When I moved to Sweden in 2013, I immediately realized that I wanted to bike again, but what I didn't know was that I'd not only get hooked to biking but also end up growing a collection of bikes! Having been used to commuting on a motorcycle in India, I felt fairly crippled in Sweden, and was desperate to get my hands on a bicycle, as that would greatly increase my mobility.  I kept an eye out on the university site's buy and sell section, and soon found myself calling and writing to many people in the hopes of getting a cheap bike to get around.Bike # 1: After a few disappointments, I finally found a bike which seemed decent.  Unlike the earlier ones I'd seen/tried, most of the gears seemed to be working and the chain and gear cassettes seemed okay, at least for a few more months of use. I knew straightaway that it would entail some tender loving care, but it felt and looked okay and the price seemed okay too, so that became my first bike.   Since the purchase, I have painstakingly replaced all parts that were too far gone. Over the three years I've owned it, I have replaced the rear wheel (due to a worn out freehub), chain, front and rear derailleurs, gear cassette, bottom bracket and tyres! The components have cost me several times the amount I bought the bike for, but it's pretty solid and now my primary winter bike.  I call it 'Rusty'.

Bike #1b: Winters are harsh on bikes and before long, a puncture and then some chain related issues put Rusty out of commision during the work week, and I thought that I really needed at least two bikes, to ensure I had a fall-back. Instead of trying my luck with another used bike, I decided to buy a cheap new bike, so off I went to Biltema and picked up a new bike. I even got some additional discount as it had been from the previous year's unsold inventory. It was a marked improvement over Rusty; it had Shimano paddle shifters and had an 8 speed cassete. Shifting was quite smooth and the bike rolled well.  I was stupid enough to lock the bike without anchoring it to anything, and one night, when I was working late, it got stolen. I'd felt terrible then, and still feel bad. It was a very decent bike.

Bike #2: When I'd been to Motala, to see off my colleagues who were participating in Vätternrundan 2013, I decided that I'd return the next year, as a participant. When it was time to register, I registered, but I didn't have a roadbike and was certainly in no shape to consider doing the 300km ride on a mountainbike!  My colleague recommended that I check out the option of renting a decent bike, riding it, buying it and bringing it back, from Mallorca. This was indeed a great way to find an excellently maintained roadbike at an affordable price. Off I went to Mallorca, and came back with a 2010 model Cube Agree SL aluminum bike with an Easton carbon fiber fork and Shimano Ultegra groupset and shifters. I call it 'Speedy' :)

Bike #3: Ever since my Biltema MTB got stolen, I was keen on buying a nice MTB. This was by far the simplest of my bike purchases! Walked into Haga Cykel (the LBS), looked around a bit and rode out with my new Specialized Hardrock SE 29er. I call this 'The Beast'.

Bike #4: In November of 2014, I started getting curious about fixed gear bikes. I read quite a bit about them and quickly got fascinated enough to start researching, to buy one! I traveled to the United States on work, and used the opportunity to buy a Pure Fix Tango, and bring it back with me.  This bike became my primary commute bike in 2015. I call this 'Pixie' :)

Bike #5 (Uni #1): In 2015, I saw a man riding a unicycle! It was the first time I'd seen anybody communiting on a unicycle! It looked both cool and intriguing. Though I didn't act on it immediately, it was at the back of my mind for a while. This year, I checked out a few models on unicycle.se, looked around a bit on youtube, spoke to a really helpful guy from unicycle.se, and placed my order; this would be my cycle #5 and first (and thus far!) only unicycle! suggests that I call it 'Unix' :) I'm still learning to ride it!