The Chainlink

Since the warm-ish weather has likely renewed everyone's passion for bikes, I thought I'd throw out question and hopefully stir up some friendly discussion:

"If you could only own one bike, what would it be?"

There's no right or wrong answer here. Obviously a road bike is gonna suck on the trails, and a mountain bike feels like a boat anchor on pavement. In other words, every bike will be a compromise in some respect.

But what bike, in your opinion, would do the best overall job meeting your needs 12 months per year?

The answer can be a specific make/model...for example, Bianchi Pista.

On the other hand, the answer could be a general family of bikes (Hybrids, Cyclocross, etc.)

If you want to be real fancy, let us know your ideal bike "rig." Examples of a "rig" could be a touring bike with full panniers, a hybrid bike with an Xtracycle conversion, a carbon road bike and a B.o.b. trailer, a fixed gear track bike and a Chrome messenger bag. Or what about a hardtail mountain bike with a two sets of wheels (one set has knobbies, the other has slicks)?

If you wanna go the "bike porn" route, post some pics!

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I have a Phil Wood hub/Velocity rim combo on my fixed gear...like you said, it's a bulletproof setup. The Phil bearings roll smooth as glass and after 1,000+ miles, the wheels haven't even thought about going out of true.

I like the no-dish rear hub on your setup. I wonder why more companies don't do that.

Vakos said:
Thats actually my bike. In the picture it was setup for commuting. The frame (Kogswell P/R) is designed for a heavy front load. Thats why there is just a front rack. Currently the bike has a surly rear rack as well and I'm doing a fully loaded extended tour around New Zealand on it. I built it up as my dream bike. I wanted a touring bike that would be comfortable for commuting yet able to handle the stress of long tours. I haven't been let down yet.

Jody said:
Just curious - looks built for touring. Oversized front rack and no rear rack - why?? Because you intend on pulling a trailer?

Beautiful build, BTW!


Jeff said:
Easy for me - A DeRosa Corum. Classy, raceable steel. Carbon trends change by the minute, but I don't think my lust for this bike will ever fade.

As I am a confirmed all-weather rider, I would have to keep my Bianchi Axis, which is a cyclocross frame. It's light, so with narrow road wheels and tires it serves as a decent road bike, and with space for fenders and studded tires it is reliable winter transportation, as well. With a carbon fork it rides well enough. Nothing however like my old Peugeot, which is a phenomenon of smoothness, but cannot accommodate wider wheels for the challenge of ice and snow.

Attachments:
oh thats not mine! i just flickr'ed a kogswell, because i think theyre really nice!
Jody said:
Just curious - looks built for touring. Oversized front rack and no rear rack - why?? Because you intend on pulling a trailer?

Beautiful build, BTW!


Jeff said:
I have quite a few bikes that I ride with some frequency, but it's my orange Ramboo that gets the bulk of my attention. She can take fenders (even though I only have a rear removable one on now), big tires, is quick as necessary, has taken me on the longest adventures, beingvcomfy as the day is long.

Every nick and addition of "beausage" DOES make me shiver a little bit, though! ;-)

This one:


She's my daily, all-weather ride. A Sekine built out for city riding. I wouldn't trade her for a million dollars.

Yes I would, much less actually, but it is my desert island ride.

(i'd have to switch tires for desert riding i think.)
I've seen the Sekine in person. She's a seksy beast, Lee! My heart goes all a'flutter in the presence of chromed stays and forks.
for 5 years it was my only bike:


taiwan built early 90's schwinn passage.

the price was right (FOUND) Ive replaced the drivetrain, tires/wheels over the years. it rides good, and i can carry stuff with it.

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