Characteristics of a beautiful bike

[Tilldish]

Which general features makes a bike good looking? As for example a slammed stem, handlebars with classic bend etc.
Please share you thoughts.

[kac]

For me, a couple of features promptly come to mind:
1) Adherence to the "form follows function" axiom, meaning the bike shouldn't have any embellishments it doesn't need to do its job,
2) "Classic" style, meaning it ought not to have aspects that, in later years, will let anyone guess the date of manufacture (the bike equivalent of a mullet haircut),
3) Subtle graphics on the frame and components. That's not to say "stealth", but something other than Formula 1 style logos on every visible surface.
4) Exquisite attention to detail by the builder.

I'm sure there are others, and better ones. I'm looking forward to reading more.

KAC

[Rick]

No "swoopy" curved frame tubes. I like classic triangle geometry.

[gitsome]

Slammed stems are so trite, 1-2 cm spacer looks better and less wanna-be imho.

1) Anything thats not melted in-the-sun pinarello

2) Integrated seatmast

3) tubes not overly huge, stays not overly thin

4) proper geometry ala LOOK 595

5) headtube not too short/tall

6) Matte finish, pref bare carbon or black w white logos

7) fork not too thin or fat in proprtion to frame

lugs

[Calnago]

Balance, clean lines, attention to the details... cabling, tape, etc.
But... if you have to ask...

[bikerjulio]

I'm with KAC

The bike should look like things belong together, are in proportion, with no hideous paint schemes, or gaudy graphics.

I prefer single-material frames as I've come to look back on the multi-material craze of the early '00's as a little gimmicky.

I'm not adverse to putting modern components on an older frame, if it's done well.

[gitsome]

+1 on materials and modern stuff on old when done well its superb.

Reminds me of the carbon rims on my uncles circa 1980 Ciocc w full campy....must try to get some pics...

[tigoose]

+1 for the slammed stem, stem no shorter than the head tube. Also short chain stays

[ToffieBoi]

It depends if the bike is mine or not.

[Fiery]

+1 for the slammed stem, stem no shorter than the head tube. Also short chain stays

So no frames larger than 54cm?

[DMF]

A bike and frame that fits together with its rider like a hand in a glove... Not just aesthetically, but primarily fit wise... You actually don't see that too often either, when rider and bike flows together. Also in this fashion seasoned 60yr+ old veterans on really nice 70's/80's road bikes... Not some fat MAMIL on an 80's Colnago with top notch new gear, the bike is nice but the rider ruins it (See: Hipster, fred, poser, poseur.).

[SDP]

Is this weight weenies or Beauty bike weenies.....boring !

[Calnago]

Put the word "weenie" behind anything and it becomes suspect.


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[RedRacer]

+1 for the slammed stem, stem no shorter than the head tube.

Yeah that's it! So this 187cm rider should have at least a 170mm stem. Sounds about right

[shimmeD]

it makes sense to me 100mm stem slammed on 85mm head tube