Do You Really Need Another Bike? (Yes, and Here's Why)

 Why Everyone Needs a "Do Anything" Bike (Including Me)

Let's get straight to the point: bikes are amazing. If you're considering getting a bike to commute, have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and explore more adventures, you definitely should. But here's the thing—not just any bike will do. You need a "do anything" bike.

Truthfully, I'm writing this post partly to convince myself that another bike is justified, despite already owning five. Let me quickly explain my bike lineup:

• Rocky Mountain Growler (2020): Hardtail mountain bike. Front suspension, no rear suspension. It's amazing—I love it.

  
  
  

• 1990s Diamondback: Fully rigid mountain bike with no suspension. Super cool but really uncomfortable geometry for me. My back really hates me after an hour on this bike.

  
  
  

• 2008 Cervelo P2 SL Triathlon Bike ("Beatrix"): Battle-hardened and reliable. It's perfect for triathlon races but not made for stop-and-go riding.

  
  
  

• Trek 5000 Carbon Road Bike: Smooth and fast on roads—exactly as intended.

  
  
  

• State Street Wu-Tang Bike: A casual around-town cruiser that's stylish but lacks versatility.

  
  
  

Most people might say five bikes are more than enough, but here's why they're wrong. These bikes are specialized—they excel at specific tasks. Taking my mountain bike to the local restaurant feels unnecessary and risky (it could be stolen), and riding my tri bike for casual things is really impractical. The Wu-Tang cruiser looks amazing but isn't suited for trails or longer, versatile rides.

Recently, I was planning a biking and fishing trip to the C&O Canal, I realized something: none of my bikes fit the bill perfectly. Then, during a casual gravel ride with my wife, I borrowed her cyclocross bike and felt it was overkill. The cyclocross was built to go fast, not to leisurely cruise and explore comfortably.

This is exactly why everyone needs a "do anything" bike—a true workhorse. A bike like the State Bicycle 4130 All-Road catches my eye because it genuinely fits the "go everywhere, do everything" criteria. Here's what makes it essential:

1. Versatility: Gravel paths, beaches, easy single tracks, parks—wherever you want to go, this bike takes you without feeling out of place.

2. Durability and Reliability: Forget the cheap pawnshop bike. If you're riding 20 miles on a smooth trail and your cheap bike breaks, you're walking home. Investing around $800 gets you a bike tough enough to handle all adventures.

3. Comfort and Adventure: Specialized bikes excel at specific tasks, pushing you toward their intended use. A "do anything" bike offers a relaxed, enjoyable experience on varied terrain without forcing speed or aggression.

Picture this—attaching a dog cart for a leisurely trail ride, exploring a new city, heading to the beach for a weekend getaway, or just sightseeing at local parks. This is exactly why I—and you—need a "do anything" adventure bike.

Yes, I already have five bikes. But when it comes to real-world versatility, comfort, and exploration, none fully hit the mark. A true "do anything" bike isn't just another bike; it's your ticket to unlimited adventures, ready and waiting whenever the mood strikes.

Now go ahead—justify that new bike. Adventure awaits.

What do you think? Do we all need ANOTHER bike?