Janet, on the matter of twinkly bits:
> nicely
polished alloy rims would go nicely with black tires and a cobalt frame;
>
alloy mudguards ditto -- Velo Orange make some very nice and affordable hammered alloy items, here:
https://velo-orange.com/collections/fenders I have a pair of the 700 x 45's on my derailleur bike, and they're lovely, esp in the spring sunshine. (They work well in the spring rain, too!) Can't post a photo, but send me a PM if you like, with your email addr, and I'll send you a photo as installed.
>
bell: I'm also fond of polished brass, and Velo Orange sells this, which sounds as lovely as it looks:
https://velo-orange.com/collections/bells/products/temple-bell Doesn't work so well in the rain, but that's true of most bells I've used, including the ugly ones.
> I've just purchased a very functional
Lezyne pump, also in polished alloy. Here's the link:
http://www.lezyne.com/product-hpumps-hp-microfldrhpg.php This weighs less than my similar Topeak -- so far, it performs better than any on-the-bike pump I've used. I've had two Topeaks over the past several years, and they're OK, but they have a fair amount of plastic in the design, and it's less robust than the alloy. (And less attractive too.)
You'll see several references to VO's products. Their products are attractive and well made. I have no material interest in the firm, but I have a good sampling of their products: a couple of pairs of their Grand Cru randonneur bars; that temple bell adorns my Raven; I have two pairs of VO mudguards (a.k.a. fenders), the hammered finish on my derailleur bike and the Zeppelins on my Raven; and I have several VO alloy rims, the spiffiest ones being polished alloy.
There's a few suggestions. You could spend more money on other brands, but I'm not suggesting you do so. Also, I'm an unabashed fan of polished alloy, a hangover from my motorcycling days -- I don't much like plastic, even quality plastic.
Several weeks to explore the possibilities, anyway!
Cheers, John
