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

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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Permalink Reply by Gecko on March 23, 2009 at 7:11am
My dream do-it-all bike:

this frame:


with:
Flat bars, trigger shifters & v brakes
XT or XTR derailleurs/shifters/cassette/brakes for a wide range 9 speed triple setup
external bearing mtb bb/crankset (XT/XTR, RaceFace or Truvativ)
Full fenders (sometimes)
32 spoke 29er wheels with 45mm knobbies for the dirt
32 spoke road wheels with gatorskins for the pavement
clipless mtb pedals
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on March 23, 2009 at 8:14am
If I wasn't afraid of getting ripped off I would own one bike - a Thorn Raven Tour and I would mail order it new from the UK. Otherwise if I were to own only one bike it would be a mountain bike since it could be ridden no matter what the weather was with little risk of catching a flat - that's my Trek 800. I would get skinny tires for commuting in the summer.

It would be more convenient to have a folding bike like a Bike Friday Tikit...they sell suitcases that double as trailers for the bike. The folder might not be as tough in the snow or carry as much stuff.
Permalink Reply by Jody on March 23, 2009 at 11:20am
Grocery list:

at least three speeds in an internal hub
full fenders
Lots of carrying capacity
step-though mixte or women-specific lightweight frame
simple bullhorn bars or compact moustache-style risers
at least one brake
city commuter tires w reflective sidewalls
nothing too fancy-schmancy or quick-release to tempt sticky fingers
bikelove stickers
chainguard a nice plus


...now I just need to stop dreaming and start building
Permalink Reply by Jeff on March 23, 2009 at 11:23am
Permalink Reply by Ali on March 23, 2009 at 2:01pm
A roadie, full carbon, custom made of course. Ride all the miles my heart desires for training and racing, and then use the CTA for the rest...I prefer to have performance on my side and willing to do away with some convenience for the ultimate road machine...

-Ali
Permalink Reply by Jamie on March 23, 2009 at 2:32pm
my indyfab XS
Permalink Reply by GabeW (not the other Gabe) on March 23, 2009 at 3:23pm
Only one bike? Whatever it is it would need to come equiped with a deadly weopon of some sort, cause I'd have to kill myself. I have a polyamorus relationship with bikes and can't see myself "settling down."
Permalink Reply by jim gott on March 24, 2009 at 1:33am
binanchi pista fixed gear
Permalink Reply by Jody on March 24, 2009 at 12:41pm
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:
Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on March 24, 2009 at 2:44pm
This.

Raleigh Superbe 3 speed. I'd dump the stock 46/18 gearing and go with 46/22(done). Alloy rims in place of the steel and maybe, just maybe, a moustache bar.
Permalink Reply by Vakos on March 24, 2009 at 7:29pm
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:
Permalink Reply by Vakos on March 24, 2009 at 7:30pm
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:

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