Nice bike - shame 'bout the colour scheme ...

[ladyfish]

"subtle styling nod to your inner cowgirl. " What a hoot! Those shoes look like they would be nice, but the stitching is definitely a bit over the top (and I'm from Arizona originally, but it's not my thing!)

[farrellcollie]

I considered a pilot 2.1 despite the fact that I really did not like the black with pink writing - just couldn't pull the trigger because of the color scheme - then a bianchi imola (a very pretty blue) that I was in the process of buying when discovered it just didn't fit (despite lbs trying many things) I finally ended up with scott contessa roadster - subdued grey and white - not bad - but not as colorful as I would have liked. I really liked the blue color of the trek 5.0wsd pilot - but could not justify the extra dollars just for color.

[SnappyPix]

but could not justify the extra dollars just for color

Tish tosh! I've now decided that as black isn't my chosen colour of choice - I'll go for the S Works Roubaix, instead of the standard Roubaix Pro ...
In fact, I'll take two please!
It is my wishlist, after all!
Oh, and apparently the frame is a bit better too, that's a bonus!

[mimitabby]

Nother color trend that I find interesting: the prevalence of army-styled colors. All the dull camo greens and grays and army-boot black.

Bianchi Volpe and Surly LHT and all the Marin bikes for example. Seems like everywhere I look the touring/cyclocross/fixie type bikes are modeled after the military palette.

These are pretty dumb colors because they were developed to HIDE the wearer. Just what a bicyclist needs, to be INVISIBLE going down the trail!!!

[mimitabby]

A few months I walked into our LBS and almost barfed. Except for the far out cruiserbikes (the ones that look like a Hawaii postcard) every bike except one was black. There was one very dark maroon with that matte finish.

I asked the proprietor what gives. he said no one wanted colored bikes.
I scratched my head and told him I LIKE COLORS

I am sort of in shopping mode for a road bike, and whenever I go looking, I look at colors first. Then prices bring me down to earth. Sorry, I know it's not practical, but if i put that much $$ into something (more than 200 bucks) I want
it to stand out. I have had my fill of blue bikes; my dear father bought me at least 3 blue bikes, and I have a blue one now.I would be happy with neons, reds, oranges.. anything but blue white or black.

Yes, I want good components, yes, I want nice tires, yes, I care about brand; but sheesh, I spend 10 minutes matching my jersey to my shorts, can't COLOR matter on the bike too?

I hope some bike manufacturers are reading this thread!!!

[kjay]

Oh, dear, I just bought the black Trek Pilot 2.1 . . . guess I'll have to make up for it by wearing fluorescent colors from head to toe.

[KnottedYet]

TE sells an awfully nice neon Pearl Izumi Whisper vest....

c'mon, you know you want one....

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=10404

[kjay]

Well, I am proud to say that I already own that neon vest. I just wore it this morning on the first ride on my new bike. I was smiling from ear to ear because I was able to ride nearly 15 mph into a head wind, which was double the speed into a headwind on my old hybrid. Wheeeeeeee . . . . I LOVE MY BIKE!

[GLC1968]

Color totally matters to me!

I test rode a 2005 Specialized Dolce and I was so bummed that the only bike they had in my size was a girly purple! Luckily, it wasn't the bike I wanted (it was the base model), so I just HAD to order a new one anyway. I'm not a girly, girl...at all. But I am a fan of girly colors in SMALL doses. I love, love, love my 2006 Dolce Comp because its pearl and black with tiny pink accents. Not too girly...but definitely still pretty. Kind of like me!

Luckily, all my gear (helmet, shoes, gloves, etc) are in black or silver to coordinate with my old bike (which was black with red and blue accents) so they all will still 'go' with the new bike. I might just have to splurge on a pink and black messenger bag though!

[jeannierides]

My Gunnar Roadie is made by Waterford. They have some of the most awesome colors - your bike can be whatever you imagine! Check this out...
http://www.waterfordbikes.com/site/style/fades.php

[SalsaMTB]

Color doesn't really matter that much to me. I don't know, I guess I like most colors I see, although I'm starting to get turned off of all the really girly pink bikes (and I ride a pink and green custom bike, but it's a really bright pink).

I was a little insulted though a couple years ago when I went into a bike shop and told them I was interested in a bike. After I was asked what type of bike I wanted the very next question was about color. Before showing me or fitting me on any bikes, they asked about color. I don't know, I think a bike shop should be telling you fit is important, not color. I was just like, ummm...I guess I'm just concerned about fit instead of color since this is my first bike. I just thought it was an odd question to ask. I don't think DH has ever been asked that in the 13 years he has been riding and countless bikes he has purchased.

If you're going custom, that's a whole different story! If I'm laying down a big chunk of change on a bike, I want that bike to be as beautiful as possible