General Cycling Discussion - What makes your bike unique?

I have a squeaky parrot toy and a bell that says "I love my bike". Also got bungee cords and velcro wrapped around a tube of the frame, and clock and speedometer taped to the handlebars. What makes your bike different than everybody else's?

Me!
:D

That it's MINE :)

From what I can tell...the fact that it's ridden regularly makes it uniquie around here.

that the bike is being riden by me

On my Specialized Sirrus I run a 700x23 Panaracer Stradius Sport on the rear and a ,{gasp!**, Cheng Shin/Nashbar Prima 2 Plus (kevlar) 700x23 on the front. Recently replaced the Tiagra triple with a Deore LX. Almost everything on the bike is black, the crank being sort of a dark pewter color. I didn't plan it this way but kinda like the color scheme, a "stealth" look.
On my RockHopper I have a SKS Shockboard front fender. I haven't seen another bike in my area with one.

its my bike to use and no one elses.

Hmmm...nothing. I don't want my bike to stand out. Some of the little things on it are unique but really it is common.

the way my bikes change like chameleons. A couple of coworkers think I have ten or so bikes. I get bored with it and I change them every couple of months.

I'll change the paint, go from flat bars to drops, 14-speed to single speed to fixed gear and back, install a rear rack from time to time- just to try something different.

that everything was put together, adjusted, and tweaked to my satisfaction by me ;)

My bike is an education in progress for me. A friend is teaching me how to rebuilt it. We are taking it a step at a time one component at a time. Campy triple ring with matching front derailer. Building wheels, replacing spokes, different threads on the bb.
Have a great ride!!
filark

My commuter bike only raises eyebrows amongst people who really know bikes. Everyone else thinks it is the piece of junk it is carefully designed to resemble.
It has a few custom braze-ons and a home-made lighting sytem.

The reflective tape all over both of my bikes makes them unique

Cause I know where all the dings and scratches are and how they got there:D

The places it's been with me. Trails all over Missouri, The Sangre de Cristo Mts. in New Mexico, The Rockies in Colorado, Florida and Alabama. With so many memories, it will be impossible for me to ever sell her. :)

In this world, I could say that a bike with drop bars looks a bit odd, unless it's a road bike with few spokes in the front wheel, etc.

However, I have:

25" frame : not typical, especially in these days of MTBs and compact frames;
solid wheels, with 36 spokes;
fenders;
long mudflaps front and rear, with reflectors on the rear one;
2 racks;
low gears.


The gearing of my newer touring bike is also fully customised to my liking.

Regards,

The old, fat guy on my bike makes it unique.

Road bike: Custom pain job [it's a Marinoni]...

'Cross bike: I think it's the only Campy-equipped Kona Major Jake in the universe.

I love the idea that my bike is the only one like it on the planet...I'd hate to go out and see one just like mine at a race or out on the trail.

I think it speaks of your personality, and what sort of person you are...erm....what does my bike say about me?

I'm expensive, lightweight (well I can wish), and don't rust if I'm left outside in bad weather :D

Rich

Originally posted by jump
I have a squeaky parrot toy...

I have a squeaky Dino! I usually park my bike outside while I go shopping. When I return, on more than one occasion I have witnessed slightly embarrassed parents dragging their kid away from my bike saying something like "look here, twice is enough, it's really not your toy" and the kid going, "ONCE MORE!!" with his / her hand firmly reaching for the Dino.:)

It's completely useless as a safety device, but it tends to make people smile. A great conversation starter!

--J

Apart from home made customised light brackets, both of my bikes are unique, in that my Flying Scot is number 345L made in 1963, and my other bike frame was custom built for me and I just rebuilt it with a mix of Campag, Stronglight, tange, Huret, mavic , GB and Sh.....(no I cannot say it!!) components.

It's custom made for me!

Originally posted by velocipedio
Road bike: Custom pain job [it's a Marinoni]...
<snip>

V,
I do believe that this typo speaks volumes about our chosen form of enjoyment...


ChipR:)

Originally posted by jump
What makes your bike different than everybody else's?

Which bike? :D

Well it's been developed a little... actually only the frame and forks have so far survived upgrade fever, and the forkks are going soon...

Richard

The brake cable runs through the frame , not on the outside . Covered in reflective tape , saddle is made of leather and brass trim. Nobody would ever steal it , looks like a POS, but it's a great bike really. Love it!:)

I have 3 unique bikes:
"The Dorkmobile" commuter, former Norco MTB - crooked front fender gives it that little extra bit of charm, skinny tires + rack & pannier bags add to the dork mystique.
1987 Bianchi 12 speed road bike - a previous owner for some reason painted front rim a pea green colour - some of it has worn off, most is still there - also has a white seat (hard to find these days)
98 Norco Bush Pilot MTB - was sitting in a garage getting rusty when rescued, still some rusty bits here and there. Still has the nibs on the factory tires.