Murray Missile 

I've decided my latest find is worthy of a Brooks B-17, I have two, one is basic black and the other is Honey with brass rivets. I'm leaning toward the Honey saddle with Honey or brown bar tape and gum walls but I haven't ruled out black, black and blackwalls or black, black and gumwalls. I'd love to see some pics of your similar black bikes to get an idea how mine might look with different combinations.

Chr0m0ly 

I don't have an example but I think a Black & Tan would be super classy.

fraba

Here are pictures of my Black Colnago Master Piu with black groupset, black saddle, black bar tape and gumwall tires.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iHqc5jmAFnAUqNSy9

i also hesitated but i love the contrast with the chrome and aluminium.

Umeme

Just don't go with white, it catches dirt quickly, and it's pain in the arse to clean...

Red and black combination is always good, but for this kind of classic bike, brown would be the best.

Brooks have brown rubber, microfibre and leather bar tapes.

Umeme

Very nice Colnago

SurferRosa

You can do an advanced search by thread title on a key word like "black" and limit it to the c&v subforum. Here are two results:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ike-month.html


https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ack-bikes.html

Brown Newbaums tape looks pretty good.
.

Vintage_Cyclist

LHT with a honey Brooks Flyer

DeadGrandpa

I don't think you can go wrong with black everything, but I only know what I like, which is not the same as fashionable or fashionista, or whatever you call it. It looks like your tires don't match, so is the saddle and bar tape color of any great significance? For me personally, those considerations are secondary to the round wheels carrying me from where I am to where I want to be. When I replace the tires, tape or saddle, color is never a decision point. But, I'm not saying that my preferences are superior to yours. I remember when two tone leather shoes were very desirable, but I never had a pair. Come to think of it, I never liked brown shoes, either. I hope this helps your decision.
edit: your tires do match. My mistake.

Murray Missile 

I just bought the bike this past weekend and the picture is right after unloading it from the car. You were right the first time the tires do NOT match and you may also have noticed that they're both flat, the bar tape is nasty, the rotted brake hoods are wrapped in electrical tape and that ridiculous cheese wedge seat cover is hiding a very nice Avocet touring saddle that is now destined for my '79 Soma Prestige. With those exceptions this bike is in remarkably good original condition so the aesthetics of the saddle, bar tape and tires IS a decision point for me. BTW, I like brown shoes and no, it really wasn't much help LOL but thanks for taking the time to reply, it was quite an interesting read and I say that with a smile and in all sincerity.

I do have bikes though where aesthetics were of no consideration whatsoever and form definitely followed function, I threw this one together recently from the junk box. Visual proof I am capable of cosmetic indifference. Don't believe me? Ask my wife. .


Oh yeah, I "kind of" did the black on black already if you don't count the red and white.

Murray Missile 

Thanks, I evidently got a little too detailed in my search, I got a lot of results but not those two.

noglider 

All the colors you listed are good. Black is never wrong, and brown leather usually turns black, so there you go.

DeadGrandpa

I have long been appreciative, from a distance, of the meticulous care owners of c&v bikes give their rides. Your bikes are beautiful. I can't account for your taste in reading, if you found my post entertaining, but I'm glad you were not offended. Matter of fact, I have an old Bridgestone ('92?) That I really should update...except that I'm too busy riding my carbon Adventure bike. That steel frame rattles my bones.

76SLT 

Honey B17 saddle and wrap.

rseeker

I'm in with the black and tan/brown faction. (Not my bikes. They're probably from here, but I don't remember whose.)

RiddleOfSteel

Black and a matching red-brown Brooks B17 saddle and matching Brooks bar tape will be a beautiful combination. But you can never go wrong with a black B17 and black (leatherette) bar tape.

Case in point: 1974 Schwinn Paramount P15 with modern accouterments.

bwilli88 

That almost hurts my eyes.


This got grey bar tape, should have put black



Yours would look good with both honey seat and bar tape.

bwilli88 

This looks great with the honey and cream wall tires.

Murray Missile 

Yeah, it's not exactly standing the test of time with me either. I'll probably pull the decals off the wheels in the Spring.

Update: Used MS Photo to black out the graphics on the wheels,,,,,,,,, Blehhh, BORING! I'll keep it the way it is. I understand it's not everybody's cup of tea and I'm good with that.

Kabuki12

Black is great with either saddle . I like darker Brooks Pro myself , but also have seen nice B17 brown and honey color. With bar tape , black and maybe weave in some red? Joe

1977 Raleigh Competition GS

riva

Hot pink wrap.

randyjawa 

Black saddle and red bar tape does work well. I would not go with a red saddle, to match the bar tape. The tape will add to the visual appearance but a red saddle will, in my opinion. detract from overall aesthetic quality - again, my opinion...

Bianchigirll 

Are you going to ride this a lot? I know white gets dirty fast but I'd go with white to try and get that lug lining and decal to pop out a bit more.

Murray Missile 

I plan to. I've bought a couple black bikes in the past that had fairly new white tape and it was already dingy, looks classy when new but...... Right now "brown, brown with gumwalls" is looking like the winner with brown leather tool bag.

dweenk

Black and tan. For example:

76SLT 

Here you go.