Help me de-uglify my bike
#51
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,469 Times
in
1,435 Posts
Backpacks don't work for everyone, but they do for some. I think they're better when your bike is very light. A rack adds weight even before your cargo, so it quickly makes a light bike not so light. Then the weight of the cargo makes a light bike ride harshly. Putting the weight on my back adds to sprung weight, and my bike still feels light under me.
But the Volpe is not a light bike to begin with. I put a front rack on mine, and I didn't like it. It doesn't seem like a bike intended to have cargo primarily in the front.
But the Volpe is not a light bike to begin with. I put a front rack on mine, and I didn't like it. It doesn't seem like a bike intended to have cargo primarily in the front.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#52
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,469 Times
in
1,435 Posts
I think the worst looking thing on the bike is the saddle bag. It looks like something melted accidentally. Use either a trunk bag with a definite shape or rear panniers.
I agree about a complementary color for handlebar tape except that since the bike is black, black tape will look fine. I think the red bungie is fine, and it might look better if you had more red things. I don't think the bike will have too many colors if you get rid of the green.
Get rid of the wheel reflectors. Consider using these instead. They're closer to inconspicuous, though not completely. I have them on my bikes, and no one has barfed yet.
I agree about a complementary color for handlebar tape except that since the bike is black, black tape will look fine. I think the red bungie is fine, and it might look better if you had more red things. I don't think the bike will have too many colors if you get rid of the green.
Get rid of the wheel reflectors. Consider using these instead. They're closer to inconspicuous, though not completely. I have them on my bikes, and no one has barfed yet.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#53
Unlisted member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 6,192
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1376 Post(s)
Liked 432 Times
in
297 Posts
I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this yet, but what about replacing the seat bag with a Caradice bag? Most people think they're very attractive, and they come in a variety of sizes as well as with a quick release attachment if you wanted to take the bag with you.
#55
Senior Member
#56
Senior Member
I'm a bit late in this discussion, but here's my two cents.
As some others have said I would limit the colors on the bike. On your frame I'm seeing black as a primary color, and gold as a secondary color. You have also added some celeste bar tape and red straps on the rear rack (what are they called in English?). Next to that I'm seeing whiteish toe straps.
First advice is to replace the bar tape with a black version. Replace the red straps on the rear rack with black straps. Replace the white toe straps with black toe straps. This would make the bike look a lot more 'together' than it does right now. It looks a little messy right now in my humble opinion. Though, as stated earlier in this thread: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
Replacing the saddle with a nice black Brooks saddle would be neat. Though, a brown Brooks saddle would be quite sexy on this bike as well, if you can get your hands on some brown Brooks bar tape as well. That would be the best looking option.
Replacing the bottle with a brushed stainless steel one would not only be looking great, but would be better for your health as well. Replacing the current bottle cages with shiny stainless steel ones would make it look better as well, as would replacing the rear rack with a shiny stainless steel one as well. Come to think of it, stainless steel parts would basically look great on the bike anyway.
As for bags, you might want to look for black canvas bags. Canvas goes pretty well with this type of frame (steel) which makes it quite a nice option.
In my opinion a commuter bike should be functional. Though in the process of making it more functional, it's not a bad idea to keep easthetics in mind as well and add the best looking parts for the job. Create a clean theme around it. In my case it's a combination of matte and glossy black, bright yellow and blue. More colors than that I just don't want in my theme. You could stick with black, gold, stainless steel.
As some others have said I would limit the colors on the bike. On your frame I'm seeing black as a primary color, and gold as a secondary color. You have also added some celeste bar tape and red straps on the rear rack (what are they called in English?). Next to that I'm seeing whiteish toe straps.
First advice is to replace the bar tape with a black version. Replace the red straps on the rear rack with black straps. Replace the white toe straps with black toe straps. This would make the bike look a lot more 'together' than it does right now. It looks a little messy right now in my humble opinion. Though, as stated earlier in this thread: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
Replacing the saddle with a nice black Brooks saddle would be neat. Though, a brown Brooks saddle would be quite sexy on this bike as well, if you can get your hands on some brown Brooks bar tape as well. That would be the best looking option.
Replacing the bottle with a brushed stainless steel one would not only be looking great, but would be better for your health as well. Replacing the current bottle cages with shiny stainless steel ones would make it look better as well, as would replacing the rear rack with a shiny stainless steel one as well. Come to think of it, stainless steel parts would basically look great on the bike anyway.
As for bags, you might want to look for black canvas bags. Canvas goes pretty well with this type of frame (steel) which makes it quite a nice option.
In my opinion a commuter bike should be functional. Though in the process of making it more functional, it's not a bad idea to keep easthetics in mind as well and add the best looking parts for the job. Create a clean theme around it. In my case it's a combination of matte and glossy black, bright yellow and blue. More colors than that I just don't want in my theme. You could stick with black, gold, stainless steel.
#58
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 1,050
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 69 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#59
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 1,050
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 69 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here's what I think I'm going to do:
- I'm going to go with polished alloy for the rear rack (with lowered pannier rails) and fenders to match my stem, pedals, and water bottle cages.
- I'll use black bungee cords and get new power grips in black for the pedals.
- I'll use a black trunk bag for the always-on-the-bike stuff that is currently on the rack and in the saddle bag and a black pannier for everything else.
- I'm leaving the bar tape for now. I like a little whimsy.
Down the road, I think I'll go with a Brooks cambium saddle and matching rubber bar tape.
How's that sound?
- I'm going to go with polished alloy for the rear rack (with lowered pannier rails) and fenders to match my stem, pedals, and water bottle cages.
- I'll use black bungee cords and get new power grips in black for the pedals.
- I'll use a black trunk bag for the always-on-the-bike stuff that is currently on the rack and in the saddle bag and a black pannier for everything else.
- I'm leaving the bar tape for now. I like a little whimsy.
Down the road, I think I'll go with a Brooks cambium saddle and matching rubber bar tape.
How's that sound?
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 927
Bikes: Death machines all
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 297 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times
in
63 Posts
Excellent resolution! Although I get paid to recommend esthetic solutions to clients, this thread somehow exhausted me. Props to the OP for endurance!
#61
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Vegemite Island
Posts: 4,130
Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1916 Post(s)
Liked 310 Times
in
218 Posts
Here's what I think I'm going to do:
- I'm going to go with polished alloy for the rear rack (with lowered pannier rails) and fenders to match my stem, pedals, and water bottle cages.
- I'll use black bungee cords and get new power grips in black for the pedals.
- I'll use a black trunk bag for the always-on-the-bike stuff that is currently on the rack and in the saddle bag and a black pannier for everything else.
- I'm leaving the bar tape for now. I like a little whimsy.
Down the road, I think I'll go with a Brooks cambium saddle and matching rubber bar tape.
How's that sound?
- I'm going to go with polished alloy for the rear rack (with lowered pannier rails) and fenders to match my stem, pedals, and water bottle cages.
- I'll use black bungee cords and get new power grips in black for the pedals.
- I'll use a black trunk bag for the always-on-the-bike stuff that is currently on the rack and in the saddle bag and a black pannier for everything else.
- I'm leaving the bar tape for now. I like a little whimsy.
Down the road, I think I'll go with a Brooks cambium saddle and matching rubber bar tape.
How's that sound?
Makes me want to see your bike at each stage you make these changes.
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,067
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
56 Posts
I love a back pack, especially for fast light bikes like racers or SS bikes and CC bikes. I do not carry that much so a back pack is fine. I can see that for people who carry the kitchen sink that there are better methods.
J
J
#63
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
It's a utility bike - not an entry in the Concours d'elegance. Looks like a well designed, purpose driven build. Only the saddle bag looks funny, and even then, if I saw it on the road, I'd assume the rider knew what he was doing.
#65
Senior Member
Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
Here's a little photoshop based on what most everyone suggested.
Changes:
- Chrome rack (already mentioned in this thread)
- Axiom appalachian rear pannier
- Brown Brooks saddle
- Brown Brooks bar tape
- Shimano SPD pedals
- Camelback Podium water bottle (to add a little color)
- Removed reflectors
Here's a little photoshop based on what most everyone suggested.
Changes:
- Chrome rack (already mentioned in this thread)
- Axiom appalachian rear pannier
- Brown Brooks saddle
- Brown Brooks bar tape
- Shimano SPD pedals
- Camelback Podium water bottle (to add a little color)
- Removed reflectors
Last edited by slowpacer; 11-30-16 at 05:15 AM.
#68
bill nyecycles
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 3,328
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 789 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
190 Posts
all i put in it are pants, shirt, undergarments, sometimes shoes (i keep a pair in my locker at work, but want different ones). In the colder months I may stuff my morning jacket or tights in it and ride home in shorts.
Keep in mind I love in Houston, so even in the summer I use it and I don't get much sweatier. Doesn't bother me at all.
to the OP, if you really want to de-uglify, you need some drop bars. I know lots of people like that utilitarian bars, but, IMO they look doofy af.
#69
Senior Member
#70
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 1,050
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 69 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
Here's a little photoshop based on what most everyone suggested.
Changes:
- Chrome rack (already mentioned in this thread)
- Axiom appalachian rear pannier
- Brown Brooks saddle
- Brown Brooks bar tape
- Shimano SPD pedals
- Camelback Podium water bottle (to add a little color)
- Removed reflectors
Here's a little photoshop based on what most everyone suggested.
Changes:
- Chrome rack (already mentioned in this thread)
- Axiom appalachian rear pannier
- Brown Brooks saddle
- Brown Brooks bar tape
- Shimano SPD pedals
- Camelback Podium water bottle (to add a little color)
- Removed reflectors
- The saddle and bar tape will need to wait a bit.
- I'm not switching to SPDs under any circumstances, but my current pedals are polished alloy (MKS Sylvans) and will look better once I've got the new black power grips on them.
But, yeah, the rest of it looks awesome.
I wonder what it would look like with fenders? I'm thinking about the silver SKS longboards.
#71
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,105 Times
in
1,369 Posts
I think it's pretty rare that plastic fenders improve the look of the bike, but my last set ate a twig and didn't wreck me, which made me a believer that they're safer than metal (and cheaper to replace!).
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#72
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,469 Times
in
1,435 Posts
Very nice. May we see pictures of the drive side, from above, and from front and back?
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#73
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Southeastern part of PA
Posts: 96
Bikes: 2016 Rivendell Joe Appaloosa, 2017 Handsome Cycles She-Devil
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The mock up looks very polished, but so serious. I like the original handlebar tape. What did @Giant Doofus call it--"a bit of whimsy?" The user needs to love this part of the bike especially because it's the biggest part of the bike he'll be looking at while riding. This is from a female's point of view.
Last edited by RECfromPA; 11-30-16 at 11:19 AM.
#74
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,469 Times
in
1,435 Posts
Wait, whose bike is this if not Giant Doofus's? Is it a simulation?
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.