Little things in a bike you notice, appreciate and digmo.

[Viper]

It seems my eyes first notice if the bars are oldschool, curved or anatomic. It's like the front end, hood of a car, the bars speak to me. Old fashioned never goes out of style and curved handlebars shouldn't. I dig Velox handlebar plugs real, steel bottom bracket cable guide and Chris King headset spacers...these are things I digmo. What little things on bikes do you dig?

[rustychisel]

They're aesthetic, but they don't speak to care and attention.

Cables properly trimmed to length with soldered/capped ends; clean well maintained pedal platforms; correctly adjusted brakes; if you're going to colour coordinate then have the correct shade rather than combine 4 different blues together on the one bike, for example; clean and maintained drivetrain (a bit obvious really).

Like you I'm a bit of a fan of classic sweep bars. There are many many abominations out there.

Oh, maybe a fatwah on black socks, especially black socks with flames/USMC/Simpsons etc

[Smiley]

Split rear stays, F... the carbon Uni Stay design.

[cs124]

Overall balance of bike and rider is the first thing that I look for.

Then...
Round bars for sure.
Correct placement of brake/shift levers.
Tyre logo lined up with valve stem.

Harder to spot at a glance...
Well used but well maintained bikes.

[giordana93]

chromed right chainstay
soldered cable ends
the little rubber rings on the dura ace brakes adjustable barrel

[hybridbellbaske]

Hey Rustychisel- is that comment about 4 different shades of blue a slight on my Hors Categorie?

[Ti Designs]

There are 14,000 bikes where I work, they all start looking the same to me. I notice the rider.

[maunahaole]

Black socks look proper with black sidis.

Sidis should only be black.

Cycling shoes should only be sidis.

[pdxmech13]

installing a seatpost without it being marred

[girlie]

I don't have the feel for a complete build like some people do. I know enough to appreciate a good one when I see it - I think. I'm a sucker for the pieces....there will be small things that catch my eye. Head badge, cable adjuster, wheels, I'm amazed at how beautiful derailleurs are.....like I keep saying the components are ???elry that I never seem to get sick of looking at.
Often the frame builders are talked about (and rightfully so:) though I wonder about what goes into making the components. I mean someone engineers and designs them....just thinking out loud - never thought of it before this thread.
Please school me or if anyone knows of any links......

Thanks,
girlie

[rustychisel]

Black socks look proper with black sidis.

Sidis should only be black.

Cycling shoes should only be sidis.


then a fatwah on cycling shoes and those who wear them :beer:

Seriously, not tried Adidas shoes? Too late, I guess.

[rustychisel]

Hey Rustychisel- is that comment about 4 different shades of blue a slight on my Hors Categorie?


ummmm, errr, geee.... nah, your saddle is stylish. It's those carbon bars I'm not too sure about (good thing the went to another bike). :argue:

[rounder]

I like it when everything sounds in tune..chain sounds, shift clicks, freewheel going downhill. Really hate buzzes and other unwelcome sounds especially when you don't know where they are coming from.

A sunday in hell -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ktTXjSqvJc&feature=related


Hi, originally posted the wrong video. Sorry about that.

[rwsaunders]

When all of the components are in synch with each other and when the geometry and finish of the frame are in harmony......it makes it easy to go out and ride. Scale and proportion I guess.

[Blue Jays]

Cleanly chamfered edges in a bottom bracket drainage hole.

[Steve in SLO]

Wheels devoid of garish stickers,
Frames without branding you can read from across the street.
Tapered, filed lugs
Pantographing

[slowgoing]

campy

[William]

I don't have the feel for a complete build like some people do. I know enough to appreciate a good one when I see it - I think. I'm a sucker for the pieces....there will be small things that catch my eye. Head badge, cable adjuster, wheels, I'm amazed at how beautiful derailleurs are.....like I keep saying the components are ???elry that I never seem to get sick of looking at.
Often the frame builders are talked about (and rightfully so:) though I wonder about what goes into making the components. I mean someone engineers and designs them....just thinking out loud - never thought of it before this thread.
Please school me or if anyone knows of any links......

Thanks,
girlie


I knew I caught you eying my old school DA rear deraillers. ;)

Over all balanced aesthetic, round bars, adequate drop, and I’m a sucker for smooth glossy fillet brazing.





William

[fourflys]

Oh, maybe a fatwah on black socks, especially black socks with flames/USMC/Simpsons etc

I remember some years back reading an editorial in Bicycling that was entitled, I think, "Chasing Mr. Black Socks" or something like that.... Anyway, it was about the current editor doing a ride where he came up behind this "Fred" wearing old school gear including black socks. The writer just figured he's jet by the old timer since he obviusly was a better rider in all his new tech cycling gear. Well as you can guess, they came to slight rise in elevation and Mr. Black Socks rode off into the distence never to be seen again... Every since then, I pretty much wear black ankle socks...nothing fancy, just target/generic cotton ankle socks (although I do have a pair of black cycling socks with argyle..:D)

I like black socks! I usually try to NOT be part of trends anyway, you won't find white bar tape or a white seat on my rides...

[Viper]

Black socks look proper with black sidis.

Sidis should only be black.

Cycling shoes should only be sidis.

:beer:

[rePhil]

The way the screws on my (and every other one I have seen) Moots headbadge are lined up.

[bzbvh5]

Each one is weak and fragile. They can be bent rather easily. Together as a wheel, they can take the weight and forces of a ride.

[fourflys]

Now, on topic (after my socks post above)...

There is nothing like looking at a beautifully painted, lugged frame. Just the crisp lines of the paint, the elegant filing of the lugs... I also really appreciate/lust after the engraving on the Merlin frames.

[shoe]

i was always a fan of the phil logo when you look through the cut out on the bottom bracket...that ain't easy really...d

[fourflys]

Black socks look proper with black sidis.

Sidis should only be black.

Cycling shoes should only be sidis.

If only I could afford $500 for a pair of shoes.... :)



yes, I realize you can get Sidis cheaper, but my point isn't made as well ;)

[14max]

I like Nitto. That said, I like a Nitto cockpit. It's classic and proper.

I also like handmade things: frames, forks, bottle cages

Old school is cool when you consider saddles: Brooks, San Marco Rolls and Regal, Selle Italia Turbo and Turbomatic

[fourflys]

I like Nitto. That said, I like a Nitto cockpit. It's classic and proper.

I also like handmade things: frames, forks, bottle cages

Old school is cool when you consider saddles: Brooks, San Marco Rolls and Regal, Selle Italia Turbo and Turbomatic

Then you should like this... (full Nitto cockpit with Nitto seatpost and Brooks)
http://threeflys.smugmug.com/photos/427715093_VJLg3-S.jpg

[Ti Designs]

Dirt. Can't really respect a bike that's too clean. It's like the cars at the auto show, they may look fast but none of them even have oil.

I guess I'm bringing up the question of the bike being a tool with a function or art. Having cut the lugs for the IF show bike a few years back I can almost understand a bike as art. Just the same, it was good to see Matt take the show bike out on a ride. To me the bike is a tool. It has a job to do, every part of the bike is designed and redesigned to fit it's function. Form follows functioin, you use a tool long enough and it starts to represent perfection in your own mind. I see a set of crit bars and I see the beauty in the form 'cause that's what I've always used. Bikes with compact gearing or big cogs on the back look a bit off to me. It's not a statement of asthetics, it's a matter of the tool looking and feeling right to the person using it.

[Ti Designs]

If only I could afford $500 for a pair of shoes.... :)


My first racing bike was a used Colnago Super that came with a pair of shoes for $400. Now we have shoes that cost $400, and there's no Colnago in the box - I checked!

[Smiley]

Sandy told me u were a fan of Sci Fi but seriously Darth Vader in the home is over the top :)

I hope your a married man or maybe u met Ms Viper at a Trekkie convention, nothing wrong with that and I am sure you have put the Vulcan mind loc on a few folks here :)

[14max]

Then you should like this... (full Nitto cockpit with Nitto seatpost and Brooks)
http://threeflys.smugmug.com/photos/427715093_VJLg3-S.jpg

I do like that. I even owned a Riv canti-Rom once. I didn't have a full appreciation for it until, on a whim, I replaced it with something else. Dumb mistake. The downside was that it was built like a tank which, ironically, was also the upside. I'd still have it today if I'd really given the parts mix more thought to make it a bit lighter.

[tv_vt]

um, getting back on topic, I like pump pegs! Don't see those much anymore. Frame makers don't pay any attention to that now, at least certainly not the carbon frame makers.
Like those nifty cable guides on the head tube that keep the shifter cables from rubbing on the sides of the tube. Very nice.
Dislike how poorly some folk's water bottles go with their frames! Same for colored water bottle cages...
Like seeing yesterday's classic bikes still being ridden. Good reminders that it's not really about the bike (or at least not about having the latest and greatest bike).
Like a quiet bike. Dislike dry squeaky chains - what is with that? :rolleyes:

[fiamme red]

I do like that. I even owned a Riv canti-Rom once. I didn't have a full appreciation for it until, on a whim, I replaced it with something else. Dumb mistake. The downside was that it was built like a tank which, ironically, was also the upside. I'd still have it today if I'd really given the parts mix more thought to make it a bit lighter.I rode my Romulus a few days ago, after having been off it for a while. It's built with the standard parts, a real bargain at around $1,400 complete.

I have bikes with heavier frames, but for some reason, the Romulus feels dead, no snap at all. I don't enjoy climbing on it. It does descend very well. Will probably sell it, though I may regret it later.

[William]

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r268/serono/ralph.gif




William ;)

[mpetry]

I am crazy for ROLLER STRADDLES. These don't work on dual pivot however.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1007/1458465229_01fde1e652.jpg?v=0

Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA

[fourflys]

Like a quiet bike. Dislike dry squeaky chains - what is with that? :rolleyes:

While I can appreciate that, I really dig the sound your drivetrain makes as you hum along in the big gear. I can't describe it other than it's like the sound a Peloton makes as it comes by...

[Volant]

It tend to notice when something "shouldn't" be there, but is, and it works (functional and aesthetic). Like that white Brooks on a Time VXRS.

[fourflys]

I have bikes with heavier frames, but for some reason, the Romulus feels dead, no snap at all. I don't enjoy climbing on it. It does descend very well. Will probably sell it, though I may regret it later.

I'm really itching for a Riv Rambouillet (sp), I think that may just be the perfect bike. Although, I've never ridden a Serotta yet so...

[Joel]

Window lugs! Double points for heart cutouts.

[keevon]

On sloping frames, matching the stem angle to the top tube angle.

Smooth bar to brake lever transitions, ala 10 speed Campy.

Kool Stop salmon pads.

[michael white]

expensive bikes covered with mud
or rattlecan paint in the inner city
or seeing young lovers in Amsterdam riding along, chatting, sitting on each other's racks
or really old like 50's bikes locked to a pole with plastic bag on the seat
or someone passing you with completely the wrong bike for the event

[Steve in SLO]

On sloping frames, matching the stem angle to the top tube angle.

Smooth bar to brake lever transitions, ala 10 speed Campy.

Kool Stop salmon pads.

Isn't that a sin against the blessed Gods of the Downward Stem Angle?

Just askin' (apologies to SoCal Steve)

[fiamme red]

Beautiful decals.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclomondo/sets/72157608849170699/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3094161904_8fee528828_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclomondo/sets/72157608915266904/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3024301352_c983ea7ff8_b.jpg

[Viper]

Beautiful decals.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclomondo/sets/72157608849170699/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3094161904_8fee528828_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclomondo/sets/72157608915266904/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3024301352_c983ea7ff8_b.jpg

:beer:

[palincss]

I am crazy for ROLLER STRADDLES. These don't work on dual pivot however.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1007/1458465229_01fde1e652.jpg?v=0

Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA

$20 for a bike's worth at Velo Orange: http://velo-orange.com/vocostwiroha.html

[palincss]

Isn't that a sin against the blessed Gods of the Downward Stem Angle?



With a 73 degree head angle, a -17% stem gives you a horizontal extension, which is parallel with a horizontal top tube, and pleaseth the Blessed Gods. It's those sloping compact top tubes and upward jutting stems that are an abomination in the sight of the Blessed Gods. Everybody knows that.

[palincss]

Beautiful decals.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclomondo/sets/72157608849170699/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3094161904_8fee528828_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclomondo/sets/72157608915266904/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3024301352_c983ea7ff8_b.jpg

Why on earth would anyone think these bikes would look better covered with filth?

[MilanoTom]

I notice when the set-up looks right.... not too much or too little seatpost showing, the tilt of the saddle is normal, the angle of the bars looks right, and that sort of thing.

While dirt was noted as a positive, I've worked as a wrench on a few charity tours, and it's the clean (not as in new & unridden, but as in crud wiped off on occasion) bike that is noticed (and appreciated).

Regards,
Tom

[maunahaole]

Lord Vader deserves a pair of sidis as well.

I am worried about the life size Vader as well. I fear that it may be anatomically correct.

[fiamme red]

While dirt was noted as a positive, I've worked as a wrench on a few charity tours, and it's the clean (not as in new & unridden, but as in crud wiped off on occasion) bike that is noticed (and appreciated).A dirty bike may be a sign that the fenders aren't doing their job. ;)

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=153633&postcount=1

[Kirk Pacenti]

There are 14,000 bikes where I work, they all start looking the same to me. I notice the rider.

Let me know what you notice about this guy. :p

[Steelhead]

Black socks look proper with black sidis.

Sidis should only be black.

Cycling shoes should only be sidis.

Is that some form of Haiku, it makes sense and still makes you think... :)