If I swap out for black tape, the red hoods remain red. Still kicking that back and forth in terms of tape colour.

I like the black tape with red hoods choice Gary! Sounds sweet looking and will hold up well (the black tape.)

Bill

Oh yuck!

As a University of Georgia fan I happen to like that colourway. What did I say so offensive RG?

Awesome! Congrats!

More e.e. cummings than a symptom of immaturity but mostly a bad habit from too much texting. Sorry it is too hard to read. I'm rooting for the black tape. More hard core.

I'm currently awaiting on the red bar tape I ordered to come in. I'll need to call them and find out why it's taking so long. I ordered a roll of Zipp tape (not sure what type) that is more of a rubbery tape than a cork tape. It's washable and cushions better than standard cork tape. At $25.00 a roll, it's a bit more expensive than cork tape but according the the shop, it will last three times longer. I've only had my bike two weeks and I'm already noticing that there is some dirtying of the tape at the base of the hoods.

The Cervelo I recently bought has bar tape with Fizik inscribed every couple of inches. Since they didn't pay me to advertise their products, I'm looking forward to replacing it.

After I wear it out.

OTOH - you could tell folks that you are such a great rider that Fizik is paying you to use their emblem!!

I can't really see red tape with red hoods, even if the match was perfect. I'd go for contrast to make the red hoods stand out. The white works, but red and black is always a good combination.

Welcome to Masi. Not a bad choice, not at all.

My 2011 Masi Speciale Randonneur:

Great fit, great ride!

You gotta remember you are payin' the bills.
A great score but I have had two Trek dealers in my area lie to me when I told them what I wanted.
If the dealer won't accomodate the buyer,go someplace else.

Marc

Red and black is unrelenting machismo....hard colors crashing into one another, the eternal conflict, yin & yang, blah blah. White everything connotes a lack of identity or assertion. White high-lighted by red seems to capture the lilting bittersweetness of Japanese cherry blossoms-- fragile beauty in a world of futility, blah blah.

Gary.....only you could command the attention to get 3 pages of response on the terribly critical choice of tape color. That is power!!

P.S. FWIW, I think hoods shouldn't match tape, unless maybe black/black. Black tape/red hoods might make the bike look like a large bug-eyed insect. White tape, red hood might look really kool and match the white saddle. If you go with a black saddle later, we'll have to hash this out again. Oh, and a brown Brooks is unthinkable.

That's a nice bike you've got there.

Bad feng shui. Just my opinion.

That is a good looking bike. I like what they did with the red trim. Glad you didn't choose REI. Not my favorite place either. Long story no one wants to hear

I actually went with TREK because here in San Diego I see anything but TREKs on my rides I've only seen 2 in the last 2 years of group rides and events. Go figure. I think everyone goes for the "rare" bikes because I see so many more of those around San Diego. There isn't a single boutique brand I haven't seen in San Diego. You name it, I've seen people riding one. Its all made in the same Giant factory in Taiwan anyway so pay for the sticker you like best is my theory.

Interesting. I see Treks everywhere! But I agree, pick the sticker you like best (making sure the bike fits!) and put down your money. I haven't seen any Masis except for SS's in the urban areas.

Wow! What happened to tightwad Gary of old? bk

Aliens.

I think you see so many differnt brands in your area because you have at least 40 Bike shops from Encinitas to Chula Vista. And there must be a dozen custom makers as well. You do have a Trek Super Store in Vista I believe.

I know of two other Trek Super Stores in the area: Kearney Mesa, and La Mesa. Both with knowledgeable people, both with lots of stock, and both, in my experience, missing a certain intangible thing in terms of my experience with them. Not quite sure what it is. The La Mesa store sold me my return to biking bike back in 2005, a 3900 MTB. I really can't fault them except that after getting to know the folks in a couple of other shops, I find that the Trek shops are a little less personable or more "corporate"-like, and the others are more Mom and Pop (without Mom) or something.

That, and the Trek store wouldn't let me put a 2011 model on layaway or hold it with a deposit. Hmmph.

Many of their Superstores are a bit like a Auto dealership. Some of the smaller stores can be a bit more personable. My favorite Specialized LBS just closed and I had worked hard at developing a relationship with them over the years so I will have to finds another, "favorite" shop.

None the less you have put the pressure on the rest of us for N+1. My Masi recovery fell through. I tried to buy my Masi Cafe Solo back from the guy I sold it to but he wanted more than I sold it for.

The search is getting closer however.

That's a great looking ride!! Nice bike!

With a white saddle, keep the white tape, this combination looks great with the red hoods. And no reason to change now, just keep it "as is" and get some mileage in.