Brooks leather and/or microfiber bar tape opinions?
10-07-20, 06:38 PM
#1
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Brooks leather and/or microfiber bar tape opinions?
I’m looking to put one of these on my 86 Voyageur. Will likely go microfiber due to cost but I’m interested in experiences with both, particularly the difference in thickness and how they hold up. Cloth has always been my go to and don’t like too bulky of a look.
Thanks!
Thanks!
10-07-20, 06:48 PM
#2
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I wasn’t a fan of the amount of seams in my brooks leather. 2 within about 8 inches of each other actually.
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10-07-20, 07:00 PM
#3
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Not had a chance to try Brooks leather wrap but I have some VO leather tape on the way. Seamless it says in the advertising. I’ll let you know when I get it if you are interested.
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10-07-20, 07:06 PM
#5
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I’m not sure what the current price is for Brooks leather, but I ordered stitch on leather from the folks below and was a fan of the quality.
They have a few variations of wrap on.
https://walnutstudiolo.com/
They have a few variations of wrap on.
https://walnutstudiolo.com/
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10-07-20, 07:07 PM
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I’m not sure what the current price is for Brooks leather, but I ordered stitch on leather from the folks below and was a fan of the quality.
They have a few variations of wrap on.
https://walnutstudiolo.com/
They have a few variations of wrap on.
https://walnutstudiolo.com/
10-07-20, 07:35 PM
#7
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Since I have two bikes which will be in the running for the wrap I went ahead and orders some. Threw other stuff into the order and saved 23$ on shipping. The tape by itself is 75$. Seamless was a factor and they come with wood plugs is another. The colour I chose is espresso, mmmm coffee!
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10-07-20, 07:51 PM
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I’ve got Brooks microfiber on my Black Mountain Road and have been impressed. Looks good, feels good, has held up for a year and a half so far. Ordered some more for A build I’m working on.
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10-07-20, 08:04 PM
#9
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Great thread!
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10-07-20, 08:35 PM
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For me, Brooks is way too thick and difficult to wrap. For microfiber, Fizik checks all the boxes.
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10-07-20, 09:00 PM
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I've got the Brooks microfiber- I like it much more than the Ritchey synthetic leather I have on another bike. I haven't used actual leather bar tape yet, but I have some 'raspberry' Brooks leather going on a project very soon.
Command Shifter + RRL Lever by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr
Command Shifter + RRL Lever by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr
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10-07-20, 09:14 PM
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I have Brooks leather wrap on several bikes and like it fine for looks and comfort. Here it is in green on my Black Mtn Road +:
I also have V-O leather tape on my gugieficacioned Raleigh Int’l. These taped bars have been on a few different bikes before settling on this one. Must be at least 10 years old and has held up well:
I also have V-O leather tape on my gugieficacioned Raleigh Int’l. These taped bars have been on a few different bikes before settling on this one. Must be at least 10 years old and has held up well:
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10-07-20, 09:25 PM
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I’m looking to put one of these on my 86 Voyageur. Will likely go microfiber due to cost but I’m interested in experiences with both, particularly the difference in thickness and how they hold up. Cloth has always been my go to and don’t like too bulky of a look.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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10-07-20, 11:30 PM
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I've got the Brooks microfiber- I like it much more than the Ritchey synthetic leather I have on another bike. I haven't used actual leather bar tape yet, but I have some 'raspberry' Brooks leather going on a project very soon.
Command Shifter + RRL Lever by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr
Command Shifter + RRL Lever by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr
10-08-20, 07:26 AM
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Not a fan of the microfiber but I am a fan of the leather but if price was no object I'd just order some handlebra (HandleBra : Exemplary Leather Bicycle Handlebar Wrap : "Wait ' till you put your hands on this!" TM) "tape"
10-08-20, 08:59 AM
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I just put Brooks Cambium tape on my bike. There are bad reviews of it because it's inflexible and hard to install. I didn't find it hard, and I love the feel. This may be my favorite tape, and it should be durable. I'm about to remove it in order to change the stem, and I expect that to work. That's one reason I buy expensive, durable tape.
I have Brooks leather tape on another bike. It's OK but not fantastic, but I do expect it to be durable. Maybe it will break in.
I have Brooks leather tape on another bike. It's OK but not fantastic, but I do expect it to be durable. Maybe it will break in.
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10-08-20, 09:08 AM
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I have brooks leather on one bike and I like it . I ended up with it because the guy I bought the handlebars from had just installed it and only ridden the bike a couple of times and looked new. I gave him$5 for it and that was 5 or 6 years ago and still looks great, no abrasion or wear , just slight discoloration from many miles of riding.
10-08-20, 09:10 AM
#18
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I just put Brooks Cambium tape on my bike. There are bad reviews of it because it's inflexible and hard to install. I didn't find it hard, and I love the feel. This may be my favorite tape, and it should be durable. I'm about to remove it in order to change the stem, and I expect that to work. That's one reason I buy expensive, durable tape.
10-08-20, 09:17 AM
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Now that you ask, I'm not sure. I'll see if I still have the package. It feels like cotton on rubber, but it might be synthetic on rubber.
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10-08-20, 10:04 AM
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10-08-20, 10:57 AM
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I’m not sure what the current price is for Brooks leather, but I ordered stitch on leather from the folks below and was a fan of the quality.
They have a few variations of wrap on.
https://walnutstudiolo.com/
They have a few variations of wrap on.
https://walnutstudiolo.com/
10-08-20, 11:22 AM
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I got the Command Shifters off ebay. There's a little bit of playing around with them- as they're built for Accushift, Suntour's indexing system- which is different than Shimano's SIS. A few years ago I discovered a guy who builds indexing plates to replace the standard Suntour plate- it allows the Command Shifter to work with Shimano 10 speed. It's awesome.
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10-08-20, 11:43 AM
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10-08-20, 01:39 PM
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I've used both and prefer the leather. The microfiber is a bit thicker than the leather and a bit squishier than I like but I'm not displeased - just a small preference. I like the aesthetics of the leather more, and it appears to be very sturdy. I know others have use it long-term through varying conditions and report the same. My favorite microfiber is the 2mm ultralight Fizik Microtex. YMMV...
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1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
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10-08-20, 01:55 PM
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I have Brooks microfiber on my Cannondale and I generally like it. It is thick and a little unwieldy going on. There are several small 'creases' that I could not stretch out on some bends of the bar. All in all, it feels pretty cushy and has maintained a 'like new' appearance after about 500 miles. I've not ridden in rain with it, but my guess is that being synthetic the real worry would be how slippery it gets.
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