The N=N+1 versus S=S-1 Conundrum

… or Velominati Rule #12:  “While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner.”

Let’s be honest, there is always the urge for more whether that is a new component, a replacement bike or that extra (but essential) additional bike – finding the balance & not tipping over the edge is the conundrum for all MAMILs.

Having bought a new bike at the end of last year (& having had to sell 1 accordingly) I was at that point, but when the opportunity arose, I had to try…

The occasion was our Silver Wedding Anniversary –

“So, what can we get you for a present?”

“Gadget?” -> “No” -> “😞, I like gadgets”

“Mac?” -> “No, you’ll just replace it in a few years, has to be something you’ll keep”

“A new bike then 😇 ?” -> “You just got one!!” -> “I could get the new model they just released?” -> “NO & besides you’ll just want to replace that in a few years as well”

After several days, my wife remembered my reaction a few weeks previously at the Tour of Cambridgeshire looking at the classic bikes on display in the Expo from Cicli Artigianali – “mmmmm, Chrome..” (think Homer Simpson daydreaming of Donuts)

 …”How about a vintage bike?” -> “Yes” -> “You would keep that” -> “YES” -> “BUT…” -> “Oh, there’s a but 😞” -> “Don’t just buy one, build one up so it has the parts you want” -> “Which hand do I bite off?? !!! 😜”

So, n shall become n+1 but not instantly – I get the fun of the whole build project (although I warn now, there will be cursing), the anticipation of the end result and I’m sure a weekend or two away in foreign climes while searching for old parts (this may have influenced my wife’s suggestion)

And best yet, the “new” bike was all my wife’s idea, my own small (but not insignificant) contribution being a line of drool as I stared at the shiny bikes – Happy Anniversary!!