Dear Bike Companies:

[xeney]

I guess I'm not understanding the complaint, really. It's hard to find a bike that fits, that has the components you want, that rides well. My husband's road bike is not the color he'd have chosen had he gone custom, and neither is mine. The women's specific bikes I've test-ridden were dark red, dark purple, medium yellow, and black with pink flames. The WSD bike I lust after is deep red. (There is a pink titanium bike I like a whole lot, but part of the reason I like it is that it's so unusual looking.)

I guess I just haven't seen this sea of pastels, or at least I haven't noticed that men have a whole lot more choice except that they have more bikes to choose from in the first place. And really, that's what I'd rather see, a wider range of fits and sizes, in lots of colors.

But I do agree about the Terry bikes; I think they are really hideous. But that's not about color so much as it is about the busy patterns that look like grandma's curtains to me.

[Veronica]

So send your bike off to Joe Bell and get it painted.

V.

[jobob]

Yep, that's precisely what I would have done, had I not liked the color of my Riv.

She's actually due for a paint job, and I might even keep her the same color...

[Velobambina]

So send your bike off to Joe Bell and get it painted.

V.

Amen (from the proud owner and frequent rider of two fast pink Lunas)

[GLC1968]

Can I just say that everyones PERCEPTION of what colors are girly kills me?

Move to North Carolina and try to tell ANYONE that light blue is a girly color...you'll get your block knocked off in half a heartbeat. Carolina Blue is 'girly'?...ha, ha, ha, I don't think so.

Funny thing is, I bought my goregous, rides like a dream, fits like a glove Terry Isis in spite of the color. I liked the swirl pattern and the silver colors of the new bikes, but I didn't particularly like the light blue on the previous years model. But, I knew better than to pass up the deal on a titanium bike that would actually fit me. I get MORE compliments on that bike...both for its components/features as for it's colors. And so far, every single person who has lusted after my bike...has been a guy. Seriously, I've had more guys ask "Does Terry make that bike in a size big enough for me?".


So the moral of my story? Go ahead and complain about not seeing the colors YOU want on the bikes you like. But please, stop perpetuating stupid stereo-types. Honestly...not buying a bike becasue the color doesn't suit you is a pretty 'girly' thing to do...is it not?

[crazycanuck]

Ok..I have to agree with Meg.

The next bike I purchase will NOT be PINK or any other wierd colour. I just want a bike that fits and isn't a blech clour. Black will do me just fine thanks.
If i had a lot of $$$ it's possible i'd have Jonsey at Riders Choice here in Perth build me a road bike in simple colours.

I will not ride a green or purple bike. I will not eat green eggs and ham. Sam I am..Oh wait..this isn't a Dr Seuss book..

I don't like flashy colours when it comes to clothes, bikes, cars & hair. Just let me have my black or blue or red items thanks.

C

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

But please, stop perpetuating stupid stereo-types. Honestly...not buying a bike becasue the color doesn't suit you is a pretty 'girly' thing to do...is it not?

No, guys do it all the time. And NOT buying something you don't like if the marketers decide to give you color choices you detest is not 'girly', it's assertive!

[Crankin]

I never even considered color when bike shopping (and i have bought 3 road bikes in 6 years). My road bike is black carbon, my mtb is dark brown, and my commuter (previously my husband's mtb) is bright yellow. All I care about is fit. I definitely would NOT buy anything with swirls, flowers, designs on it. I like things plain; modern furniture, no "gee gaws," or frills. I do wear clothing in bright colors both on and off the bike, but I find black to be comforting!
And by the way, i had a serious Barbie addiction up until age 9 or so, but I also had a full set of "Army gear," i.e. a tent, canteen, fake weapons, boots when I was about 5 or 6. I used to march around the neighborhood with a trail of boys behind me screaming, "Come on, march, we're the army!" Then I would make them jump over snow banks.
Oh God, now i know why my son joined the Marines...

[pooks]

I don't see orange as girly at all.

Right now orange is a hot color. It's on cars, bikes, interiors, etc. But I have never in my life considered orange a "girly" color. Pastels and pink tend to be the girly colors, mainly shades of pink and purple, though.

I want a bike with personality. I want a car with personality. I like things that are a little different.

If I saw a deep Welch's grape jelly purple bike, I'd love it. But if that was the primary color that Trek was using this year and all the bikes were that color, probably not.

I'm difficult that way.