The build-up

It's getting on fall, that time of year when you start thinking about the next race season. You start thinking about your bike, and then your other bike, and then how you'd like to change the components on still another bike.

And then you start thinking about how you'd like to get two more bikes. Maybe three. And then you wonder how inconvenient it would be to park outside all winter ... .

That could be a lot of fun. Having that many bikes, I mean — not parking outside.

Anyway, the bikes. For whatever reason, this time of year always gets me scheming and planning about how to tackle the next season. A couple of things are certain: the Madone and the TT bike. After that? My old Bianchi needs a complete makeover. Fit isn't right, components are cobbled together from worn-out pieces of other bikes ... ugh.

And then there's this whole 'cross bike thing. I'm being disproportionally picky about the matter, for some reason. Basically, I want something that's pretty light. The idea of lugging something heavy around with the back I have is not altogether appealing.

And a mountain bike? Yes, please. There have definitely been days where a good bit of dirt would have been a welcome change. I know what I want there, too.

So, basically, it'd be this: road bike, TT bike, CX bike, MTB and the Bianchi, which is probably best suited for commuter/Burley duty. Five bikes. That's not bad.

So what's on your wish list for the next six months?