Boonen in his final Paris-Roubaix
I saw the Black Crowes in concert some years ago, and as the band swung into their first number, Chris Robinson casually strolled onstage wearing head to toe white sequins. Later in the show, he remarked that nothing quite makes you feel like a virgin like wearing white.
The color white is indeed a bold statement. A white house declares to the neighborhood that the homeowners are committed to give nature the what-for and keep it pristine at all times. Similarly, the Cyclist who wears white declares that they are willing to take their chances against road grime, despite effectively turning themselves into a human mudflap.
White is like hanging a “Kick Me” sign on Nature.
I personally find it irresistible. White bar tape and socks, even on a bike I expect to get dirty, is a must. I do admit to going through phases where I’ll experiment with black or orange socks or bar tape like a temperamental tween experimenting with talking back to their parents. But I always find myself irrevocably drawn back to white.
When I was 13, I bought my first Selle San Marco Regal saddle in perforated white leather. (I promptly crashed on it). It matched my Scott Drop-Ins which were wrapped in white Benotto bar tape, as well as the white spatters on my early Nineties paintjob. It was many years later before I bought myself some White Ladies. And to be fair, as much as I love my Orange Damsels, there is nothing like a clean, white pair of socks matched to a clean, white pair of shoes. Just ask Tom Boonen.
White sunglasses are a must as well, and after a short foray from the path, I’m back on the white helmet program. White jerseys tend to look sharper than their dark counterparts (assuming your physical qualities don’t require the slimming effect of black.) I’m on a quest for a white bike, but people seem loathe to make me one, as they are apparently unlucky. (I’m going for the next best thing: silver sparkles.)
White is bold and requires a concerted effort to ensure one keeps it pristine, but it pays you back by Looking incomparably Fantastic. It seems the only place where white doesn’t look better is on bibshorts. Go figure.
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Snow is white...
and Snow is Awesome...
Q.E.D.
White tape on all, white saddles on half. The Fizik white is easy to clean. After enough years you work clean and care is not hard. White gloves and jersey pretty often,. Stands out in a sea of black. White was always PRO since they got it free and didn't have to work on it. Still love the look and believe all shorts should be black.
My Number One is white. I briefly tried white tape and saddle on her, but it looked a little…pretentious. I then couldn't afford a new black saddle, so I'm still riding the stock one, which isn't my favourite thing.
In case you're wondering about the spec (yes, it's a compact drivetrain, and yes it's a group-san), it was an ex-display model with almost 50% off list price and c'mon; she so purdy!
My #1 is white. Having a white bike encourages you to give it a clean after it is covered in road grime after a ride. Cleaning your bike after a ride is Pro. Plus it actually makes it simpler to clean because you can see all the muck easier.
Riding in and around NYC is not conducive to white anything. Therefore, I chose the black, black, black option regarding Rule #8 compliance. #1 is black, albeit the matte version that shows the carbon weave. The seat post and handlebars are finished with a matching white design, which is continued on the saddle. Italians (Treviso), do these things with flair so I am loathe to change any of the accessories out.
My last bike (replaced 10 months ago) was 80% white with a fine subtle silver met (also black and red), the bar tape was white, the saddle had white trim, the wheels had white decals. Sweet - except that as it aged it when a cream colour. I eventually crashed it and since I wanted to repalace it for the same frame I had to take what I could get. The choice was gloss black with matt black decals or nothing.
So, now I rock a black bike and I am not excited about it. I have contemplated white bar tape since it would match the saddle trim and wheel decals but can't decide if it's going too far. I am due for tape. I should just do it!
White shoes, socks, bar tape and sunglasses on the bike are the tits. Off the bike white can be such a conflicted color (nothing quite says I'm a douchebag like white sunglasses).
We've given up having too much white on the back of our jerseys here in merry old New England. Too much mud in the fall to justify the stains.
My then-new Merckx is indeed white, and orange bands as it is a Faema-paint job from The Prophet's own back shed. The second ride ever, in February, it threw me unmercifully to the ground on a mad descent, breaking a collarbone, four ribs, C7 spine and so much other shit I'm glad I don't remember the crash or have a stupid camera going. I will also invoke rule #85 here. White is extremely unlucky. The gentleman of the collection is fully rebuilt (go on, try to source pantographed SR) and has had a number of rides since, with greater respect for the colour. It still is the most awesome thing in the bike room. And the frame has not one scratch on it, which is rather concerningly Christine-like. We have a working relationship. White is awesome but dangerous. Choose wisely.