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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I couldn't give a tuppence about ID-ing other folk's bikes, but in all honesty I do find black-on-black to be a bit boring and unimaginative. But hey, if that's what gives you that tingling sensation in the scrotal region, then by all means go for it!
Nice one, @kogalover, for the article and sharing Nemo with us. You are calling it Nemo, right? Hope she rides as well as she looks.
@Ccos
Not sure I understand your question, but blue remains my favourite colour.
@Brenmitch
Very likely and if so, even for the better, since Bianchi is for an n+x purchase.
Koga continued to sell this same frame beyond 2009 but in a different colour, which I found less appealing.
The Koga Nemo bike here is a beauty. Very cool. And it's because of black that the orange, white and gumwalls pop. Black is perfect. And black on black bikes? Can you have too much of perfect? No. Black bikes are good ol' good ol' and will be classic forever. Black cars, black leather jackets, and black Gibsons too. Love your bikes @KogaLover and when you find a black on black Koga beauty be sure to post a pic! Cheers all
@KogaLover
Well now, don't I feel a bit stupid.
>>> when you find a black on black…<<< uhhh, never mind, looks like you did ! BTW: as for black Bianchis ? This beauty has had captured my thoughts for some time:
Let's not forget black motorcycles too btw!
@Randy C
it's black on black that I do not like. As long as decals are clearly visible, fine with me.
However, a Bianchi should be Celeste if it is your first.
As the proud owner of a turquoise bike with 'matching' pink groupset, I'm all in favour of plenty of colour, particularly a la AG2R. Lots of colours, whether or not they match, has got to be better than matte black with a hint of shiny black.
I have never understood why people would want to paint black carbon black. Lacquered carbon looks so much better, with all the interesting swirly bits of unidirectional fibres, or a nice regimented weave - and it's still black! Also, any aluminium parts really should be mirror polished - it would be a shame not to. If you're going to go down the understated route, let the materials speak for themselves rather than covering them in paint.
@KogaLover
If someone is on an orange bike, can they wear less orange in the woods (during hunting season)? The track bike looks fantastic btw.
@KogaLover
Just discovered, the frame I posted in the previous comment is actually aluminium (called Senko), while the Nemo (Offical name Fullprotrack) is Scandium. Koga did continue the Scandium Fullprotrack frame but with again a different colour scheme.