I like pink and I refuse to feel bad about it.

[Antaresia]

Oh, this colour has SO much gender-specific baggage attached to it. I feel like I'm buying into all that crap when I buy it, I feel like I'm supporting the stereotype. But I like it, and I firmly believe in not letting other people decide how I feel about feel about something.

So, I destroyed my Orange Apollo (http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Candoia/bike/apollo2-1_zps8375d9fc.png). It was my daily beater, I had it for a year and day, I rode it everywhere everyday. I killed it by going through a roundabout, into a pot hole, and over the curb - I don't know how or why this happened. I didn't even fall off, but as I rode away I noticed the paint was chipped and it was supper wobbly

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Candoia/bike/dead_zps40fe2d95.jpg

First call I made was to my bike shop, to tell the owner I need a new bicycle and that I'll be in on the weekend.

They had one bike that fit me, it was the exact brand & size of my destroyed bicycle. A Green Apollo, I call it Apollo 2: Return of Apollo (see, if this happens two more times the bikes will be Apollo 3: son of Apollo and then Apollo 4: IN SPACE. I may have thought a little to much about this). I hemed and hawed over the bar tape, but settled on pink. And got asked "why pink?".

Why would anyone even ask that. They wouldn't ask "why brown" or "why blue", and it's just...a little frustrating, even though I know they didn't mean anything by it. They even crimped my break cables with pink...crimp-thingies, I love those guys.

The Terrible Bike Shop had something to say on the subject as well. When I asked for pink fenders for my black cyclecross, he asked me "are you SURE?"
"Yes."
"really sure?" *looks at me like I'm being stupid*
"uh, I don't know, maybe green would be nice?"

And I have always regretted letting that jerk talk me out of it.

Online the other day, I came across a comment that went something like, "Those ladies riding their cruisers, all dressed in pink. I don't think they're serious about cycling."

Not only is it bothersome because I own more than one bike and I LIKE riding my mixte in a flowery pink dress; buy why is anyone associating a colour with a "not serious cyclist"? I also like going on 80km + rides on my road bike, and I bike-commute every day. I am a serious cyclist, I ride a cruiser sometimes, and I like pink.

Never let anyone make you think pink is stupid.
Never let anyone tell you that you should like pink if you don't.
Never let anyone try and tell you that marketing things toward women by making them is pink isn't stupid, because it's stupid as balls. I like the colour and I'm sick of that.

And now, bask in the radiance of my amazing pink & green Apollo.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Candoia/bike/apollo2-1_zps8375d9fc.png

So glad I don't have to change my signature.

[OakLeaf]

Never let anyone make you think pink is stupid.
Never let anyone tell you that you should like pink if you don't.
Never let anyone try and tell you that marketing things toward women by making them is pink isn't stupid, because it's stupid as balls. I like the colour and I'm sick of that.

Hear, hear!


And now, bask in the radiance of my amazing pink & green Apollo.

Beautiful! Sorry about your old bike, but enjoy the new!

[ny biker]

Online the other day, I came across a comment that went something like, "Those ladies riding their cruisers, all dressed in pink. I don't think they're serious about cycling."

But really, what does this mean? How does someone define "serious about cycling"?

It's a silly concept.

[GLC1968]

I love your pink and green Apollo.

I like pink as a color, too. I hate that it's gotten such a lousy reputation. Poor pink!

[goldfinch]

I am not much of a pink fan (I just don't like pastel type tones) but I love your Apollo. The colors really work well together.

[ny biker]

I am not much of a pink fan (I just don't like pastel type tones) but I love your Apollo. The colors really work well together.

I like pink, though based on the number of red sweaters in my closet I seem to like red more. I really like bright pink (more fuchsia than pastel) for cycling jerseys, since it tends to be visible from pretty far away.

I think a green bike with pink accents looks great.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I like bright pink jerseys so people know I'm a girl! Most biking clothes are so unflattering that combined with a helmet and sunglasses, I'm afraid I may look gender-neutral. I just may be a little over self-conscious, of course. And besides, pink looks better on me than screaming yellow.

The new bike is beautiful, and I think pink fenders on a black bike would also look sharp! Good for you for sticking to your choices!

They say that one of the reasons the women's tools are pink is to prevent the guys from stealing them (accidently or on purpose). I wonder if that works for bikes, too?

[Catrin]

Beautiful! Hot pink and love the green! That combination just can't be beat!

[emily_in_nc]

I think it's lovely -- I like pink too, and am not ashamed to admit it! :D

[thekarens]

I don't like pink. But I also don't like red. I never think one way or the other when people pick a specific color other than they like it. I think your bike looks fantastic. Green happens to be my favorite color.

[WindingRoad]

Your bike looks great :-)

[amnesiac]

I rock a pink and white bike. With pink tires, pink bottle cages, pink cable housing. And I wear pink jerseys with pink shoes & a pink & black helmet. No apologies. :)

[salsabike]

I like this post!! And the bike looks great.


Oh, this colour has SO much gender-specific baggage attached to it. I feel like I'm buying into all that crap when I buy it, I feel like I'm supporting the stereotype. But I like it, and I firmly believe in not letting other people decide how I feel about feel about something.

So, I destroyed my Orange Apollo (http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Candoia/bike/apollo2-1_zps8375d9fc.png). It was my daily beater, I had it for a year and day, I rode it everywhere everyday. I killed it by going through a roundabout, into a pot hole, and over the curb - I don't know how or why this happened. I didn't even fall off, but as I rode away I noticed the paint was chipped and it was supper wobbly

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Candoia/bike/dead_zps40fe2d95.jpg

First call I made was to my bike shop, to tell the owner I need a new bicycle and that I'll be in on the weekend.

They had one bike that fit me, it was the exact brand & size of my destroyed bicycle. A Green Apollo, I call it Apollo 2: Return of Apollo (see, if this happens two more times the bikes will be Apollo 3: son of Apollo and then Apollo 4: IN SPACE. I may have thought a little to much about this). I hemed and hawed over the bar tape, but settled on pink. And got asked "why pink?".

Why would anyone even ask that. They wouldn't ask "why brown" or "why blue", and it's just...a little frustrating, even though I know they didn't mean anything by it. They even crimped my break cables with pink...crimp-thingies, I love those guys.

The Terrible Bike Shop had something to say on the subject as well. When I asked for pink fenders for my black cyclecross, he asked me "are you SURE?"
"Yes."
"really sure?" *looks at me like I'm being stupid*
"uh, I don't know, maybe green would be nice?"

And I have always regretted letting that jerk talk me out of it.

Online the other day, I came across a comment that went something like, "Those ladies riding their cruisers, all dressed in pink. I don't think they're serious about cycling."

Not only is it bothersome because I own more than one bike and I LIKE riding my mixte in a flowery pink dress; buy why is anyone associating a colour with a "not serious cyclist"? I also like going on 80km + rides on my road bike, and I bike-commute every day. I am a serious cyclist, I ride a cruiser sometimes, and I like pink.

Never let anyone make you think pink is stupid.
Never let anyone tell you that you should like pink if you don't.
Never let anyone try and tell you that marketing things toward women by making them is pink isn't stupid, because it's stupid as balls. I like the colour and I'm sick of that.

And now, bask in the radiance of my amazing pink & green Apollo.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Candoia/bike/apollo2-1_zps8375d9fc.png

So glad I don't have to change my signature.

[TrekDianna]

I like pink too. I love purple. I've had people tell me I am not the pink or purple type. What exactly is that?

I love your green and pink bike.

[jobob]

I had a pink bike -- sort of a dusty rose -- until my husband wrecked his and I gave it to him. He has no qualms riding it.

[Aggie_Ama]

Way to own your love of pink! Boo to the stupid shop that seemed to want to give you too many opinions.

[Trek420]

I like pink too. I love purple. I've had people tell me I am not the pink or purple type. What exactly is that?

These are pink bike types :p http://www.pinkbikesite.com/

[Blueberry]

I have a black surly cross check with pink accents - and I will not apologize for it!

[Blueberry]

These are pink bike types :p http://www.pinkbikesite.com/

Emily's old Aegis is on there, and so is Susan's old Bike Friday. Cool site - I wish it were updated more - not sure how much it is anymore.

[shootingstar]

Enjoy your bike, Ana. No I don't have any pink jersey but I wear a pale lavender jersy ...and have been doing so for past 15 years. I wear 2-3 pink tops off bike and have scarves with some pink. I sewed and worn proudly for several years, a bright coral pink wrap businesswear dress with black belt and heels.

[gnat23]

Haters gunna hate. Don't let anyone step on your style, whatever baggage everyone else attaches to it, it only means what it means TO YOU.

Rock that pink, girlfriend. *snap*snap*

-- gnat! (Admittedly, it's a little harder to get high-end cycling stuff in pink, but once you discover Chris King hubs...)

[Trek420]

Emily's old Aegis is on there, and so is Susan's old Bike Friday. Cool site - I wish it were updated more - not sure how much it is anymore.

I'm in there. You're right, I'm not sure how many new bikes are being added. Maybe some of our new pink bikes should try? :p

[hebe]

Great post! Love your new bike too, though sorry about your first lovely orange Apollo.

[Kiwi Stoker]

As a former marketing person- pink does sell. If it didn't there would be no pink items available pretty quickly (no one likes stock that doesn't move).

I love pink and purple. I love being identifiable as a girl cycling (gee no way I want to be called a MAMIL). I love the combo of pink and green. I do get sick of hearing ladies go on about "everything women cycling is pink". It isn't. Plus there's heaps of men's stuff if you don't like it. I think it's great that everyone can choose what color they want to express themselves with while cycling.

[ny biker]

It is true, there's lots of pink available but there's also lots of stuff available that is not pink. The evidence is here:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/apparel/tops/c0-c1-c2.html

Also I would add that if you haven't looked at TE's selection of jerseys and tank tops lately, you should check it out. There's some great new stuff, very colorful, lots of fun prints.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily's old Aegis is on there, and so is Susan's old Bike Friday.

Gosh, it sure is -- I didn't know it was still being maintained as I know girlbike.com (where these bikes were originally featured) is not.

Yep, it's definitely out of date, but that's okay -- it's kind of fun to see my Aegis Swift immortalized on it. That was a great bike!

[Koronin]

Sorry about your old bike. Congrats on the new bike, it looks nice. I happen to be one that hates the color pink. However, that is just me and if someone else wants a pink whatever (bike, accents, jersey, gloves), I figure they like the color. My grandmother has all kinds of things in pink (it's her favorite color). To have them question your choice of color is crazy, same as them questioning my choice to get men's jerseys.

[murielalex]

Love the bike. Rock that pink proudly!

[thekarens]

I know the guy that owns this fixie and he's very much a manly man in both looks and actions. He has no qualms about color.

16106

[nuliajuk]

I personally don't like pastel pink because my mother forced it on me so much in childhood, but if I owned or worked in a bike shop, there is NO WAY I'd raise an eyebrow at a customer's choice of tape color and ask if they were "sure". That's just bad business practice.

[TrekDianna]

These are pink bike types :p http://www.pinkbikesite.com/

I love them. I am a pink bike type.

[amb]

I would roll on a pink bike in a heartbeat. My gunmetal, bronze & white bike is BOR-ING!!! My bright pink (nearly neon) jersey is my favorite as I can't be missed in that color. I have matching socks too. I'm not ashamed either! :)

[Catrin]

Personally I don't like pastels of any shade, but pink doesn't have to = pastel :)

[Crankin]

I'm kind of in Catrin's way of thinking. I dislike any pastels and they don't look good on me. My parents never dressed me in pink; maybe they were anti-pink in the 50's?? Anyway, my first pink piece of clothing was a beautiful bright pink, wool sleeveless dress with an organza collar that my dad bought me in Dallas, at Nieman Marcus, while he was on a business trip. I was 12 or13 and wore this dress to many Bar Mitzvah parties. So, I don't mind bright pink and will wear it to accessorize. I have one Sheila Moon jersey with a very interesting bold geometric pattern of pink, red, and black. It's a bit heavier than my other cycling jerseys, so I am coming up to the time of year when I'll be wearing it. It matches perfectly with my red Kuota. I really don't care about the color of my bikes, and that was an incidental part of finding a bike that fit me! Really, I happen to like the plain carbon colored grey I had on my Trek 5200 a few years ago. I do tend to wear jerseys that match the bike I am riding, so I have jerseys in themes of red or blue, and a red and blue helmet.
However, in real life, I mostly wear black, white, and gray, with some bright colors thrown in on the top once in awhile.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I'm kind of in Catrin's way of thinking. I dislike any pastels and they don't look good on me. My parents never dressed me in pink; maybe they were anti-pink in the 50's?? Anyway, my first pink piece of clothing was a beautiful bright pink, wool sleeveless dress with an organza collar that my dad bought me in Dallas, at Nieman Marcus, while he was on a business trip. I was 12 or13 and wore this dress to many Bar Mitzvah parties. So, I don't mind bright pink and will wear it to accessorize. I have one Sheila Moon jersey with a very interesting bold geometric pattern of pink, red, and black. It's a bit heavier than my other cycling jerseys, so I am coming up to the time of year when I'll be wearing it. It matches perfectly with my red Kuota.I really don't care about the color of my bikes, and that was an incidental part of finding a bike that fit me! Really, I happen to like the plain carbon colored grey I had on my Trek 5200 a few years ago. I do tend to wear jerseys that match the bike I am riding, so I have jerseys in themes of red or blue, and a red and blue helmet.
However, in real life, I mostly wear black, white, and gray, with some bright colors thrown in on the top once in awhile.

Oh, lucky you. I wish I didn't care about the color of my bikes. It would make shopping a whole lot easier! I like my neutral black bike - it's sharp, and I can wear any color jersey with it. But I like fun colors, too (without being garish, I hope) and right now I'm trying to decide what color Bike Friday to get. Neutral, fun, refined, loud, quiet. So many choices.

But back to pink. I don't really wear pastels. I was thinking more along the lines of fuchsia, or some hi-vis pink for cycling. And my pink socks with cupcakes on them ;)

[Catrin]

Oh, lucky you. I wish I didn't care about the color of my bikes. It would make shopping a whole lot easier! I like my neutral black bike - it's sharp, and I can wear any color jersey with it. But I like fun colors, too (without being garish, I hope) and right now I'm trying to decide what color Bike Friday to get. Neutral, fun, refined, loud, quiet. So many choices.

But back to pink. I don't really wear pastels. I was thinking more along the lines of fuchsia, or some hi-vis pink for cycling. And my pink socks with cupcakes on them ;)

This color combination sounds lovely - I DO love me some bright vibrant colors, the more vibrant the better :)

I had such a problem choosing the color of my Gunnar. First I forced myself to ONLY choose from their list of "previous monthly/annual" colors. That brought my choices down to a manageable number from which to choose. I finally settled upon a lovely plum that was painted over a metallic graphite silver. Very deep, rich color - especially in the sunshine. Colors are so hard to choose!

[IBrakeforPastry]

This color combination sounds lovely - I DO love me some bright vibrant colors, the more vibrant the better :)

I had such a problem choosing the color of my Gunnar. First I forced myself to ONLY choose from their list of "previous monthly/annual" colors. That brought my choices down to a manageable number from which to choose. I finally settled upon a lovely plum that was painted over a metallic graphite silver. Very deep, rich color - especially in the sunshine. Colors are so hard to choose!

One of my top choices with the Bike Friday is Merlot with grey decals. It looks so rich and refined (and has a surcharge, and won't really go with the bright pink jerseys!). Then there are the fun shades of blue. And basic black...argh ;)

[deanywalker21]

I think your new bike is sharp. I was never much of a pink fan until I got a great deal on my Specialized Ruby - black carbon with pink accents. I went all out and put on pink handle bar tape, pink sidewall tires and a pink Terry saddle. Pink jerseys and helmet followed. Pink can be a lot of fun. Found a youth helmet with pink butterflies that fit my head. I have since toned the bike down, just to change the look, but the pink gear is there for my next surge of girl power.

[Jolt]

Personally I don't like pastels of any shade, but pink doesn't have to = pastel :)

Same here...pastels = yuck for me, but I do like fuchsia and similar shades of pink.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am a purple type, don't know what it means to be one but I have been obsessed with purple since I was a little girl! The thing I don't like about pink is you can find anything you want in pale pink but there are so many fabulous shades of pink that are not breast cancer awareness pink. I do like pink though and I was very sad when my black with pink accents Gary Fisher mountain bike was ruined in a wreck, it was feminine and tough all at once!

[emily_in_nc]

But I like fun colors, too (without being garish, I hope) and right now I'm trying to decide what color Bike Friday to get. Neutral, fun, refined, loud, quiet. So many choices.

Even though it shows dirt and grease, I like my white Bike Friday because it can be "dressed" in different color accessories. I started out with a bright blue bar tape, matching blue Candies pedals, and a navy blue saddle. When it was time to change the bar tape, I chose red because it went with my red Arkel Tail rider. I could also go with pink bar tape and get some pink pedals, but that would clash with the Arkel.

[jobob]

I like my white Bike Friday because it can be "dressed" in different color accessories. That's precisely why I like my unpainted Ti frame, I can gussie it up however I please. :cool:

[emily_in_nc]

That's precisely why I like my unpainted Ti frame, I can gussie it up however I please. :cool:

Perfect! This is especially important for those who tend to keep our bikes for a long time. Sometimes ya just gotta have a change of scenery. :D

[Blueberry]

Based upon an extremely limited sample (2 bikes), it appears that the flat colors are somewhat more durable than the metallic colors from Bike Friday. Both of our bikes have seen comparable wear (with DH's seeing a lot more miles - but the same travel), and its paint is definitely in better shape.

I think I would go white or orange next time (orange for visibility).

[IBrakeforPastry]

Even though it shows dirt and grease, I like my white Bike Friday because it can be "dressed" in different color accessories. I started out with a bright blue bar tape, matching blue Candies pedals, and a navy blue saddle. When it was time to change the bar tape, I chose red because it went with my red Arkel Tail rider. I could also go with pink bar tape and get some pink pedals, but that would clash with the Arkel.

I considered the white. There's a picture on the Bike Friday website showing a white bike with blue trim. I like white and blue - I have white and blue dishes, some Delft pieces, and a white and blue comforter.

My neighbor just bought my hardly ridden silver hybrid. It had some white and black accents. I cleaned it up before putting it away for the winter, and when my neighbor rolled it down my driveway and into hers, I was struck by how sharp it looked! It could be dressed up with colorful grips or cables (pink, of course, to keep this on-topic). Bike Friday has a charcoal color, but not silver.

[Antaresia]

Well, I would have wanted HOT pink, because that's a HOT bike!
What model is it exactly?

They only had one pink! I like hot pink too. No idea what the model is.


I like pink too. I love purple. I've had people tell me I am not the pink or purple type. What exactly is that?

Purple type: Prince, and poison type pokemon.


I had a pink bike -- sort of a dusty rose -- until my husband wrecked his and I gave it to him. He has no qualms riding it.

Ah! That reminds me of my friend! So we need to get Mike a new bike, but I get to the bike shop before he does. They have one that will fit him, but bike-guys says "well, it's purple...a guy might not like that". I say, "well don't say anything about it, if you don't mention it, he probably won't think of it".
I forgot Mike was a little colour blind.
He bought the purple bike and was disappointed it wasn't the colour he thought it was.
He thought it was pink.
: D


I really don't care about the color of my bikes, and that was an incidental part of finding a bike that fit me!


Same here, really. Otherwise I'd have a pink frame and yellow bar tape! I just do what I can since it's hard to find vintage steel for 5'4 me.


Thankyou all you lovely ladies for saying nice things about my new ride, and liking pink, and even not liking pink but not judging those who do! I rode 80 km today on that bike...I think I need padded bike shorts ;_;
My friend brought a giant bottle of beer to share and we saw a garter snake. Great day on a great bike!