What I do is pore over the Masis, Cinellis, Herses, etc., that I'd like to collect then I reason with myself that about whether I'd be willing to regularly ride a Masi that I'd paid several thousands for and probably couldn't replace. I always come to the conclusion that I'd seldom ride it (even if I could afford to buy it), and I then I go ride my Guerciotti or R.J.Quinn, Gitane, MCycles, Raleigh Pro, Williams, Raysport, etc.
I wouldn't say mine are second tier bikes but they are certainly second tier in terms of collectors' cost. I tend to collect whatever I like that I know I won't hesitate to ride. I know a lot of you ride your non-replaceable Masis and Herses regularly so it's probably just my problem.
At one time I was collecting English track iron, but not in a good way: I'd find and buy the next one after the last one got crumpled on the velodrome. I have a couple of those left unscathed.
Lately, especially since cycle taste has moved away from mtbs, I notice I think twice before I leave my bikes locked up in the car since they are sparkling with N.Record stuff. For a long time this was the least noticeable kind of bike on the street, especially to thieves, but now it seems they might be prime targets.
An accidental collector, I just noticed at one point that I was no longer upgrading my bikes and that I didn't have much interest in riding the latest stuff. I didn't think of it as collecting until I discovered the CR list a few years ago. Since then I've taken more interest in collectible bikes and restorations, and enjoy having a new project to put together.
--Mitch Harris
Little Rock Canyon, Utah