I’ve cut down on bikes, that’s a bit like saying “I used to smoke 50 a day, but through sheer willpower, I’m down to 48″.

Update: January 2010. 2009 had been a fallow year in Al’s rambling pantheon of pointless bike purchasing. And nearly sixteen months had passed between the old Kona being pimped and un-ridden and a late flurry of year end purchasing. Even the much abused credit card had barely suffered any major fiscal beatings except to replace broken or worn out bits. Sadly that policy didn’t carry through to the rider who is still a bit broken and ever more worn out.

December was a bit of a humdinger month though. Firstly a roadbike was purchased on the bike2work scheme following a declaration at least two months before that “I’d rather graft a pineapple onto my testicles using hot wax and a blowtorch and then parade naked down Bond Street, than buy a pointless, skinny tyred bike for which I have no use“. As ever, awesome willpower and mutated logic triumphed over verbal blustery and common sense.

In the zone now, a planet aligning demo ride, interest free credit option and slightly weak back (not as weak as the purchasing gland sadly) brought forth the Orange ST4 that not only has displaced the much loved Cove, it’s asset stripped it for all the parts. The Cove’s staying tho as I plan a 2010 stealth build while Carol isn’t watching. If I can get any 2nd hand sellers’ to label illicitly smuggled bike parts as “Window Frames” or “General Building Materials” all shall be well.

The Jake has gone tho, sold to a man who had both cash and a need. And the other Kona is going in the spring when returning three season MTB’rs feel their financial sap rising. Down to five then, four and a half if the Cove isn’t built up. That’s almost “cured”.

New ST4. One ride, many smiles.

Boardman Team Carbon. I know, I know.

Cove Hummer. Currently a frame only having a short stint as office wall art.

Kona Kilaueu. Still here, but hanging over the abyss of eBay come spring.

Pace 405. Not ridden enough. But enough to keep it.

DMR Trailstar LT. Occasionally ridden, still much loved.

That’s it now. No really. Why can I hear people laughing?