The Best Color for a Bike

​If you’ve spent your hard earned money on a bike you naturally want it not only to operate good but also to look good.  A bike will look good if it is clean and well lubricated, has the perfect frame style for the type of riding you plan to do, and has clever decals and components.  But another factor for adults is the color of the bike frame.  Does the color of a bike matter and what is the best color for a bike?

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​Why the Color of a Bike Matters
The color of a bike is a topic where, good or bad, people have lots of opinions.  Here are some reasons why you should care about color and what the color will mean for your ride.

1.   Safety:  If you are visible on the road, you will be safer.  There are three ways to increase your visibility: lighting, apparel, and bike color.  A bright or bold color, such as red or yellow, can make you more visible to other motorists.  It is also important factor is that you contrast with your surroundings.  For example a white bike in a snowy area will not be the best choice. A camouflaged paint job on a mountain bike ridden in the forest will not stick out.  In general, for safety purposes, you want to stand out, unless you are biking in sketchy areas (more about blending in below). 

2.   Style: The color of your bike can be a factor in expressing your personal style and taste. A bike with a unique and eye-catching color can make a statement and help you stand out from the crowd.  With advances in paint technology a bike does not have to be one color either.  Designers are creating bikes with multiple colors, fades, designs, and graphics. 

3.   Heat Absorption: Darker colored bikes absorb more heat from the sun, making them uncomfortable to touch or ride, especially in hot weather. Lighter colored bikes tend to reflect more heat, which can make them a better choice for riders in warmer climates.

Professional cyclists are known for wearing bright colors

​The Case for Bike Color
Paint on a bike frame makes a big difference in how it looks.  The color you select allows you to express your personality.  If you have a bright or unique color, it allows you to easily pick out your bike in a bike rack.  Bikes for women often come with softer colors to try to differentiate them from a bike that is designed with a man in mind.  Some say it is just fun to select a personal bike color.

Some premium brands have certain colorways that reflect their brand so that you can spot the brand without having to get up close and inspect the decals.  In this case the color is a status symbol.  This brand identity could sometimes affect the value of a bicycle, making its price go up and down depending on the brand’s image and reputation.  One example of a bike manufacturer having a brand with an identify tied to the frame color is Bianchi and it’s classic color celeste. 
 
The Case for Black Bikes
In spite of the benefits above, there is a case for ditching colors and going with a neutral, usually a black, bike.  These include: 

1. Resale value – if you ever expect to sell the bike down the road, you will be better off with a black bike.  Since everyone has a preference, if you pick a color that you like but others do not, you will have trouble selling the bike.  A neutral color like black or silver will appeal to a greater group of potential buyers.
   
   
2. Customizable – with a black background, you can add a pop of any color and still make it your own.  One way to customize your ride so it is different every single time is with wearables such as clothing, gloves, and a helmet.  Having colorful bike bags is also an option.  You can also swap out components which is a semi-permanent approach requiring a few tools.  Popular upgrades are pedals, grips or handlebar tape, and chain.  There are also colorful spokes, nipples, tires, and anodized components such as stems, cranks, brakes, and handlebars.  If you get tired of the color, you can always put the original parts back or try another color scheme.  Customizing a black bike makes it easy to take a risk and try something new with a small committment.    
   
   
3. Clean look – some colors such as white and finishes such as matte are a magnet for dirt.  They will look good only before the first ride and will need constant maintenance to keep them looking good.  Other colors trend up or down like purple or green and you might tire of them over time.  Other words besides “clean” used to describe a black bike include sensible, safe, sleek, and sophisticated. 
   
   
4. Blend in – not everyone wants to draw attention to themselves or their belongings while on the road, look like a neon sign, or flash the message “look-at-me”.  You might make yourself a target for theft or be mistaken for a tourist who does not know where they are going and put yourself at risk, especially if you are biking through sketchy areas.  Sometimes it is better to look like a local and just blend in with a black bike.

  
The color of your bike can play a role in both its aesthetics and practicality and support your individual needs and preferences.  Most important, however, is how the bike makes you feel.  If just looking at it makes you happy and want to go out and ride then that is the best color for you.