Just ONE Bike...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Elk, your decisions on what bikes to have will be based largely on what kind of riding you do. If you have lots of hills where you live then obviously you won't want to get a single speed bike, or a heavy cruiser/comfort bike. If you do mostly flat paved highway riding you wouldn't really want a mountain bike for that.
My theory is to have a modest number of fine bikes in the household that suit the various purposes well, put a lot of love into those bikes, and put great parts on them over time. Sometimes getting some fine new parts for a bike you already have and making it work can be thrilling and feeling like you have a whole new bike.

[Blueberry]

I currently have 5 bikes. DH has 3. I regularly ride all except 1, and that one still serves a regular, specialized purpose (plus I'm attached to it).

DH rides all 3 of his at least once a week. He's trying to figure out if he can get it down to 2, but there is no discussion of a single bike in our house

We ride too much, and there's too much of a chance that one would be stolen or need replacement parts. DH commutes on his, so it's to his benefit to have a back up in case of a last minute repair/tire change issue.

CA