Wow, I just feel so much saner now after reading everybody else's symptoms. I had written just a response to the original questions, then the lists started.....
># of Bikes:
I stopped counting as soon as people started asking. I don't really want to know myself. Won't worry until I run out of rafters. Standard answer to the question now is; "I don't know, but I always seem to need one more."
(I think I can change that answer now to "I won't worry until I start to catch up to some of YOU.")
#1. 74 Raleigh International - Best distinguishing feature - split down tube found under an oddly placed bike shop sticker, (Curiosity is a dangerous thing.) and chrome peeling off the fork. Previous deranged owner had used it as a beach bike, in salt water. For me, all the comfort and fun of riding an Int without worrying about destroying it in the process.
#2. 83 Specialized Expedition tourer - Even more comfortable than the Int, and more stable, especially when loaded and screaming down steep twisting turning potholed WV hills. Exceeded all others during the standard comparison test on my calibrated downhill/washboard/potholed section of road, resulting in the longest string yet of expletives (deleted) of disbelief that anything could be that comfortable. Nearly equalled only during similar test rides on other bikes (that were immediately disposed of and that shall remain nameless) that resulted in expletive strings of disbelief that anybody could/would build/ride anything so UNcomfortable. Godfrey Daniels !!
#3. Toss up between 69-70 white Raleigh Pro and 75 Eisentraut Limited. Most distinguishing features for both, just old friends I've spent waaaaay too much time with, applying the patina to each other.
Continuing with Part II of the discussion: Nothing to brag about but they do keep me amused.
61 Carlton Flyer (Thanks Tom. It's almost ready to ride.) 69/70 Raleigh Pro (1 bike, 1 frame) 71 Raleigh International (2 frames) 71 Raleigh Pro (frame. Thanks Chuck. I WILL put parts on it.) 73 Raleigh RRA (down to 2. Yes Harris, it's okay to sell stuff, but it feels sooo weird.) 74 Raleigh International (2) 75 Eisentraut Limited 83 Specialized Expedition tourer (3) (Thanks Bob. Thanks other Bob) 83 Specialized Sequoia 84 Raleigh Gran Tour (very retro for it's time, lotsa chrome as per recent discussion) 84 Trek 720 tourer (2) 83 Trek 620 (2) early 70s Dawes Galaxy, (2) (yes Mike, you can have yours back)
Other stuff I won't admit to that was left in baskets on my doorstep. Bad enough admitting in public that I've developed this strange habit of acquiring a "spare" everything once I find something I really like. Well, hey, ya know, I could hit a deer, I could miss a turn screamin down the hill and wind up in the gravel pit.... it's not like I can just walk down to the LBS and buy a replacement. I could be traumatized. One to ride and one to pet? Kinda scary seeing that little quirk in print though. Maybe one for each side of my split personality? It does feel a little loud and crowded in here some days....
We gotta go. Osborn & Osborn (somedays even I can't tell us apart, but HE'S the evil one.) Bruceton Mills, WV