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

Flasheart
Flasheart Posts: 1,278
edited May 2009 in Road beginners
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
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Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    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
    schlepcycling Posts: 1,614
    Have you tried a cream cleaner like CIF?, that's what I use and my bar tape comes up nice and white.
    'Hello to Jason Isaacs'
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    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
    JC.152 Posts: 645
    iv eused tufenga stuff last couple of times for bar tape + hudz like a thick orange cleaner that get its really white again
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Link JC?
  • teagar
    teagar Posts: 2,100
    I heard somewhere that white toothpaste works...
    Note: the above post is an opinion and not fact. It might be a lie.
  • doyler78
    doyler78 Posts: 1,951
    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
    rollin Posts: 26
    Use a Team Mechanic... :wink:

    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
    Dunkeldog Posts: 138
    White gloves??? Just kidding.....
  • ohlala!
    ohlala! Posts: 121
    just use regular cream cleaner i.e. CIF and wipe it with a clean cloth.
  • sward29
    sward29 Posts: 205
    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
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    You poor people...change your bar tape weekly :shock:
  • HonestAl
    HonestAl Posts: 406
    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
    "The only absolute statement is that everything is relative" - anon
  • zedders
    zedders Posts: 509
    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.
    "I spend my petrol money on Bikes, Beer, Pizza, and Donuts "

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  • White Line
    White Line Posts: 887
    Pressure washer! :lol:

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

    Or one of those Steam Genie things. :?
    Emiliana the CAAD9
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    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
    Headhuunter Posts: 6,494
    Undiluted bleach?
    Do not write below this line. Office use only.
  • Stewie Griffin
    Stewie Griffin Posts: 4,330
    Wrap your handlebars in clingfilm before you go out?
  • Blonde
    Blonde Posts: 3,188
    My bar tape is lovely and white... but it's on my indoor track bike....
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    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
    Gazzaputt Posts: 3,227
    +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
    White Line Posts: 887
    nfxztyo3lmuieawv36jo.jpg
    :lol:
    Emiliana the CAAD9

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