tomng1989

The Leopard-Trek bike as shown above is pretty classy and looks good. The Radioshack one is just an assault on the visionary senses, and it's not just the wheels.

tomng1989

It's a 51.

surgeonstone

Very hot.

z_hammer

This TOC bike was a FREE bike. I actually won it from Trek from a drawing I entered online during the Tour of California. Thanks Trek.

1 of 10 bikes that will ever exist with this paint scheme. 8 guys that rode in the TOC that year had this scheme, ninth was Ben King on his US Pro bike. Lance has one and I have one. The 8 actual team member bikes were auctioned off for Livestrong. Although last time I was at Mellow Johnny's I think one is still there.

Maybe the explanation will help with the score. The bike is setup exactly like the ones rode by the team so the bar tape is what they also rode. The bontrager seat is now replaced by my Toupe seat.

Ravenmore, if I ever make it out to some of the rides you are on I may have to get some pointers on photos. I live over in Pflugerville.

Yaniel

Doesn't help the score, but it's a cool story.

yummygooey

Pretty sweet that you got it for free... congrats!

Unfortunately, it's still ugly (IMO).

ravenmore

Oh wow - didn't notice you were local until you mentioned it. Uh, that's a nice free bike to say the least. If you're ever looking to hit up a ride let me know.

Actually you didn't do a bad job with the photography. You just don't usually want to photograph in direct bright sunlight. Even smooth shade is best, or on a super overcast day. Also you usually want to move the drive side crank to be in line with the chain stay usually. Might also play around with some different angles. It's hard to shoot that low and bring out the best in a bike.

ravenmore

Given the circumstances I could see why he would be reluctanct to make changes.

miyata man

Is it wrong to wish they were still USPS so I could tell him to mail it back? This is a shining example of why nearly every other team and their corresponding bike sponsors ceased doing these graphic and sponsor heavy team bikes as well as the replicas. Don't answer; You ride this with full team kit? This hasn't been successful since the striped Aqua & Sapone Specialized's that exuded irreproachable narcissism. While you consider that let me point out that you shouldn't change it for exactly that reasoning. The world is just as short of wannabes who could pull off running around in zebra pajamas with just their looks and personality. Maybe that is you where this bike is concerned.


I'm fine with holding my own counsel regarding not agreeing with the numerical rating but the utter lack of anything resembling critique got to me. So I decided to step in on this one since the numerous shots taken at it were failing to define it. And all the apologizing for none of the impact of an actual judgement? Tepid.

rat fink

Ah, I thought as much. For that, I understand and respect your decision. I still find the paint scheme to be in bad taste, however. Leopard-Trek however, made for a much classier scheme. As poseur as it may or may not be, I'd rock a Leopard-Trek team bike bone stock.

ilovecycling

I know I know...this one has been quoted too many times and occupies enough forum real estate already but I couldn't help it...

This bike gets a NOT. It's almost as bad as this Wilier Zero7. I say almost because at least you expect it out of Trek. With black wheels and black pedals, it wouldn't look half bad.

weaver

I think there's 2 reasons why I wouldn't feel bad about changing that TOC Trek. 1 it was free so who cares. 2, the fact that there's 9 just like it. Everything I do to my bikes is motivated not only to upgrade performance, but to differ it from a factory bike, I strive to have a bike that is a one of a kind and unique. Even seeing one other bike that looks close to mine annoys me, let alone 9 others that are identical, that would drive me nuts. I guess there's a third reason why I wouldn't feel bad changing it either, and that's that it is visually jarring. I'm sure it's a great bike but it reminds me of a modern version of the mullet wearing usa bike. It's just to much.

Herbie53

There's something odd with the bar stem combo of the Radioshack bike as well. Just changing colors will not fix that.

It's a not.

ravenmore

wut?

ravenmore

man this thread has become really active lately.

Herbie53

it's winter. any updates to your bike?

ravenmore

Nope. I have an idea for my Giant to go with a red/white/blue theme using red/black microshift components, red Alligator i-link cable housings, and red planet x brakes. Not sure I'm ready to tackle that wallet sink hole right now though.

thirdgenbird

a local guy is debating using that same build kit on a bare aluminum frame. it sounds like a great budget build.

UCIMBZ

Then we need some kind of a score sheet to be supplied with every submission. Till then an arbitrary score on an arbitrary scale of 10 is as arbitrary as "Hot r Not".

surgeonstone

I I like the Willer much more, cleaner and much less cluttered than the Trek. Not a fan of the black and red, trying too hard to be hot.

ravenmore

Yep the Microshift components are cheap and I hear they work fairly well, but I was going to use them because of the looks/color:

[IMG][/IMG]

miyata man

This submission isn't actually mine, per se, but I do use it a lot. I would like to point out that it is very modern in its use of a black and white color scheme and note the highly stylized amount of detail that has been paid to it. Please feel obligated to comment on it, however I do ask that it not be party to any ranking system.


For your viewing pleasure,

UCIMBZ

I am not too sure about the DT shifters.

Herbie53

I've been looking back at some bikes. Some hot, some not, and trying to find any common thing that makes hot or not. I think there are some things and we should try to develop a list. A sort of rules of hotness list (basics like not having a seat bag and flip are stipulated). Here's a start...

• Saddle to bar drop is a plus. Definite not if the drops are not below the top tube.
  
• Deep section wheels are a plus, but not necessary. Light, exotic weight weenie climbing wheels carry the same plus. OEM machine built wheels are a minus and can only be overcome by the balance of the bike being truly exceptional.
  
• Bar tape and saddle must match unless the bike has an overall color scheme that supports breaking this most basic aesthetic.
  
• More than 2cm of spacers under the stem is a Not, more than 1 cm on top is a Not.

I'm sure there are more, but it's a start.

ravenmore

Hey, I just threw it out there as an idea. It's pretty easy to ignore it.