How much colour to add?

the_jackalcp

I've just bought a new winter frame ( Genesis equilibrium disc) and while I wait for some wheels I was considering how I might add a little colour to the build. The frame is anthracite with a black fork and a couple of orange bands on the seat tube. I was thinking about a coloured headset and seatpost clamp to add a splash of blue or whatever other colour might work.

I realise it is a subjective choice but is there a general rule that if I start adding anodized bits then it should include certain parts ie QRs, various bolts, jockey wheels etc. I don't want the bike to look like it's fresh from the 90s. What is an appropriate balance?

crikey

I'm sure there are self-help groups for this kind of existential dilemma.

kajjal

Just go the full early 1990's and drill holes in components to reduce weight. You can also get really narrow bars to reduce weight further

(Don't do any of the above !, just do what you like the look of.)

sloppyschleckonds

Colour to match your clothing, surely

SoSimple

You're definitely on the right lines, but remember...less is more.

Never quite understood that but OH says it when me get dressed so it must be true!

arran77

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

Colour to match your clothing, surely

Or your man bag :P

Moonbiker

Colour to match your clothing, surely

DavidJB

I've been re-directed to Hipsterradar

Max P

The Jackalcp wrote:

I've just bought a new winter frame ( Genesis equilibrium disc) and while I wait for some wheels I was considering how I might add a little colour to the build. The frame is anthracite with a black fork and a couple of orange bands on the seat tube. I was thinking about a coloured headset and seatpost clamp to add a splash of blue or whatever other colour might work.

I realise it is a subjective choice but is there a general rule that if I start adding anodized bits then it should include certain parts ie QRs, various bolts, jockey wheels etc. I don't want the bike to look like it's fresh from the 90s. What is an appropriate balance?

Don't. Black or silver components. Black saddle and tape. Post and stem and bar all one colour (pref black) and preferably the same brand.

Maybe just maybe, the odd red part (or if you must - gold) but only say QR washers only or similar.

Having said that the anthracite Genesis looks lovely with maybe the odd grey part if you can find it.

I understand this is all a bit 'Velominati' but it plain works.

whoof

The Great Interior Design Challenge is on at 7pm BBC2 tonight. You can get a few tips to 'up-cycle' your bike. I've already got some great advice from there. My best bike is currently in the spare bedroom covered by one of these shabby sheets they kept going on about.

iron-clover

Go nuts mate.
I'd personally go for orange anodised parts to match the frame, and if you want to change everything- stem spacers, bottle cage bolts, cables, jockey wheels, skewers, seatpost clamp- the lot!

I personally quite like anodised components as they add a little splash of colour, but they are still only small parts and aren't going to look garish unless you use every colour under the sun. I'd be wary of orange bar tape though (maybe the electrical fixing tape and handlebar plugs) but I personally think a bright colour on the handlebar tape can ruin the whole thing as it's quite a large area.

I have anodised bits on both of my road bikes- red stem spacers and cable stops for the main road bike, and then on my brilliant blue and green TT bike I've got green spacers, regal blue tape, green cables and stops and blue bottle bolts, chain catcher and seatpost saddle bracket (came with the seatpost).

There was a ti bike made on a Captain America theme a little while back which added red, blue and silver anodised parts very tastefully and it turned out as an awesome bike.

navrig2

For a more subtle approach:

http://www.kapz.co.uk/

the_jackalcp

I won't be going orange, it would be a bit OOT for me. Whatever I do needs to be subtle. Bars/tape and saddle will definitely be black so no crazy mismatches there. I'm really only looking to add colour to some small metal parts, not huge sections of brightness.

The wheels I am waiting on are the Kinesis CXD wheelset. They have a small amount of blue on them hence why I was thinking a bit of a similar blue on the frame somewhere, plus i really like the Gulf motorsport orange/blue colours. I think I'm going to try a seatclamp, headset and bottle cage bolts to start and see how it goes.

I will post a pic when I'm done so you can all add your 2 pennies worth.

iPete

See signature, the roadie has plenty of red throughout, jagwire caps etc. but kept the key bits (seat/bars/tape) black.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/jagwire-single- ... -cap-kits/

sigorman85

Just ride it

iPete

sigorman85 wrote:

Just ride it

Yes but maybe best after he's built it

the_jackalcp

sigorman85 wrote:

Just ride it

While I appreciate that people take the time to read my thread I don't get answers like this. For some people cycling is not just about riding a bike. I get a lot of pleasure from riding my bike but it's not just about keeping fit. I also get a lot of enjoyment from the equipment that is at the heart of the sport, the pro race scene and cycling culture as a whole.

I like to look good on my bike, I like my bike to be light and also be aesthetically pleasing. Thats just me

simon_masterson

The '90s was a great decade for bikes. Ever since carbon took over, road and TT bikes have got steadily uglier.

But you clearly have an opinion on the matter, so why not go with whatever looks good to you?

Moonbiker

If you like coloured stuff thhese seem bargins @ 15 quid each

http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Vittor ... -Pair/3IO7




Im after some 25c's myself but but im, not sure I could pull off the pink colour, plus they might cause me to get verbal abuse from passing white van men etc? :roll: