'Weekend' bikes

hassanr that's why i usually don't get involved in conversations such as these, everyone has their own ideas, and generally no one is going to budge, so we all agree to disagree. fair enough on your opinion, enjoy it. :)
edit-
and one other small point. your definition of a beater requires apathy towards the bike. i only ride bikes because i enjoy it. why ride one you feel nothing (or more likely, actively don't like) towards just so you don't worry about it's loss?

thats why I don't like the term beater, it seems to imply that you have no love for the bike that you are riding, if thats the case, why ride it, get rid of it and ride something you do like. ;-)
I feel you should love your bike not to the point where it can't leave your sight, or not be locked outside, but love it because you enjoy riding it, and want to continue to do so, because you've made it for yourself and no one else.

Personally I don't think we're that far apart in opinion, or that our opinions differ that much, just with all things forum/email based, nuance and tone are difficult to convey, or express. Come out on the regular sat/sun rides being proposed, or the monopoly ride in march and we'll discuss face to face. ;-)