Yes. Even if we all know that those weirdo fork and seatstay waves are there just for the look of it.

The ultimate test: show the bike to someone who knows nothing about bikes. Nobody will notice an outrageously expensive Ti bike: it looks just like a bike. But a Pinarello with big stickers, deeeep rims with HUGE logos, all color-coordinated - you'll immediately get asked "how much does it cost" and "it must be really light", the 2 desired feedback of true bling. With a bit of luck, you can even get a "can I lift it?".

You know the guy who knows about bikes, rides a lot and puts in the effort will just wave you off as a poseur, so don't waste time there.

Now, let's get serious about bling, folks.

I see a lot of photos with Dura Ace or SRAM or (egad!) FSA cranks on them. Sorry folks. That doesn't scream wealth or form-over-substance the way bling MUST if it is to be maximum bling.

For maximum bling, only Campy carbon Record need apply. (Except for the brakes -- in that case, you need some of those skeleton-looking brakes that cost as much as an entire Dura Ace group.)

I see a lot of photos with no-name or rather pedestrian wheels on them. Tsk-tsk. Wheels are the most long-distance opportunity you will ever have for bling. You need BIG logos and BIG places to display them.

For maximum bling, you need Zipps with DEEEEEEEEEEEEP rims -- preferably a disk rear wheel. Maximum logos mean bling you can see for blocks. Hoist those sails!

Probably a polished custom titanium frame with really cool lugs. This will only appeal to a few knowledgeable people, but the knowledgeable will know that titanium is almost entirely about bling. (You CAN get titanium's benefits at lighter weights and/or less cost with other materials.)

And this part isn't very expensive -- but you need white cloth bar tape. The thinner and whiter, the better. Must be pristine. Replaced daily just to keep it white.

What kind of wheels are they? I can't see any product logos anywhere.

I think that's why companies are making deep wheels now. Screw aerodynamics, it's all about making your logo as big as possible.

Campy is for Wussy.

I think something similar was uttered by Lindsay Lohan regarding drugs and alcohol as she entered rehab for the 1st time.

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

You sure?

Just about the exact response you get when you post such a bike here, in a bike forum, where everyone know what they're talking about.

Get a close family member to hammer a frozen weasel up your flabby a s s h o l e.

Daily replacement = high maintenance

That is true bling.

I disagree....

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/20...-crankarms.jpg

I concede the point. I'll alter my statement to: "Campy carbon Record or THAT!"

heh heh...

Or this...


http://www.poshbikes.com/images_new/...l2006_13_l.jpg

http://www.poshbikes.com/images_new/...e2006_13_m.jpg

You've got to wonder. If it's a gold plated cassette, why do they use a PLASTIC retainer for the packaging?

Cutting corners. Going cheap!

That's not gold plated, this is...

http://www.gumtree.com/london/13/17145413.html



That cassette is supposed to be silly light...

http://www.poshbikes.com/product.php?id=259

If only they did the titanium nitride finish on a Dura Ace 10-speed! (It doesn't cost much more than a standard Dura Ace cassette!)

bling is very personal IMO, I try and respect all types of bikes. it doesn't matter what frame the bike is or even the group, as long as I think it looks cool.

I think that Orca with the red pin stripe is cooler than the Price with the Bora's, which most will think is strange. the Prince looks like it's ready for the Daytona 500, just needs a beer logo.

i know why that doesnt ride well. you need tires.:D;)

holy spacers batman!

Chain might be a lil' to tight.

WTF?

http://i10.tinypic.com/87chw0x.jpg

WTF x 2

Holy kershmol-y, it's EURO!

"Bling-bling" (usually shortened to "bling") is a hip hop slang term that refers to elaborate, gaudy jewelry and other accouterments, and also to a lifestyle built around excessive spending and ostentation. (Wikipedia)

Webster dictionary: flashy jewelry worn especially as an indication of wealth; broadly : expensive and ostentatious possessions

I think the key word is "ostentatious". And in laymen's terms, I would equate ostentatious to "pretentious." So...I think bling depends on the objects owner. If I'm Lance, owning a 10k bike is not bling - it's functional. If I'm a race car driver, driving a Porsche 911 is not bling. On the other hand, that gold cassette, gold crank, etc....that's certainly bling.

Stronglight Pulsion Ti cranks on a steel cross bike. What kind of ostentatious a44 hole does that?