how to tape the bars?

BigSpecs
BigSpecs Posts: 309
edited November 2007 in Road general
I am finishing a new fixie project (retro Raleigh steel 501 frame if you're interested) and can't decide how to tape the bars. I have a nice shiny pair of drop bars for it with a single two finger lever mounted on the tops (so no hoods)
Should I go for a full wrap like this:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/oct/3/BillHolt.htm
(although I know this pic is not strictly tape)
or only the tops like this:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/g/stevenson.htm
or just the drops like this:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/oc ... nikoff.htm
I am notoriously unflexible so ride mostly on the tops and I also don't want cold hands...

Cheers,
Col.

Comments

  • bracestower
    bracestower Posts: 113
    Full wrap.

    Leaving the drops exposed looks stupid.

    Taping only the drops, however, looks better (IMO), and is fine and dandy - if a little chilly, until the rain comes. Then your hands are sliding all over the place.

    If you're only likely to use the tops, then fully taped is your best option. I have the Brooks leather tape which I love, but it's a little pricey. If you do buy it, I'd avoid the honey coloured version as it stains very easily. The antique brown looks a little reddish when new, but ages nicely. If you can hold of the velo covers in the first example though...that's very nice indeed.
  • BigSpecs
    BigSpecs Posts: 309
    Hi Bracestower, Thanks for the reply. I agree that taping just the tops looks a bit daft (but probably is more practical). Taping just the drops looks way cool but like I said, may leave the hands a little chilly up here in the northern winter!
    I think this leaving the bare chrome stuff could be said to be a bit of an Americanism too.
    Full tape just seems a shame with the shininess of these bars though...
    Col.
  • rustychisel
    rustychisel Posts: 3,444
    Agree. Tape 'em.

    Just taping the drops is for track, convention as much as simple logic (since most track racing you'll be in the drops).

    Bare chrome on the road is for poseurs, and the really dumb ones leave off bar plugs as well (so they can show the scars later).
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    I\'m only escaping to here because the office is having a conniption
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    There's a guy in the US - Velo Orange - http://www.velo-orange.com/hacoandta.html
    who makes sew-on leather handlebar grips that are cheaper than the Brooks tape - the white stuff looks really pimpin' - when I get round to respraying my old Gios that's what's going on there.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • BigSpecs
    BigSpecs Posts: 309
    Like it Monty! Just the job, and in white too...tempting :D
  • steve watkin
    steve watkin Posts: 40
    How's that Brooks tape in the wet?
  • bracestower
    bracestower Posts: 113
    steve watkin wrote:
    How's that Brooks tape in the wet?

    Grip in the wet is very good and it doesn't retain water unlike cork tape. I normally ride without gloves in the summer and autumn and find it's very easy on the hand without being spongy at all.
  • steverile
    steverile Posts: 514
    Get em taped. It depends on whether you want to ride your bike or look at it...
    :)

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