Era of the Model-T Bike-Any Color Black you Want?
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Era of the Model-T Bike-Any Color Black you Want?
While at the local REI looking for some tires I looked at the racks of bikes on display, other than the child sized and balance bikes which were glorious in primary colors, everything, road/mountain/hybrid, etc., everything else was black. It's so depressing, is this the new thing, or, did they just make a purchase decision for the chain?
It may be the most advanced thing on the planet, but flat black bikes?
Color is life and may save your life, riding an invisible bike in day light, let alone dark,....never a good Idea. Plus my wife loves the colors of my bikes, even comes into the office time to time to look and say "that's beautiful", she's the stoker for our tandem too.
Life is good!
It may be the most advanced thing on the planet, but flat black bikes?
Color is life and may save your life, riding an invisible bike in day light, let alone dark,....never a good Idea. Plus my wife loves the colors of my bikes, even comes into the office time to time to look and say "that's beautiful", she's the stoker for our tandem too.
Life is good!
#2
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I was blissfully unaware of this fad (not a trend, I claim and hope), because I don't buy new bicycles.
This reminds me of one of my greatest regrets in the automotive world -- the loss of colored interiors. My lowly $12K 1989 Dodge Spirit (updated K-car) was white with a deep red, almost burgundy, interior that made it look like something far more expensive. Now the interior of every car is either black or some neutral color.
This reminds me of one of my greatest regrets in the automotive world -- the loss of colored interiors. My lowly $12K 1989 Dodge Spirit (updated K-car) was white with a deep red, almost burgundy, interior that made it look like something far more expensive. Now the interior of every car is either black or some neutral color.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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Granted, I don't spend much time in bike shops, but I do notice the relative monochromaticity of modern bikes when riding with friends.
When I attended the 2015 NAHBS show, I was struck by the number of gray bikes. Most were titanium, so it's more forgivable, but it was still a bit sad.
On the plus side, if a person is willing to get a custom paint job, the opportunities for color are vast! Here's a shot of a bike by Shamrock Cycles, which won the prize for Best Paint. They typically display some really creative paint schemes....
Steve in Peoria
When I attended the 2015 NAHBS show, I was struck by the number of gray bikes. Most were titanium, so it's more forgivable, but it was still a bit sad.
On the plus side, if a person is willing to get a custom paint job, the opportunities for color are vast! Here's a shot of a bike by Shamrock Cycles, which won the prize for Best Paint. They typically display some really creative paint schemes....
Steve in Peoria
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In the 1899 catalog- Schwinn offered Brewster Green!
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Granted, I don't spend much time in bike shops, but I do notice the relative monochromaticity of modern bikes when riding with friends.
When I attended the 2015 NAHBS show, I was struck by the number of gray bikes. Most were titanium, so it's more forgivable, but it was still a bit sad.
On the plus side, if a person is willing to get a custom paint job, the opportunities for color are vast! Here's a shot of a bike by Shamrock Cycles, which won the prize for Best Paint. They typically display some really creative paint schemes....
Steve in Peoria
When I attended the 2015 NAHBS show, I was struck by the number of gray bikes. Most were titanium, so it's more forgivable, but it was still a bit sad.
On the plus side, if a person is willing to get a custom paint job, the opportunities for color are vast! Here's a shot of a bike by Shamrock Cycles, which won the prize for Best Paint. They typically display some really creative paint schemes....
Steve in Peoria
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My daughter always gives me a hard time about matching my water bottle, jersey, socks, etc. to the bike color. Black would make it easier to keep everything coordinated.
Also, if all your bikes are the same color, it is easier to sneak a new one into the herd.
Seriously, I'm not a fan of the trend either. They used to have two or three colors for every bike model.
Also, if all your bikes are the same color, it is easier to sneak a new one into the herd.
Seriously, I'm not a fan of the trend either. They used to have two or three colors for every bike model.
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This most likely helps Colnago and Cinelli stay in the light and why they are still revered. Wild paint, limited editions and unique bikes.
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feros ferio
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That is a concern. The bike frame color probably does not have a big impact on visibility, but one's jersey and lights do.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
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droppedandlost, there's nothing wrong with a black bike and your's is beautiful, those chrome lugs and fork tips! One of the loveliest Formula 1 cars IMO was the black with gold leaf John Player Lotus, but again its how the black is done and what accents are there with the color.
The all black look, black frame, hubs, cranks, etc. just leaves me, and the flat black and titanium uhg, especially when you go to a vintage gathering where the color and chrome is just outstanding.
Same as you say with cars exteriors and interiors colors, exteriors are all Black , White, Silver with some Red and an occasional Yellow or Blue.
Which is why vintage bikes are "that's beautiful" in my wife's words.
The all black look, black frame, hubs, cranks, etc. just leaves me, and the flat black and titanium uhg, especially when you go to a vintage gathering where the color and chrome is just outstanding.
Same as you say with cars exteriors and interiors colors, exteriors are all Black , White, Silver with some Red and an occasional Yellow or Blue.
Which is why vintage bikes are "that's beautiful" in my wife's words.
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This compared to the racks of black/titanium bikes, not even a contest. Just as those bikes are not even even close to vintage black bikes with lovely chrome lugged, chain stayed, fork tips and beautifully polished silver derailleurs, shifters, brakes, forks and stems, black can be very beautiful, but it's because someone intended it rather than just dipping everything in spray can flat black.
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This compared to the racks of black/titanium bikes, not even a contest. Just as those bikes are not even even close to vintage black bikes with lovely chrome lugged, chain stayed, fork tips and beautifully polished silver derailleurs, shifters, brakes, forks and stems, black can be very beautiful, but it's because someone intended it rather than just dipping everything in spray can flat black.
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#18
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You're right Golden Boy this and the John Player Lotus would make quite a pair, though easier storage and upkeep on the bike. Again drop this black bike in a line of the current crop of black/titanium bikes and it would be the diamond that would sparkle.
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The First World War dazzle paint for ships appeals to me for my Norco (which is black). I'd like to repaint it in a classic moss green or a '70s Polaroid yellow.
However, the boring black blends in with the landscape for secure locking.
Now the Voyageur on the other hand - I'd like to repaint it in another classic Voyageur colour because currently as a 1991 model it is gray.
However, the boring black blends in with the landscape for secure locking.
Now the Voyageur on the other hand - I'd like to repaint it in another classic Voyageur colour because currently as a 1991 model it is gray.
#21
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Specialized road bikes are all available in two colours, at every price point. Often one subdued and one flashy.
Trek's road bikes are generally available in 2-4 colours at each price point. Generally one black, one white with some highlights and then two flashy ones. And there's the custom program.
Cannondale's road bikes are all available in multiple colours. Same as above, one subdued option and a few flashy ones.
And that's just the "big three."
If flat black is what you see on the floor it's likely because that's what is the safest bet to have in stock. More people will choose the less flashy option than the super bright one. Stocking what people are more likely to buy reduces the chances you'll be left with dead stock that you have to take a wash on, a problem that many shop owners have already. Easy enough to order in the flashy colours when a customer says they want one.
Trek's road bikes are generally available in 2-4 colours at each price point. Generally one black, one white with some highlights and then two flashy ones. And there's the custom program.
Cannondale's road bikes are all available in multiple colours. Same as above, one subdued option and a few flashy ones.
And that's just the "big three."
If flat black is what you see on the floor it's likely because that's what is the safest bet to have in stock. More people will choose the less flashy option than the super bright one. Stocking what people are more likely to buy reduces the chances you'll be left with dead stock that you have to take a wash on, a problem that many shop owners have already. Easy enough to order in the flashy colours when a customer says they want one.
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Contrast, complimentary colors, that's what I'm looking for.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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The First World War dazzle paint for ships appeals to me for my Norco (which is black). I'd like to repaint it in a classic moss green or a '70s Polaroid yellow.
However, the boring black blends in with the landscape for secure locking.
Now the Voyageur on the other hand - I'd like to repaint it in another classic Voyageur colour because currently as a 1991 model it is gray.
However, the boring black blends in with the landscape for secure locking.
Now the Voyageur on the other hand - I'd like to repaint it in another classic Voyageur colour because currently as a 1991 model it is gray.
Anton's Voyageur was (and still is) a benchmark of class:
Schwinn Voyageur touring build: sneak peek (pic intensive!)
Can I see your Voyageur?
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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Agree that flat black and bare metal are pretty boring. If it's black it better be with a nice wet glossy clearcoat and some accent colors.
Funnily enough my ti bike is half painted gloss black with yellow and red accents.
Funnily enough my ti bike is half painted gloss black with yellow and red accents.