He loves a Koga
@kogalover is singing my song here. Bikes are beautiful. ’nuff said.
VLVV, Gianni
With all those posts on riding in winter and being visible, either by putting Eyes of Sauron or other car melting devices on one’s steed, or by even considering a YJA instead of donning plain black kit, it was about time to finally get this article on paper. I’ve been thinking about it now for quite some time and it simply irritates me. (Also I was utterly fed up with the fact that it has become impossible to upload pictures and since I just got a new bike last week, I need to find a way how I can post a picture of it.)
There’s confusion on Mount Velomis my dear Fellominati!
Rule #8, Rule #26 and Rule #57 all deal with our bikes looking fantastic. And, these are not the only Rules that revolve around keeping our Tools in pristine condition. We adhere to Rule #65 but then why, oh why, are some of us not proud about our steeds and their provenance by buying black bikes with black or dark-grey decals.
While on the bike, I do not only turn my head at every shop window, but also at every bike passing me (on the other side of the road of course). I have developed a keen eye to spot the maker at 60km/h (footnote: me at 36km/h in one direction and opposite traffic at 24km/h) and take pride in being able to name at least 2 to 3 bicycle brands for every letter of the alphabet when I wake up at the oddest of times.
But this fun gets spoiled by black on black decals. And it’s going viral, it’s an epidemic. Even my own favourite maker, Koga, which became famous for their regal blue metallic steel Miyata frames, now has several dull black options. Their top six models are all some form of grey, and their prime machine has grey decals. I was desperate 30 years ago to get a blue frame but could not afford it, so ended up with an Indian Red Koga. Two years ago, after I took up cycling again, I chose an aluminium frame for my new Koga over a carbon frame, because it came in said blue with white clearly visible decals. For my latest addition, a Koga track bike, I chose a violently orange colour with black decals against a white background. (Note that any Rule violation is only because it’s still at the LBS where it was built up and I have not yet got it in my possession, so there’s no need to refer me to look better into Rules #26, #45, #60). It’s actually a NOS frame but you’s gotta love me them colours! It will look so cool with the V-decals and the cufflinks and and and. Totally compliant.
I mean, a black Bianchi, who would want to throw any money at that? Why put down lots of money if no one knows what bike you ride? It’s not as if you are riding your Beemer and your garage offered the free option to remove the type-indicator on the back because everyone will know what car you drive. That’s not how it works with bicycles. And if you’re still not convinced, look at what the Pro’s do: do they ride on bikes that conceal their makers?
Be a sport, and have Merkxy on your Fellominatus, ride a bike that shows off that you are proud to ride it!
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That is a sweet looking machine and the gumwalls seal the deal. I hear ya on the all black though. My #1 (which actually looks a lot like the black Koga pictured above), #2, graveur and fattie are all all-black. My almost 10 year old Giant is white and black with prominent graphics and looks pretty damn nice.
What pedals are you putting on there?
I agree with you on the black on black options-it makes no sense. I also pride myself on being able to identify bikes at speed and the BOB option also frustrates me while tying to ID manufacturers.
My #1 steed is matte black but no one would fail to identify its make as the large white and smaller florescent yellow decals scream PINARELLO from every visible angle. Italian frames have never been known to be subtle, I consider them to be rolling art.
Personally, I wouldn't own a BOB bike, where is the fun in that!?
Great colour scheme, perchance did you get some inspiration from nature.......
clownfish are cool, and this is a fucking SEXY bike. the only thing cooler than looking at gorgeous bikes, is riding them at insane, unsustainable rates of speed, at astronomical (to road riders) cadences, until your molars hurt from lactate, and you're hacking up cigarette residue from 7th grade. track racing, ya know.
I am from the non orange wearing portion of the SEC but have developed a modest affection for the color (thanks to this site). That said, would the mountain bike version of your bike may allow for less wearing of the stuff?
@kogalover Interesting, that track bike looks identical to the Bianchi Super Pista. I had one myself a few years ago and every detail is the same, down to the contour on the fork legs, the shape of the top of the seat tube and clamp area, and the cutout in the seat tube for the rear wheel. Most likely the same exact frame sold under both brands, not too uncommon for aluminum track bikes actually. The Super Pista was a fantastic bike on the track, by the way, and mine was black :)
I've never really been drawn to black bikes either, although I really liked the high gloss Pinarello, with yellow flashing, that they made after Froome's first tour win. Like Wiscot, I think the gumwalls cap the bike off perfectly.
I couldn't care less if people know how fancy a bike I have. I ride a fancy bike for the joy it brings whilst riding it. It's all about the ride. But then I don't use Strava because I don't care to impress strangers on the internet so maybe I'm the odd man out.
@wiscot
Group San Ultegra SPD SL. First time on a track bike so I do not think my guns are yet big enough to go shopping on www.keirincutjeans.com.
@Teocalli
Actually, I had to find the right bike to match the jersey that @ErikdR kindly sent me for this year's Eroica!
Or was it because I like orange?
All jokes aside, this frame is indeed nicknamed "Nemo". If you google Koga Nemo, you'll see.