Ugliest bike parts

[R3awak3n]

what are some of the ugliest bike parts out there? Let's get some pictures in here.

I think this one is unanimous and I have only seen 1 bike that I actually liked it on

Enve Stem

http://iris.backcountry.com/image/view/c254918/900/900

[Seramount]

oh yay, a Debbie Downer thread...

what sucks in the world...?

a lot of stuff, just prefer not to dwell on it tho.

[thirdgenbird]

My vote:
http://media.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/product-hi/50-7256-NCL-TOP.JPG?resize=415px:415px&output-quality=100

And to keep things light hearted, many people don't like my post and stem:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/Osprey/1D291817-A026-4FAA-8AAB-EB864F0A56AE_zpsl7cdtdk4.jpg

[R3awak3n]

oh yay, a Debbie Downer thread...

what sucks in the world...?

a lot of stuff, just prefer not to dwell on it tho.

oh come on, its just a bit of fun. And not one said it sucks, just that is not visually attractive. And of course what does not look good to some, looks good to others (campy 4 arm, I like it, most people hate it).

Another example-


http://gomeansgo.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/retroshift-brake-lever-mounted-friction-shifter3-600x400.jpg


Most people think they are hideous. I loved mine, they were excellent. Would use again any time but I do agree they are not the most attractive

[R3awak3n]

My vote:
http://media.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/product-hi/50-7256-NCL-TOP.JPG?resize=415px:415px&output-quality=100

And to keep things light hearted, many people don't like my post and stem:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/Osprey/1D291817-A026-4FAA-8AAB-EB864F0A56AE_zpsl7cdtdk4.jpg

haha, I actually like the 9000 crankset. And I love that stem myself but not a fan of the Thomson posts, but you already know that :)

[Cicli]

That Enve stem takes the cake.

Oh and.

[thirdgenbird]

haha, I actually like the 9000 crankset. And I love that stem myself but not a fan of the Thomson posts, but you already know that :)

The 9000 crank is nice looking. The 7900 is a disaster.

[Cicli]

oh yay, a Debbie Downer thread...

what sucks in the world...?

a lot of stuff, just prefer not to dwell on it tho.

For you. :bike:

Hope you get a chuckle. I meant it that way. :banana:

[pinoymamba]

http://spokesbikes.com/images/library/large/spec_2107_1410_10_m.jpg

[R3awak3n]

For you. :bike:

Hope you get a chuckle. I meant it that way. :banana:

come on man, how did you find this picture of me?

:bike:

[Cicli]

come on man, how did you find this picture of me?

:bike:

Sorry, I thought that was Michale Moore. Whoops.

[R3awak3n]

The 9000 crank is nice looking. The 7900 is a disaster.

shows you how much I know shimano.

http://spokesbikes.com/images/library/large/spec_2107_1410_10_m.jpg

1000x yes to this

That Enve stem takes the cake.

Oh and.

oh man, but I think the FSAs take the cake when it comes to cranks

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ggIAAOxyNThTcS0G/s-l400.jpg

[AngryScientist]

recent pina' forks?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/farm_lim/paris2.jpg

[R3awak3n]

recent pina' forks?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/farm_lim/paris2.jpg

haha another one that I like but agree are very ugly.

this years model is a bit better, less wavy :)

[AngryScientist]

another hideous bike part...

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/productimages/images450/mppls1-1.jpg

[brockd15]

The LD stem.....no thanks.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6086/6030968103_f86af85c9d_b.jpg

[huck*this]

http://cyclinguphill.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/adamo-ISM-break.jpg

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/products/components/cranksets/1265719475363-13qsytzzkppju_600.jpg

http://fcdn.mtbr.com/attachments/general-discussion/645920d1318368509-why-doesnt-handlebar-exist-scott_at4-pro_1.jpg <<Actually had these on my MTB as a kid.

[bmeryman]

I used to own one of these, and although I think it's unique and cool in a weird way, it was certainly polarizing among my peers.

Semi-horizontal dropouts would have made this even better. Think of the belt drive capabilities!

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ca/1c/30/ca1c30dc1bb4133d3f28043e50363249.jpg

[R3awak3n]

another hideous bike part...

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/productimages/images450/mppls1-1.jpg

oh man, another winner here for sure. Apparently very confy.

Another one from a product that I actually use and love

Specialized power

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/46TMliq00kM/maxresdefault.jpg

_______

http://cyclinguphill.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/adamo-ISM-break.jpg


I think the Adamo is probably the ugliest saddle ever.

[Tickdoc]

Stems stems stems! I abhore most modern stems. The old quills were so much more elegant.

Seat bags. They are the fanny packs of the road bike and do nothing for the looks of the bike.

Modern cranks, especially the new campy ones. Ick.

And my favorite abomination of the bicycle is the carbon bottom bracket bulge. Some are so big they are almost comical.

Sorry, I'm too lazy for pics tonight.

[Steve in SLO]

Shimano STI shifters are just too bulbous to my eye--like twin tumors on the handlebars, especially when mounted too high on the bar curve. The big square head Di2 shifters, as well as most SRAM also fall into that category.

[Ronsonic]

My vote:
http://media.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/product-hi/50-7256-NCL-TOP.JPG?resize=415px:415px&output-quality=100


Much as I like Campy, gotta say, my Athena compact cranks are every bit as ugly with a dose of what couldabeen to punch it home. Don't have a good shot of my own but here's someone else's.

https://www.bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Campagnolo_Athena-11-Silver_project-bike_50-34_compact-Power-Torque_Crankset_actual-weight-739g.jpg

What doesn't show in photos is the plain lumpiness of the thing.

[R3awak3n]

I don't mind the athenas (I have some myself) but I know what you mean. They look much better when you strip the ugly graphics

[kingpin75s]

The LD stem.....no thanks.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6086/6030968103_f86af85c9d_b.jpg

Love the LD! Love the Potts! Love the proper dirt drop setup! Love the Logic Cranks! Love everything about that bike!

YMMV! ;)

[Matthew]

Don't mind the 7900 cranks. Prefer them to the 7800 model actually. Except for the polished aluminum. That LD stem is awful. Looks like an actual goose neck!

[Red Tornado]

Stems stems stems! I abhore most modern stems. The old quills were so much more elegant.

Seat bags. They are the fanny packs of the road bike and do nothing for the looks of the bike.

Modern cranks, especially the new campy ones. Ick.

And my favorite abomination of the bicycle is the carbon bottom bracket bulge. Some are so big they are almost comical.

Sorry, I'm too lazy for pics tonight.

Agree, for most road rides. That's why I have jersey pockets.
I can see some situations where a seat bag would be necessary, but personally don't care for them.

[old fat man]

1697932470

[R3awak3n]

yikes, never seen that one. /\

[tctyres]

I think the Adamo is probably the ugliest saddle ever.

Yeah, it reminds me of something uncomfortable near my tender bits .......

http://janddcrabpotco.com/images/crab.jpg

[R3awak3n]

/\ haha:beer:


or like sitting on this guys face

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/7c/af/5b/7caf5bcfeb5cac0ee1e67524693d005f.jpg

[d_douglas]

another hideous bike part...

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/productimages/images450/mppls1-1.jpg

Yes, these are pretty awful, but they have a dedicated following and people say they're incredibly comfy.

Tuscanywe had some recovered brown ones a while ago that i thought looked amazing. I would try one of those if I had the cash!!!

Funny about the Athena alloy cranks - I thought they were universally loved? I think mine look great...

[choke]

Stems stems stems! I abhore most modern stems. The old quills were so much more elegant.+11ty billion. There are only 3 or 4 production threadless stems that don't look hideous.

[oldpotatoe]

oh yay, a Debbie Downer thread...

what sucks in the world...?

a lot of stuff, just prefer not to dwell on it tho.

no kiddin, must be winter..:D

Cicli!!! thumb's UP!!

[macaroon]

A combination of parts..... There is nothing I hate more than a slammed 6 degree stem on a bike with a horizontal top tube. Please, just use a spacer and a 17 degree stem.

[eddief]

what to do with extra tube scraps:

https://www.rivbike.com/collections/framesets/products/rosco-bubbe-frameset-55-5cm
https://www.rivbike.com/collections/framesets/products/rosco-mixte-frameset-54-cm

[roguedog]

i'll play though i do believe that whatever works for someone.. whatev's


http://www.cobbcycling.com/saddles/

[Robbos]

I think that Shimano and Campy are duking it out this year to win the title for ugliest cranks and dérailleurs. The Potenza derailleur looks gigantic, like a super-sized derailleur left too long in the microwave. The Dura Ace 9100 rear mech is so space ship. And the Potenza cranks, sweet lord they look like vintage Suntour XCE cranks.

[Veloo]

I wish Cinelli would update the Alter stem to 1 1/8 and 31.8. It's such a unique stem but yeah, not many bikes that can match the look.
I still have mine but the Mountain Cycle Moho Road I had it on is gone.

Ironically, I think the latest stem offerings from Cinelli are boring and ugly.

My vote:
http://media.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/product-hi/50-7256-NCL-TOP.JPG?resize=415px:415px&output-quality=100

And to keep things light hearted, many people don't like my post and stem:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/Osprey/1D291817-A026-4FAA-8AAB-EB864F0A56AE_zpsl7cdtdk4.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

I wish Cinelli would update the Alter stem to 1 1/8 and 31.8. It's such a unique stem but yeah, not many bikes that can match the look.
I still have mine but the Mountain Cycle Moho Road I had it on is gone.

Ironically, I think the latest stem offerings from Cinelli are boring and ugly.

I agree. They could even utalize the hole down the center for computer mounts up top and lights/cameras on bottom.

I was trying to mix light rando and late 90s/early 2000s era racing when the did the build. Odd, yes but I like both styles and wanted to limit bikes. I am pleased.

[DRZRM]

The LD stem.....no thanks.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6086/6030968103_f86af85c9d_b.jpg

+1 on loving just about everything about this bike. I understand critiquing the LD (can we have a laugh at the name though?...genius! Best named bike part award for sure!). But anything that serves its purpose so well, and comparatively, those positive rise stems that drop bar MTBers used for so long to get their bars high enough were so much worse. The LD seems a vast improvement.

http://i.imgur.com/DcEKDaQ.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7467086820_8a4e723f03_b.jpg
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r490/tDuctape/IMG_3254_zpsxspkg5fg.jpg

[tiretrax]

Firefly setback seatpost. Ruins a beautiful product. Eriksen and Moots figured out how to do it elegantly.

Seatbags are ugly, especially big ones like my Revelate. That said, it serves it purpose, and I'd rather have the weight on my bike than me (which has too much as it is).

[tctyres]

what to do with extra tube scraps:

https://www.rivbike.com/collections/framesets/products/rosco-bubbe-frameset-55-5cm
https://www.rivbike.com/collections/framesets/products/rosco-mixte-frameset-54-cm

Yeah, s'ugly.

Kona had one too: http://2016.konaworld.com/humuhumu.cfm

http://2016.konaworld.com/images/bikes/main/humuhumu_opt.jpg

[Robbos]

This Easton post reminds me of the Enve stem. Abscess in need of lancing.
Maybe on a huge tubed aluminum or carbon frame, but ugh.

[Big Dan]

That Campagnolo Potenza stuff is pretty bad.

[false_Aest]

holy **** this thread . . . .

[Tony T]

Firefly setback seatpost. Ruins a beautiful product. Eriksen and Moots figured out how to do it elegantly.


Really?
I like the seatpost.

https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/1027454/375444224.jpg

…but not the stem:

https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/1027454/375444234.jpg

[OtayBW]

Firefly setback seatpost. Ruins a beautiful product. Eriksen and Moots figured out how to do it elegantly.

Seatbags are ugly, especially big ones like my Revelate. That said, it serves it purpose, and I'd rather have the weight on my bike than me (which has too much as it is).

Really?
I like the seatpost.
I'm with Mr. TTrax. I don't like the welded joint to achieve the setback in the FF post. I agree that it's a much more elegant sweep in the Eriksen and Moots, IMO.

[Tony T]

I'm with Mr. TTrax. I don't like the welded joint to achieve the setback in the FF post.

I guess I don't notice it ;)

[Jeff N.]

I'm gonna get flamed but... I'm gonna go with the DKS (Serotta Hors Categorie) and the Terraplane seat stays as the fugliest.

[sparky33]

Firefly setback seatpost. Ruins a beautiful product. Eriksen and Moots figured out how to do it elegantly.



Seatbags are ugly, especially big ones like my Revelate. That said, it serves it purpose, and I'd rather have the weight on my bike than me (which has too much as it is).


Bespoke ti seatpost hierarchy is something like this:

Eriksen > Moots > Firefly >>>> Seven (good grief that 7 unit is heinous)

Or for the linear folks like myself, maybe Firefly > Eriksen > Moots >>>>>>....

[Matthew]

I'm with Jeff above. I love Serotta's. But the Hors is ugly. Sure it rides great, just can't get past those stays. Terraplanes too. Sorry.

[brockd15]

I know a lot of people here love 'em, but the Campy hood shape is pretty wonky to my eye.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTAwWDkwMA==/z/TO8AAOSwaB5Xr2Q5/$_35.JPG?set_id=880000500F

[cadence90]

Some of you fellas obviously do not know ugly.

LD stem? Yes.
Adama saddle? Yes.
But, ENVE/Firefly stems, Athena cranks, new Campa shifters, etc? Come on, get serious....

Those of you who posted those items really need to up your ugly game, by a whole heckuva lot. Fear not, however; it's actually very, very easy to do.

1) Buy these:
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/WTMAAOxy0NtTDN70/s-l400.jpg

2) Build this.
http://www.corima.com/files/velos_clients/20140321_230842%202.jpg

Done! :beer:
.
.

[R3awak3n]

ahhaha, that is as amazing as it is ugly

[Ronsonic]

The Machete has a challenger! :hello:

[pinoymamba]

…but not the stem:

https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/1027454/375444234.jpg

http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7387/8786287685_c61323bd0f_m.jpg
https://media.giphy.com/media/13u62DeVLpS0UM/giphy.gif

[bfd]

You want ugly? Maybe one of the ugliest, albeit most aero, part Campy has ever made:

https://merlincycles-img.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/productImage_1280_1024_ffffff_image-jpeg/25213_campagnolo_bullet_ultra_carbon_road_chainset _11_speed.jpg

At about $215, it's priced right. But then again it weighs like 815g, heavier than some carbon frames! Hahaha! Good Luck!

[Peter B]

Lipstick, meet pig. :butt:

[oldpotatoe]

I know a lot of people here love 'em, but the Campy hood shape is pretty wonky to my eye.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTAwWDkwMA==/z/TO8AAOSwaB5Xr2Q5/$_35.JPG?set_id=880000500F

Mavic Zap were wonky, Campag are beautiful..

[saab2000]

Mavic Zap were wonky, Campag are beautiful..

I've come to the conclusion that I actually preferred the older style and shape of the levers before the redesign.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/331214746181-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

[R3awak3n]

I've come to the conclusion that I actually preferred the older style and shape of the levers before the redesign.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/331214746181-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

I was on that camp but been using 11 speed extensively and they are more comfortable to me now, feel more secure and ergo

[merckx]

I've come to the conclusion that I actually preferred the older style and shape of the levers before the redesign.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/331214746181-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

Same here.

[chiasticon]

I'm with Mr. TTrax. I don't like the welded joint to achieve the setback in the FF post. I agree that it's a much more elegant sweep in the Eriksen and Moots, IMO.it's funny to me how this is polarizing, kinda like the Thomson seatpost "kink". I like the firefly welded offset, and think the Eriksen/Moots sweep is fugly. (not a fan of the Thomson kink either.)

[kramnnim]

http://i.imgur.com/z6wXFw4.png

[martl]

i always thought the 10spd-Campa Ergos were the prettiest of the bunch. Even if i'd prefer the pointy ones from the 8-spd era, i wouldn't call them "ugly" per se. They still are several miles ahead of the Shimano-clothesline-moose-antlers-setup as pioneered by this gentleman:

http://www.trbimg.com/img-507eb1f1/turbine/la-sp-sn-nike-lance-armstrong-20121017-001/600

[jordanr]

I would not have predicted my first post would be in an ugliest parts thread, but I'm inspired.

I present a pair of Campagnolo 10-speed flatbar levers...

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn186/glomza/Bikes/MAP%20Newvex%20Tourer/campag-veloce-flatbar-levers.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/glomza/media/Bikes/MAP%20Newvex%20Tourer/campag-veloce-flatbar-levers.jpg.html)

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn186/glomza/Bikes/MAP%20Newvex%20Tourer/2016-09-06-17.06.41.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/glomza/media/Bikes/MAP%20Newvex%20Tourer/2016-09-06-17.06.41.jpg.html)

[jordanr]

I should mention they're constructed of 100% plastic; I'm also considering quality an aspect of beauty.

[QUOTE=jordanr;2102669]I would not have predicted my first post would be in an ugliest parts thread, but I'm inspired.

I present a pair of Campagnolo 10-speed flatbar levers...

[El Chaba]

I've come to the conclusion that I actually preferred the older style and shape of the levers before the redesign.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/331214746181-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

Agreed. As a pure bonus, I am of the opinion that the 10 speed era Campagnolo parts are just a shade behind the 9 speed era parts as the finest components ever made for a racing bicycle...The 10 speed parts are easier to obtain small parts for to keep them working (indefinitely)....

[bfd]

Agreed. As a pure bonus, I am of the opinion that the 10 speed era Campagnolo parts are just a shade behind the 9 speed era parts as the finest components ever made for a racing bicycle...The 10 speed parts are easier to obtain small parts for to keep them working (indefinitely)....

What 10 speed parts are you talking about? I have 2nd generation (round hood) Campy 9 ergo levers and except for the shift disc, all the parts seem to be the same as 10!

Basically, when the shifting gets "soft" or starts to mis-shift or ghost shift, its time to rebuild. G-springs (2) and spring carriers are about $20 or so and it is fairly easy to do.

It is my understanding that the latest 3rd gen (gumby hood) have almost no moving parts and rarely need any rebuilding. Add in that they're supposedly more comfortable and that is the way to go if you want to go to 11 speed.

Of course, YMMV! Good Luck! :beer:

[charliedid]

http://i.imgur.com/z6wXFw4.png

I have brand new 1x Rival on a new bike and while I love the way it works feels etc. I can't say I think it's much to look at.

:-)

[genbar]

Always thought these were ug

[dm0n3y]

For me the eTap RD is up there and even though I ride (and love) this group, it's an eye-sore and I'm glad I don't have to look at it except when my bike is parked up in the man cave :)

[bikingshearer]

Some pretty gawd-awful stuff, aesthetically speaking. But it's all relatively modern. In the C&V category, I nominate the Campagnolo Gran Turismo boat anchor, I mean, rear derailleur.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/bikingshearer/65F46279-4D29-47D9-B125-992276F26B571_zpsgoxccixf.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bikingshearer/media/65F46279-4D29-47D9-B125-992276F26B571_zpsgoxccixf.jpg.html)

[oldpotatoe]

I should mention they're constructed of 100% plastic; I'm also considering quality an aspect of beauty.

[QUOTE=jordanr;2102669]I would not have predicted my first post would be in an ugliest parts thread, but I'm inspired.

I present a pair of Campagnolo 10-speed flatbar levers...

Some were..some weren't

[jordanr]

Indeed, those would be an upgrade from my Veloce's.

[QUOTE=jordanr;2102671]I should mention they're constructed of 100% plastic; I'm also considering quality an aspect of beauty.



Some were..some weren't

[jordanr]

Minor thread digression: Have you rode with these? How do they shift? With some regularity the mechanism in the lever jams up on my Veloce.

And, wow, those are competing in the ugly department.

[QUOTE=jordanr;2102671]I should mention they're constructed of 100% plastic; I'm also considering quality an aspect of beauty.



Some were..some weren't