White Bar Tape...How the hell do you keep it white?

Flasheart

I've tried every concoction from under the Sun (and sink) and it's still grey at my main contact points.
I've tried isopropyl alcohol wipes, Tufenega degreaser wipes, that JML crud in the yellow pot that Woolworths(remember them) used to sell and even soap and water.
It's spoiling the looks of my biike (well for me anyway)
Maybe I shhould just get a different coloured tape :?

Your suggestions please

Anonymous

Get the tape that is shiny and move wipable than traditional cork tape which is fairly absorbent. I think Cinelli do it and pro as well on wiggle, which is what I did, quick qipe and its fine.

schlepcycling

Have you tried a cream cleaner like CIF?, that's what I use and my bar tape comes up nice and white.

Anonymous

I have the Eleganza Tape by Stella Azzura, it wipes clean brilliantly with baby wipes, even things like oil come out no probs. Plus, it's really good bar tape too!

Linky -


http://www.gbcycles.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=BTSAELE01&desc=STELLA+AZZURRA+ELEGANZA+BAR+TAPE

JC.152

iv eused tufenga stuff last couple of times for bar tape + hudz like a thick orange cleaner that get its really white again

Anonymous

Link JC?

teagar

I heard somewhere that white toothpaste works...

doyler78

I gave up - I bought white bars instead and black bar tape. Works well as I still have the white bars and white saddle so have the same balance at the front and back of the bike. Much simpler solution in my eyes anyway.

rollin

Use a Team Mechanic...

I use Simple Green cleaner (not sure if you get that in the UK) or Mr Sheen or babywipes.

Personally I think scruffy white tape is a badge of honour.

Dunkeldog

White gloves??? Just kidding.....

ohlala!

just use regular cream cleaner i.e. CIF and wipe it with a clean cloth.

sward29

I've been using PRO bar tape for the last year or so and find it stays much cleaner than other corks and cleans up really well just using soapy water.

Top stuff. Will never use another tape again.

Wappygixer

You poor people...change your bar tape weekly :shock:

HonestAl

I've used citrus degreaser to keep mine clean-ish. (available in, breathes in, Halfords.. there, I've said it) It's not like new, but after 6 months or so it's still pretty good. Every couple of weeks a good rub with a microfibre cloth wetted with this stuff does the job nicely

zedders

rollin wrote:

Personally I think scruffy white tape is a badge of honour.

+1
my celeste bianchi tape is filthy!
IMO you'll never get it 100% white, so if it bothers you that much get black tape.

White Line

Pressure washer!

I have a theory this might work. Somebody try it and let me know how it goes.

Or one of those Steam Genie things. :?

cougie

Life is too short for white bar tape.

Pressure washer wont work and will just sh*g your tape, and probably the bearings on the bike too.

Headhuunter

Undiluted bleach?

Stewie Griffin

Wrap your handlebars in clingfilm before you go out?

Blonde

My bar tape is lovely and white... but it's on my indoor track bike....

dennisn

How to keep it white? Don't ride it. It really is the only way. In any case forget about keeping things pristine and get out there and ride.

Dennis Noward

Gazzaputt

+1 for Cinelli very easy to keep clean.

Fizik tape is the worst especially their new comfort one which within 2 rides I binned.

White Line