White bar tape/saddle - Should I switch to black?
12-01-09, 01:36 PM
#1
B+ roadie I guess?
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White bar tape/saddle - Should I switch to black?
Hey guys, so I am picking up my Tarmac this weekend (I can't wait!), but I wanted to ask you guys for your opinion before I make the call - This is what it looks like (from Specialized's website)
My question is, do you think I should call them to change out the bar tape for black, as well as switch to a black instead of white Toupe? I would figure they can just order a black Toupe and switch it out at no cost to me, and the bar tape probably is minimal cost. Should I do it? I am only considering this as I figure it will make it easier to cut down on cleaning/maintenance.
My question is, do you think I should call them to change out the bar tape for black, as well as switch to a black instead of white Toupe? I would figure they can just order a black Toupe and switch it out at no cost to me, and the bar tape probably is minimal cost. Should I do it? I am only considering this as I figure it will make it easier to cut down on cleaning/maintenance.
12-01-09, 01:42 PM
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No.
12-01-09, 01:48 PM
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yes
12-01-09, 01:51 PM
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depends
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12-01-09, 01:52 PM
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I also have white bar tape and saddle from specialized. The saddle does not get dirty. At least for me. However handlebars are a pain. With slighty dirty hands it will show on the white. If you do maintainence on the bike you have to be extra special to not touch the bars with greasy hands because thats a pain to wash out. Although it does look cool, I would probably change mine back to red or black.
So... maybe.
So... maybe.
Last edited by Caad 8; 12-01-09 at 01:55 PM.
12-01-09, 01:59 PM
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B+ roadie I guess?
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I guess I should have put a poll up... but from the gist of the replies I guess I'll just leave everything white... and just be *real* careful in cleaning / maintaining it I suppose, haha.
12-01-09, 02:02 PM
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Pick up some white Fizik Microtex and you'll be fine. It's very durable and barely shows any dirt. I've got about six months of riding on mine and the only part that's a little dirty are small patches around the hoods.
12-01-09, 02:02 PM
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Switch to black or zebra stripes next year if white becomes too much of a PITA.
12-01-09, 02:03 PM
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Um, that's what the bike comes with. Just saying...
12-01-09, 02:06 PM
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12-01-09, 02:12 PM
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I gave people credit for being able to figure it out, but just for you:
Look at the OP's bike. Same color scheme. The white bar tape looks good with this pattern. Black bar tape would completely destroy the aesthetics. It's a matter of art. There couldn't possibly be any disagreement over this.
This is why two different bike companies chose white.
Look at the OP's bike. Same color scheme. The white bar tape looks good with this pattern. Black bar tape would completely destroy the aesthetics. It's a matter of art. There couldn't possibly be any disagreement over this.
This is why two different bike companies chose white.
12-01-09, 03:08 PM
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Focus on keeping your drivetrain clean - go white and consider the dirt that appears as indication that you're riding your bike more than you're obsessing about keeping the 'aesthetics' clean ;-)
12-01-09, 04:09 PM
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either will look fine. i would keep it as is since that is how it came so why waste monee. when it comes time to change, get black since it's easier to maintain.
12-01-09, 05:16 PM
#25
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Keep the white. It will be black soon enough.