike with relative ease.

[@TimFitzwater]

The multiple back up bikes definitely come more into play when you might not be able to fix things yourself. I was riding my vintage French bike on 38s for the gravel earlier this summer when I broke another front DR on my Raleigh and was waiting to rebuild the bike with a full new groupset... ....and for sure - it is such an individual choice - but still fun to think about.

[@PudgyPedalPusher]

@@TimFitzwater absolutely and I don’t know any cycling enthusiast that doesn’t have a “next bike/dream bike” that’s not in their stable.

[@lesthanrocketscience1828]

Great topic, been considering this lately with the snow around. I am not a fan of expensive, hard to find parts for, flashy enough to steal... That said i use a vintage hybrid and a vintage mtn bike. I hate the riding position and the spongy front shock fork of the mtn, but its hard to beat the used parts market for it. The hybrid is just close enough to a road or gravel bike. It takes 45+ mm tires or road tires, and the bars and drivetrains are swapable... And they are a dime a dozen for butted cro mo franes

[@TimFitzwater]

Definitely good points. What I did was take the shock off my MTB and just put a steel fork on it. The tires are enough suspension for me! It is from 2001 and I put 20 miles on it today.

[@lesthanrocketscience1828]

@@TimFitzwater awesome i love seeing all season bicyclists out. Great idea on the fork! I need to go on a hunt for the same.

[@bryanooi8815]

I own a steel touring bike, an alloy gravel bike & a capable XC bike.

[@technosaurusrex]

four. at least four. one for commuting and errands, one for fun. and a backup for each.

[@TimFitzwater]

Can’t argue with that! It’s funny how I had one bike forever but then when I got to three I became really aware of needing more backups!

[@tmayberry7559]

Yes I know what you mean. I had 4 expensive bikes and needed a pub / comnuter/cargo. That was number 5 then I wanted a cx. Found one traded a mountain bike for it then gave away number 5 found number 6 ( mountain bike) real cheap with sram 9 speed bought the next one for Nostalgia sake. Now I have 7 total and my two road bikes are now obsolete. Because my cx can do the job of the two road just as good. So to answer that question I would say for me 5 (four regular minus the cargo commuter that kiss a specific bike for specific purpose

[@TimFitzwater]

If I wanted to be real practical I do believe I could put all my resources into about 4 - but bikes aren’t just about practicality for me - they are also a lot about fun and history!

[@tmayberry7559]

@@TimFitzwater same here. I find that road bikes in the traditional form are obsolete because with a cx hybrid or a 29er you can ride pretty much where ever you want. A 29er ( which I don't own) gives you both a mountain bike and hybrid / gravel / commuter all in one just by changing the tires. If you change wheelsets to 650b then you have a whole new bike

[@tukitoria01]

I agree with you. One cannot have too many bikes!

[@TimFitzwater]

Right?!

[@Cobwobbler]

Horses for courses here, I’ve a Vintage 3 speed for my commuter/pub/road bike. A 96 full sus mountain bike for triple front off road fun and a Reynolds 531 vintage mountain bike soon to be single speed for some serious off road shenanigans. But I’d like a road frame for a little project I’m toying with. And a fat bike. And make a Donkey bike. And a bmx cause I’ve never had one. And I make a point of buying sub £50 bikes to play with. It’s so much bang for your buck.

[@TimFitzwater]

Sounds a little like my brain. Always room for a little something else. 😎

[@ashurany]

Need only 1, maybe 2 (one as a backup), but 4 is my magic #. The game-changing ace for me was picking up a steel marin muirwoods. Marketed as a commuter, it is versatile, fast, lively and just flat out fun to ride, I use it for exercise and to knock around town, but also as a back up mtb/trail bike (have some fatter tires for it) or back up road bike, or tweaked to be a serviceable touring bike.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. I do think 4 is a reasonable number for someone who rides a lot and a lot of different things.

[@TheRickurb]

Right now I have 3. Gravel, plus size rigid, and a cheap beater (pub). I am considering adding a suspension bike to the mix. The next logical question would be transferring all your essentials from one bike to another. Tools, lights, spare tubes, extra layers, etc... This can take a lot of time and it’s easy to forget something. Ideally a pre flight checklist would help, but I’m not that organized.

[@TimFitzwater]

I totally understand some people needs for a suspension bike - there is really only one trail around here where it would be beneficial though. I did start keeping my tools in a pouch so they are easier to transfer.

[@TheRickurb]

@@TimFitzwater I have a few things that live on all 3 bikes. Pump, spare tube and front headlight bracket (I bought spares). I also have a rear rack on 2 of the bikes so I can quickly swap out my Topeak trunk bag

[@TimFitzwater]

I definitely need to get spare headlight mounts - hate moving that. I do have a lot of rear taillights though. In the winter sometimes I just throw on backpack instead of moving bags.

[@TheRickurb]

@@TimFitzwater good point about the back pack

[@borderlands6606]

A traditional steel tourer and a hard tail cover my needs. My wants have never been restricted to necessities, however.

[@TimFitzwater]

two good choices for sure.

[@aatravelling7625]

I have only one! So I should think about buying a new one. Thanks for sharing. Big Like 👍 + new friend. Have a great week!

[@TimFitzwater]

I had one for a long time - now I can't even imagine nor having a backup or seven! 😎

[@justincapek1132]

Just found this vid, Tim. Agreed, N+More is the correct answer. I have a Hardtail MTB, Full Sus MTB, Gravel Bike, Fat Bike in my rotation. Also have an ancient Trek Y22 that I'll eventually make into wall art, and a Cannondale hybrid Frankenbike that I built up in college to get to class without fear of theft. If you love to bike, the more the merrier! They all have their place.

[@TimFitzwater]

Totally agree as I have more bikes for more niches since making this video(and so does Lanky) 😹

[@glennpettersson9002]

A frame that can fit 29X 2.4 could fit any combo of wheel and tyre size so you could get by with one but old bikes are cheap and great fun, why restrict yourself.

[@TimFitzwater]

💯

[@fattiresbigfeet8267]

Gravel bike, Fat bike, and my neighborhood/pub bike works for me. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TimFitzwater]

That’s a good trifecta!

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Love how you defaulted to the giro d’italia as the race to win. #thehardesttour For the record, I have a pub bike that I keep parked on the bike trainer next to the basement bar. Makes me feel better if it gets taken...

[@TimFitzwater]

I was surprised and proud that that was the race that came out of my mouth. ...ah yes - that would be your LeMond?

[@TheLankyCyclist]

@@TimFitzwater yes, the lemond. Just keep finding new uses for it. Plus was my first proper bike.... hard to let go.

[@larrgemarrge]

Every bike is a pub bike if you're thirsty enough

[@TimFitzwater]

Just bring it inside. If they stop you it’s probably not where you want to be drinking anyways...

[@jaspreetsidhu5708]

3 bikes is my number, gravel with fast wheels, trail bike, vintage for commuting.

[@TimFitzwater]

Totally legit.

[@jackcarter233]

I need six bikes with three extra frames ready LOL. #Need

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@paulmckearney4945]

Anyone that rides a lot needs at least two bikes ( or be content to be missing out on rides if they only have one).

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure - I remember when I first felt that. Anyone who rides a lot of different terrain needs even more. 😺

[@jameswilson7913]

Personally I Like my Vintage bikes I Own several most I've bought on the cheap but they are Asume

[@kennydavis5338]

Being under biked is my favorite part!

[@TimFitzwater]

Under-biked, over-dranked

[@philiprayner]

one bike two wheel sets one for road and commute and one set for gravel

[@TimFitzwater]

How often do you end up switching them out. I've always liked the concept in theory but think I would just end up leaving my gravel tires on all the time.

[@philiprayner]

@@TimFitzwater oh that is a great idea when I finally do that ill let you know how it works out I am just the idea guy

[@spennysailor]

I need a vintage bike badly; currently get by with a gravel bike (with 3 wheelsets - regular, road and dynamo), singlespeed gravel bike, full suspension mtb, fatbike and a BMX!

[@TimFitzwater]

Would you use the vintage bike as the city bike/pub bike?

[@spennysailor]

@@TimFitzwater Probably not, I use my BMX for that currently and I get way too emotionally attached to bikes lol

[@TimFitzwater]

@@spennysailor oh I know the feeling!

[@Just2HepCats]

4 bikes... 1) Very nice mountain bike, 2 & 3 eBikes and 4) Huffy woman's exercise bike.

[@TimFitzwater]

So nothing gravel, road or commuter?

[@tmayberry7559]

A person should have as many bikes as he or she has room for. In my case I have 7. Which are as follows. 3 hybrid (1 is a dedicated all weather / all roads bike.) 1 CX 1 vintage and two modern road bikes although they don't get much use. The other five are more than capable of meeting my on and off road needs

[@TimFitzwater]

I keep saying I’m done buying them - but I have a lot of space!

[@tmayberry7559]

@@TimFitzwater I totally understand. I'm in search of a mountain CX or hybrid I want to merge the components from both of my road bikes into one ultra bike with friction shifters

[@seanflorian4653]

Gravel bikes make an excellent commuting bike

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure.

[@CentralNH]

Gravel and some sort of flat bar hybrid/gravel.

[@TimFitzwater]

If I had to have one bike it would definitely be a gravel bike - probably with drops though.

[@CentralNH]

@@TimFitzwater I have 2022 checkpoint and a 2023 FX sport 6 love them only need the 2 bikes now

[@pisto_run_cycling]

If I had the money.. id have a really nice hard tail mtb.. a nice gravel bike and a nice road bike.. but I can't afford even one of those.. so I ride a bunch of ok-ish bikes for different occasions...

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! I feel like if I stopped buying a little bit of ok bikes for everything I could have a couple really nice bikes for most things….

[@pisto_run_cycling]

One day for me.. maybe.. but at least 2 of my current bikes will stay in my collection.. nothing special at all.. but they are my favorite bikes for sure..

[@seryjnymeteopata2162]

that's my combo also :)

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@seryjnymeteopata2162]

@@TimFitzwater i meant gravel bike and fattie, ofcoz :) but since i bought the big fat one my gravel bike is gathering dust more and more. just put light wheels and fast rolling tires (etc. jumbo jim) and it can be great and not so slow all around bike.

[@samulihirsi]

one bike and two set of wheels; 2,2 ice spiker 29ers and 700c 37s for summer so bike with enough clearance

[@TimFitzwater]

What if something on the one bike breaks?! You are a gambling man! 🎲🎲🎰

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Totally agree with multiple wheel sets!

[@TimFitzwater]

If I had a bike with wider clearance and thru axle I would definitely consider that.

[@kurt9609]

How many shoes does one need? We currently have 3 bikes ..in the kitchen

[@TimFitzwater]

I’m all honesty I could get by with mostly just my gravel bike….but I don’t want to!

[@fatbikejamie]

My fatbike has been my daily driver since 2019 when a dog crash killed my road bike. It's been a lot of fun... commuting, touring and even a 3-day Fondo event. That said, I've finally got a gravel bike on order. After three years with a 28T chainring, a 42T will be FAST. Haha

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! I have friends that daily drive a fat bike but I definitely could not do it. I'm building a bike-packing bike that will run a 42 in the front.

[@fatbikejamie]

@@TimFitzwater its not for everyone. Certainly not for anyone in a hurry. Lol. Although i can average 20kmh all day everyday even with east coast hills. Cheers!

[@IS-xk3iq]

Do you feel you can keep up with a gravel bike in a club ride?

[@TimFitzwater]

I've never ridden a club ride and I'm guessing they all don't go the same pace? I feel that with a ride that is mostly drafting if I could do it on a road bike I could do it on my gravel bike though.

[@c_steve_j]

Watched Lanky's vid. I'm on point with him. You have an impressive collection and there are some sweet looking bikes. But that's not me. So take cars for example. I LOVE Subaru. I totally identify with the brand. I use my Subaru for everything. One day it's hauling mulch and lumber ... The next it's taking me out to dinner. So going back to bikes, I want something that can do just about anything with. And like Lanky said, minimalism and I would like to take the cash and put it towards tweaking what I have. Every time you show your collection I just shake my head, smile, say WOW .... in a good way. You'll have to read the comment I left for Lanky. I was almost a Fatty owner last year. I will be this year ....

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - it’s all preference. I told Lanky I was going to make a video about his - and that I actually don’t disagree with him. I like to tinker and I like to have backups. ...and I’d say the other thing that effects me a lot is that I always ride from home. But there is no real right answer - I’m definitely not the worst offender on having too many bike - but I have too many bikes! 😎

[@Summitperry]

I have to many bikes. I’m ok with that. My girlfriend she probably agrees with lanky. Lol.

[@TimFitzwater]

When I was first dating my girlfriend I finally asked her after a few weeks “so where do you keep all of your bicycles?” (Spoiler alert - she didn’t have any).

[@Summitperry]

@@TimFitzwater mine had two out in the rain. I saved one and sold the other. Lol.

[@robinheil]

My tires have been steadily getting wider, so naturally fat bike is next on the list, but I have to sell one to get one. Also just a suggestion that maybe some titles would help break up each segment of the video :)

[@TimFitzwater]

I know a lot of people that go with the sell one to get one philosophy - which makes total sense. I've sold a few cheaper vintage bikes than used the money for better parts for my other bikes. Thanks for the suggestion. It would also probably help if I kept my thought more organized than just rambling for 8 minutes! 😏

[@garypierson6455]

I have 2 rideable road bikes

[@TimFitzwater]

Wrong answer! 😂

[@c.staton2200]

For me, three bikes are a good number. Road, trail, and fat......

[@TimFitzwater]

Makes perfect sense!

[@douglasldn2831]

As many as you can of afford 😅

[@TimFitzwater]

I mean - that is the real answer! 😎

[@treydipple4579]

How many bikes do you own?

[@TimFitzwater]

Frames or fully rideable?!

[@treydipple4579]

Frames, and fully rideable.

[@TimFitzwater]

I have about 10 fully built bikes. I ride about 4 regularly. Frames in various states of being built is over 20. Not a lot of expensive or fancy stuff though.

[@porkchop1343]

Gravel bikes are awesome. I rode 60 miles on a road on my gravel bike With no problem. Road bikes are nice but not for me. I hit roads and trails all the time

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup - perfect for doing it all.