On Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:21:44 -0800, Anton Berlin wrote:

I am one of those nuts that has 10 machines in the garage. From a custom
made Columbus Max with SR an Aquila titanium with a brand new c-
record large flange group, to several carbon frames and a collection of
disc wheels and H3s etc.

I am in the stage where I want to simplify and feel that I could get
practical and get down to one bike and be content with that.

My current idea is a titanium cyclocross style bike that uses mtb
wheels, has a long wheelbase and is set up for touring (fenders,
panniers, etc) would be the best compromise of all worlds.

I want a bike that is flexible enough to ride everyday, tour extensively
on (already have 2 cycling trips around the world and multiple through
Europe)

The open questions are rim brakes or discs ? Derailleurs or internal
gearing (rohloff or sram) ?

And the pros and cons of using s&s couplers. Thanks in advance for your
thoughts and input.

* * *
AB,

I have 8 bicycles currently & several more two wheel projects, and I also
need to reduce the number, but can not seem to part with them. I know I
have to many downtube shift Aluminum bicycles, but each one has a
different story and memories. I must keep a fixey to work on my peddling
skills each week. A 1987 Novara XR, that I ride quite often with its 26x
1.25 tires absorbing a lot of the local pavement irregularities. I love
the Mercedes ride of the Jamis Ventura when spending 3 hours or more in
the pedals.

I have a Takara grocery getter with a steel frame I can chain without
worry of seeing a new scratch while shopping. I built the old frame to
carry groceries, and avoid using an Aluminum frame bicycle that attracts
scratches & dents. Also a light weight Aluminum/CF bicycle with decent
components lashed to a tree or bicycle rack/stand is to great of a
temptation for unsavory bicycle resellers of bicycles they do not own.

Yes, it will be quite difficult to reduce the number of bicycles, but it
would be a nice respite, until the next must have was found in a garage
sale needing a few parts and some TLC.

JR the postman