To cream or not to cream...
 

Okay, maybe that sounds a bit more risqué than what I meant. I just meant that I'm trying to decide whether or not to use cream tires on the Fuji Espree Mixte that I'm customizing for my ladyfriend. At first, I was totally gung ho about them, but then I got them mounted and I have to say, I'm reconsidering. It seems a bit much. (My gal feels the same way.) What do you all think? Too flashy or not?

My other option, by default, would be tan-walled Paselas. If I went that route, I could also switch back to the original 27" wheels and save a bit of dough. So there's that incentive as well...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8...6654fe66_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8399/8...cbe44c6a_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8534/8...de1abdd4_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8415/8...5cf791c3_z.jpg

Well if both of you (especially the rider) feel they're over the top, it hardly seems like you need more opinions, but since you asked, I agree - Paselas would look better. Nice looking bike though.

Looks fine. The flashiness will tone down a little once she puts some miles on them. Plus, there are other factors: tires like these require very little maintenance and are very comfortable.

Personally, I think cream tires are better in theory. They just don't look as good once they get dirty, which is inevitable with white tires on dirty roads. I think cream tires look better on bikes with fenders, so the dirty tread section is mostly covered.

If you place fenders on the bicycle, the brightness of the tires will be somewhat diminished... I'd keep the tires and put on fenders. That bike would look great with them installed.

That IS a gorgeous bike, btw. :love:

she will love you more for fenders,

If you want full smooth stainless ones...I got plenty!

now that I look twice, I approve of black cables, they are not as loud as white would have been.

This means new tires go on soonist

I just ordered these... cream sidewalls with brown tread:
http://www.velogear.com.au/media/cat...x_28_tyres.jpg

^Those look nice! Some more photos of the same Gran Compe Ene Ciclo tires in action (with fenders) over at Lovely Bicycle: CLICK.

I like the creme, but I also think a mixte looks better with fenders.

One of the LBS around here has a Soma they built up and which has these tires. They are sweet! I considered getting some for one of my bikes, but haven't found one that they'd be well suited to.

To cream or not to cream...
 

Great points about fenders: they'll cover up most of the dirt on the tread, tone down the brightness of the tires, and enhance the look of the bike overall. They're definitely going on the wish list of accessories to be added to this build.

Also, those Gran Compe ENEs are great looking tires. Brown and creme go so well together and the brown eliminates the issue of the visible dirt strip on the center of the tread. I just wish they came in larger sizes! I can only hope that VO will spec other sizes if they find enough demand for the 28s.

I think it looks perfect as is. Fenders never hurt though. I have cream Schwalbes on my yellow Sports and I like them a lot. However, making your gal as happy as possible with the bike should be priority #1.

No fenders is a crime..

Yeah, I have to agree with the acoffin, they look great on a bike. The Linus model that is shod with cream tires looks great as well. I hadn't thought about the grunge aspect though. Ultimately it's up to the rider and that would be your lady friend.

My vote is that bike looks great as it is...

Agreed, but that's easier said than done. The trouble isn't that's she's picky, but rather that she's painfully indecisive. According to her, she's completely on the fence about this one (a common dilemma).

I'd just wear this set of tires out to make sure they aren't the right ones.

Now thats classy, like that a LOT more personally.

I think they look cute and girly, if your girl doesn't like it try something else. Girls are weird about some things, I know I live with one.

If I recall correctly, the Bay area only has a few days of rain during the short winter months, and the roads are too oily to ride, so WTF with fenders guys?

Cream tires are very hip with chicas, so are whitewalls. I think the OP's bike looks perfect, but for those Wald newsboy baskets. I had a pair on my Schwinn Collegiate, but I actually delivered newspapers. Doesn't something less utilitarian exist, like a wooden wine box?

Is that the original paint on the Espree? WOW

I think the bike stands out because that's the only contrasty thing there.

I agree w. oddjob2, lose the grocery cart panniers and get fenders maybe new handle bar grips and a shiny chain- KMC nickle plated something and white cables.

Look at this style of pannier- something girly like this see the cream:
http://www.italianbicycles.com.au/bi...nier-bags.html

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4a57339f.jpg

I like cream, but I'll ride whichever has pumped tires. I swap out panniers and baskets based on cargo needs. These have a reflective stripe.

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5e437ba1.jpg

Black tires.

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/...pse898f9db.jpg

Cream tires.

Frankie says: relax, don't do it, when you wanna get to it....

I'm with TampaRaleigh