So style experts, what saddle, bar tape and bottle cages would you put on an R3? I know white is everyone’s first choice, I just don’t think it works on this bike so that is out. I ride an Arione and thought the saddle below was subtle, with a little bit of matching. I think the red Arione with black center wouldn’t work as well, if the reds don’t match it will look bad, with red in the center of the saddle I think it’s a safer choice.
Are there black w/ white Ariones? I could do black bar tape with subtle white stitching, the Rav-X tape I really like offers all kind of cool tape/stitching color combos.
What about cages? What looks good on the square tubes of the bike? Have at it style guys and gals!
WHITE Specialized Toupe, White Fizik microtape (cleans easily), Profile Carbon light cages. Classic. I think the red seat/red tape matching thing looks awful - like a designer gay guy trying to make a bike look nice (not that there’s anything wrong with that …)
I haven’t ridden the Toupe. Aren’t there different widths?
I have an Arione on my tri bike, but just like that so much because I prefer to ride on the nose. I guess for a ride bike (using the sits bones a little more) I might be open to trying another saddle.
If I don’t go white/white, is black/black my only other option? Does the Toupe have any other color options?
I am just not sure the white works for me on the R3.
btw, I was hoping you would respond after seeing your PX and SLC…thanks
Yeah, the Toupe comes in white and black and 2 widths (you will be the 143 width unless a small asian guy or female). Yes, all black would look great too.
Also, my previous saddle was an Arione as well that I liked, but I like the Toupe even better. It is also WAY lighter if that matters - which of course it does since you bought an R3
edit: also, just saw a new world champ edition Toupe (very hard to find) that was all white with a subtle rainbow stripe that would look awesome with an R3. Actually, my Fizik Arione is the WC edition as well with the rainbow down the middle of the seat.
White SLR (or the snakeskin SLR if you can find it) and white bar tape in your favourite brand. I’ve been using Bontrager bar tape recently, it is pretty nice stuff.
Throw on a pair of Arundel carbon cages and you’ll be set.
I like the Arione with red stripe saddle. Black handle bar tape with red stitching would look sweet as well. I second the Arundel cages…I would go with the Dave-O with Red stripe. Dave-O’s are cool looking and rock solid!
edit: also, just saw a new world champ edition Toupe (very hard to find) that was all white with a subtle rainbow stripe that would look awesome with an R3.
So looking around I am not sure the white saddle/bar tape combo works on the R3 for my taste. It’s going to have full Dura-Ace, so polished components and probably Easton Vistas, so red and black on the wheels. I am thinking the polished, plus the red and black of the wheels and frame, plus the white may be too much. So is black saddle/bar tape the next best bet? Is this saddle tacky or should I go solid black?
I’ve got the black/red Arione like you suggested. It’s nice and subtle on the red without being too lairy. My LBS had both that and the red specialized toupe. The Arione is much nicer in my opinion, can’t compare on comfort but I’ve always used the Arione and have no problems putting in the distance without busting the backside. Another big point on aesthetics is the amount or red on the Toupe, way too much for me and it’s a lighter shade of red than the arione red, which matched the actual red of the R3 much better. Couple that with black bar tape and some 303’s and I’m very pleased with my sweetest ride ever.
Did you consider the white saddle/bar tape combo? On the R3SL I think it would work fine, I am just not sure about it on the regular R3. Like I said, it will also have Easton Circuit so red and black wheels. It does seem like the red on the Toupe is too bright. So if I did red and black saddle it would probably be the Arione, both the Arione and Toupe come in white or black as well. Like I said, just not sure how I feel about the white.
No pics in the current configuration and I won’t have the opportunity for the next few days either. Will get some posted when I can.
I did consider the white combo and came up with the same conclusion as you - It would look super cool on the R3-SL but maybe not as good on the R3, but still nice nonetheless. Whatever way you go, it’s pretty hard to stuff up an R3, a great ride no matter what.
However, I maybe should have went with white/white on the Felt DA given the white pinstripes and white Zipp decals on the 808s, that would look nice but maybe a little OTT. I’m worried about the white getting real dirty after putting in the miles with wet weather, heat and humidity around here.
Cool, thanks again. So I’ll do black tape no matter what. Then either an all black Touper or an all black Arione or possibly the red/black Arione depending on what saddle I go with. I ride an Arione Tri on my tri bike, but mostly like that for the long nose as I like the ride in the nose in the aerobars. In a more upright road position I am not sure I’d like the Arione as much.
