Are some colours out of favour?

[atoz]

Hi all

One of the side effects of Youtube viewed through the TV is that you see stuff you don't normally would bother with, based on your subscriptions. So I came across a review of the Castelli Gabba LS jersey, whcih got my attention, as I have the Perfetto, which is based on the Gabba. The review, like a lot out there, was a bit overeenthusiastic, but they often are. What got my attention was that this particular Gabba was in maroon- not a colour you would normally see in the shops or online (this example was for ladies though).

A bit of online research has revealed that the colour range has altered. Even in the ladies versions of these tops, the warner shades have been phased out, apart from a rather garish bright salmon pink. The giro pink version I have is not available in either ladies or gents. But of course no shortage of black, grey, red/black, and the ubiquitous flo green.

Back in the 90's, colours in the pink, purple, and maroon range were not uncommon- just check out old race footage- and not "gender specific" either. So what's changed? Is cycling going the way of men's retail, where the only time you see bright colours is in summer for the holiday trade- the rest of the time they may as well badge their selections as "boring clothes for men in crap colours".

[amediasatex]

Colours change as fashions change, this is not a new phenomenon, and is in no small part encouraged by the brands as it's an excuse to get people to buy new gear.

What's in will be out, and what's out will become in, it's all a cycle

[Bmblbzzz]

Put on your red shoes and dance the blues!

[PH]

Yep, colours come and go, then come back again. Maroon is used a fair bit by Rapha, so expect it to be back in soon.
It's no different with bikes - I bought my Hewitt tourer before they came in standard colours and could choose anything. I went for grey as it was uncommon and I got a fair bit of stick for being so boring and comments about it being a nice undercoat and when was the top coat going on A couple of years later and you couldn't go into a bike shop without seeing a line of grey bikes. A few years later you couldn't move for orange bikes...
There's a few colours that are never really in or out of fashion, though their popularity can ebb and flow, like the ever present black, which can be classic or boring depending on your preferences.

[Mick F]

Although clothing comes in fashionable colours, it's a pity that bikes and components are always(?) in no colour at all .................. black.

I understand that anodising is cheaper and easier than polishing and lacquering aluminium so it's nice shiny bling, but why black?
Why don't they anodise in bright colours?

Why is CF usually black?

[squeaker]

Why is CF usually black?

'cos it saves having to use pigmented paint (extra weight) - just a UV protection layer is used?
Plus it looks wicked

[Cugel]

Is a bike a frock? Is a cycling jersey a ballgown? Are cyclists to be judged by their apparel?

As this is 2019AD or 31PM (post-modern) the answer is YES!

New Model manchild

Cugel, still wearing a merino Faema jersey.

[hayers]

Although clothing comes in fashionable colours, it's a pity that bikes and components are always(?) in no colour at all .................. black.

I understand that anodising is cheaper and easier than polishing and lacquering aluminium so it's nice shiny bling, but why black?
Why don't they anodise in bright colours?

Why is CF usually black?

I've seen a Mercian locally which is black enamel with gold lining. Looks stunning.

Agree matte CF is a bit bland though. Worse than matt black anodised components is the dull grey ones, especially when hopes raised by being called silver!

Anodising is coloured after the main treatment with dyes - you can get many colours, though in my (not enourmous) experience they are never as consistent, or as opaque as black.

Guess though the main thing is riding well

[Mick F]

In an idle moment whilst frying bacon this morning in our new frying pan, it struck me that Teflon is a great invention.

Brilliantly non-stick.
Cleans easily.
Fashionably black!
Cheap and simple.

Why aren't bike components and frames coated in Teflon?
Why aren't cars painted in the stuff? It would save washing the car on a Sunday morning!

[mattsccm]

I have wondered about sticking a steel frame in with my blacksmith brother's next load of galvanising work. I like shiny silver bits.

[reohn2]

Is a bike a frock? Is a cycling jersey a ballgown? Are cyclists to be judged by their apparel?

As this is 2019AD or 31PM (post-modern) the answer is YES!

fashion.jpg

Cugel, still wearing a merino Faema jersey.

Is it Wensleydale Gromet?

[eileithyia]

I'm not quite sure where you are coming from with the colours you have quoted. A shop in Harrogate last week, was selling Castelli Perfetto Jackets in a very bright orange for men (sadly not women's) but in the women's range was a bright orangey/pink and a turquoise one.... and a quick look at chainreaction there seems to be a wide variety of colours in their jackets.

[The utility cyclist]

Any colour aside from hi-vis yellow/green/pink is fine by me, I like maroon, even brown would be good for me.

[tim-b]

Hi

Why is CF usually black?

Back in 2016 the cycling press were asking the same question (link)
Planet-X uses a range of colours (example link) and the palette includes additional colours and schemes for their different models, including Holdsworth team, dark red, pink, etc. It can be done
Regards
tim-b

[Mick F]

........ It can be done

Great!