Blacking Out the Upper Forks

Before | After

After hitting 1,000 miles on this bike, it was only right that I finally gave it a name. I went with Black Beauty, an homage to the 1994 film, "Black Beauty". Long story short, Beauty is a horse that once got separated from a "Joe Green", and at the end of the movie they reunite, with Joe promising that he will never sell Beauty. Although it's naïve to say I'll never upgrade to a new bike, I know for certain I will never sell Black Beauty. I may add to my bike collection, but will never willingly give up my very first bike.

In my very own way of paying tribute to Beauty, I've decided to add more black to her, starting with the upper forks. Part of my mission with Black Beauty's aesthetics is to remove most of the chrome that contrasts with the denim black paint.

Though you could just buy fork covers for $50+, you can try a cheaper method like me, with similar results. I used a Black Matte Vinyl Roll I found on Amazon for only $10.99. Check out the step-by-step directions & slideshow below, showing the evolution from upper chrome forks to upper black forks.

1. Cut the vinyl roll to your fork's specs. I measured 7" height and about 5" circumference.

2. Clean the top forks of any scuff marks, debris, etc.

3. Wrap the cut vinyl around the fork

*No soap or water is needed for the adhesive - Just peel and stick.