DougG

I'm thinking of getting a custom wheelset over the winter for my go-fast (relatively speaking!) carbon road bike, not so much because I need them but because I like getting new stuff and working on the bikes. Anyway, with custom wheels there are always a bunch of options for rim, hub, spoke and nipple colors. For spokes it's usually just a basic choice of black or silver, but the set I was looking at also has an option for white spokes.

Now, the show-off side of me says "Wow, these would really look cool on this bike, which already has a black/white frame, white bar tape, etc.", but the other side says "Doug, these would make you more of a poseur than you already are!"

So what do you guys think? Anyone here happen to have photos of a complete bike with white spokes? Too flashy for a 67-year-old, or should I go for it?

Yankeetowner

This was posted a couple of days ago on Facebook by a LBS here in Orlando. I think it looks great, but the price tag is a little steep.

Shamrock

Go for it !My mountain bike is silver and black with candy apple red rims.The chicks really dig it.Some riders over time commented on the bike like, Nice Ride, usually women.I hope thats not code for what a jerk.The only problem I see is cleaning.I have a white road bike and it requires constant attention.

10 Wheels

Go for The White:

leob1

Do what ever you want.
My self, I like shiney spokes. They look great glittering on a sunny day.

DougG

Thanks! That's what I was really looking for: actual photos.

10 Wheels

mkane77g

This means bike needs cleaning every other ride, or more. And the quick release's on the above bike are in harms way.

RonH

I don't have a picture but one of the guys I've ridden with recently has a pair of custom wheels sort of like the ones pictured. As I recall he has white rims and all white spokes except for two of the parallel spokes which are red.

TromboneAl

What do you mean?

mkane77g

The rear is facing straight out back. Theres a possibility of spearing a body part in a mishap and theres no leverage point to help in undoing the quickrelease. The front not so bad. Level with the ground or just a bit up lets you press your thumb against the fork leg for leverage.

cyclinfool

Where is Stepfam when we need him?

Artmo 

Hmm, I've been putting my levers horizontal for about 60 years because I think they look better that way. I had never thought of the safety aspect and never had a problem with leverage nor anyone being speared by one. Surely there are a lot more potentially dangerous protrusions on a bike than a simple QR lever: bar ends, brake levers, pedals etc.
Nevertheless, the leverage aspect might be useful to me in ten years' time

jdon

I have never in many years of riding with QR's had one release unintentionally and have never been injured by one. In my race days, we had them facing aft to reduce drag ( i know). Depending on the drop out and skewer design, I try to keep the front vertical but tucked behind the fork and the aft at about the 10 o'clock position tucked inside the rear triangle. Some combinations don't allow that so they just trail aft.

Back to the OP, If you are having custom wheels made, the builder should be able to determine the best spoke type for your weight, riding style and bike purpose. If they come in your preferred colour, well that is just a bonus.

Hermes

White looks very cool but is hard to keep clean and IMO only looks good when it is spotless. I have a white saddle, handlebar tap and white shoes. I had a white bike and was always cleaning it. I cleaned my wheels yesterday including the spokes and the back wheel spokes were covered with grime that flies off the rear cassette, chain and road. My wife has a lot of white on the P3 TT bike and I was cleaning it yesterday and it shows every speck of dirt. But I think the look is totally cool.

DougG

I've been thinking about that. My bike came with white bar tape, which looked really good until shortly after the first time I had to fix a flat out on the road (I usually carry some disposable latex gloves, but not that time).