Bike Anti-Porn - When Things Go Wrong

1. In naïve, or pure, Anti, the essential element is seriousness, a seriousness that fails
   

And here is a fine example:

Let me count the ways:

1. A meticulous pastiche of Eddy Merckx paint, which should never have been attempted
   
2. MTB pedals on a road bike. We all do it, it's fine for practical purposes, but it's also an aesthetic abomination
   
3. Saddle is just wrong. OK, if your arse likes them, go for it, but don't photograph your post-1970 bike with one unless it also has mudguards and panniers.
   
4. Seatpost is too late for the rest of the retro-fakery. Decide which decade you're trying to recreate and stick to it. The same goes for the brakes.
   

Nah, that's fine. You're taking it too seriously.

I reckon if you're having to explain every point why something is anti it's probably not anti. It's not the best bike ever and I wouldn't buy it myself but I think anti should be more of a gut reaction than something you have to actually think about.

that's fine

It's fine in current projects, and in fixed road bikes. It's certainly no worse than my Hirame. But it was posted in porn...

anti should be more of a gut reaction

I threw up when I first saw it 🤮

The that garage door is 100% anti.

https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=131739&start=330

wait...wat

To be fair the mods and repairs are pretty impressive, but yes it is very aesthetically challenged. He's done this too:

I’m having to read that thread. The fixie is appalling but I need to see what’s gone on with that Trek.

FGNYC can be a gold mine

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Front QR is the wrong side?

The more I look at it the worse it gets.

+1

A WW gem

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That is perfect anti in every way, from the rear qr the wrong way round to the bar tape started from the bottom and THAT chainring. As with all great anti bikes, the owner has presented it to the Interweb as perfect, they even remembered to fit Gatorskins!

bar tape started from the bottom

u wot? That's the correct way to do it

Aaaargh, brain fade, you are absolutely right, as is the owner. Now, say something else positive about that machine....

That's how I've done it so far too, would like to know what's supposed to be 'anti' about that?

Also, I like that chainring, just not the blue bolts. Of course the overall combination is pretty off.

I lol‘d:

„Removed 2 layers of carbon! yes I removed 2 layers of carbon (very carefully) being old school this frame is robust to say the least. Whilst removing layers I tested deflection, its still going strong!“

Followed by...

This would be so much better straight away with black saddle, tape, and stem. I kind of like the blue anodization, it just seems to work with the frame. Maybe the chain could go though :D

To each their own i guess, I can't stand matchy matchy anodisation.

I always start from the top and trap an and of a tape behind a handlebar plug. This way there’s no insulating tape involved!

But the directional pressure from your hands over time peels at the edges of the tape and it won’t last as long as if you tape from the bottom

I've got the tape on my most ridden bike done like this and it's been fine for the past 3 years. The guy that did it did such a neat job that I don't want to redo it because i'll never get it as nice. Not sure if the typre of tape makes a difference, it's decathlon own brand fake leather stuff, maybe a cork tape or something with more padding might fall apart quicker.