Pretty sure they still make them but current graphics cost a lot more.

seems like carbon here would simply satisfy OCD and Bling factors, not real advantage it seems.

I don't get it. Maybe I'm in the wrong generation, or don't understand the cycling buying habits (likely true). But how is material ever bling over better design?

From Tennis rackets, to bike seats to rims on cars - show me the specs and what it does. Form (material) following functions is more "bling" to me. If you want bling, go buy spray paint and bling it.

Thinking of gold chains etc. from Mr. T, maybe I just am not into that kind of Bling. When it comes to bike I do like to see a theme. So if someone has a gold plated bike, I get the theme - Mr T! Carbon? Maybe I need to see Mr T with carbon bling and my mind will change.

With an unlimited budget, in cycling different parts are best suited to different materials. Some parts steel wins, some Ti, some composite (carbon), some aluminium. I guess "Bling" is a feeling. I don't feel it for carbon. I mean, I have a lot of carbon, but I can't think of a carbon part that I think is cooler than some metal part (OK - that GELU seat is cooler than my Brooks, just not as comfy).

Bling:
Attachment 565409


This would Bling less with a carbon post, than the alloy pictured.
Attachment 565410

I don't see the need to buy an expensive $200 stem when it seems a $25 alloy one from ebay will perform as well, weigh less, and cost 1/10th the price. I've got a carbon frame bike and some of my OCD'ness says 'get more carbon' but my head keeps me in check with questions like this.

I kinda see "bling" as spending good money for parts that simply don't perform any better simply to provide 'image' for your chosen ride (be that bicycle, motorcycle, car, truck, etc). I don't have a problem with someone putting bling on their bike if that's what they wanna do, just not my thing, I'm more of a 'bang for the buck' type so I'd rather buy

this: Cannondale1 C1 Road Stem 1-1/8" -31.8mm-7Deg / 90mm-100mm-110m | eBay

instead of this: https://www.amazon.com/Parlee-Carbon...rbon+6+degrees

they are the same weight and one is 10x the price. I will admit the Parlee stem is a sleeker design (bling if you will) than the oem cannondale stem, they should perform similarly based on what i've read. this seems like a no brainer to me, but I understand wanting to dress up your ride a little.