WGB 

Jyl asked how it looks on modern bike. I installed Cateye tape (which is very similar) on an orange Miyata 912 and it looked "off" and people on here suggested I replace it. Perhaps it was just the colour match. I've since sold the bike but can post a photo if you like. I have about 10 packs of Benotto bar tape just like this for a "rainy day". Just my view but I think it looks best on thinner bars like on old French bike such as Peugeots.

noglider 

I loved Benotto tape back in the day, and I still love it. I was a shop mechanic when the Benotto tape craze came in, in late 1981. Up until that time, we preferred cloth tape, and we wrapped from top to bottom. When Benotto tape came in, we switched to bottom-to-top, because it worked well with the ends they supplied, and also, the pressure from our hands didn't mess up the edges. To end the tape, we held a burning match under the bar while pulling the tape with moderate pressure, not too hard, and not too soft. The heat would cut the tape and cause it to melt together with the tape on the bar. We discovered that we had to use matches because they provide more heat than a cigarette lighter does. Interesting, huh?

xiaoman1 

I always wrap this type of tape from the top to bottom..this was an old package I think from the late '70s and was still very pliable, just a little oily.
As can be seen, In the pic, the bottom is not tucked in yet..checking for fit.
Best, Ben

Candy Cane...Almost Christmas!

mgopack42 

^^^^^^^^^^^
il Tricolore!

xiaoman1 

Si....Dolce, il migliore!
Ben

Manny66 

I used Benotto tape back in the early 80's, top to bottom NO heat and you use the bar end cap to secure the tape at the end, I preferred to use the rubber expandable screw type bar end as I tucked the excess tape into the handlebars and it held it in place.

Yes , you do put tension on the tape as you wrap it. I didnt know they still sold that stuff. I need some in White.

jyl

Yes, photo please?!

Wildwood 

Good thing about some threads is that after contributing ...... sometimes ... it finally sinks in!?!
Hey, I’ve got some of that (one of those) stashed somewhere!

I should use it in this Winter refurb season.
What frame colors would work with Grey cello tape???

Ambrosio called their thin tape ‘ribbon’.
Even found a few rolls of Newbaums.



Not getting better with age.

Chombi1 

Even so French Peugeot was using Benotto Celo tape in the 80's
I remember my 1982 PH10 having it in white, from the dealership. Made the bike really classy looking despite the bike being an entry level model. Didn't like the hard feel of it on the smaller diameter French bar though and replaced it after a short time with Grab-ons, which was also quite popular with recreational bikers back then. Didn't help that the installation of the celo tape was not well done, and it was developing bad gaps between winds after just a short time of use.
By 1984, the Benotto tapes replaced with white Ambrosio padded vinyl tapes on Peugeots, and celo tape was not cool anymore by that time.
Yes, a bit surprised how relatively quickly the celo tapes kinda came and went on the bike scene. Now lots of C&Vers are rediscovering the beautiful stuff.

mgopack42 

Finally got around to rewrapping my bars on the Ciocc. First time was a disaster. Whomever mentioned not to try Harlequin wraps was not freaking kidding. Wound up with pretty short rolls after ripping the tape. So I decided I could do a candy cane wrap... I was really good at those back in my bike shop days. Well it separated and looked like ass. Anyways, here is the rewrap...

Mad Honk 

I found a source for the white on Flea bay and bought all they had. But I'm sure it will come back around. I have done all of the fancy wrap patterns with this tape and it is very easy to work with. My preference is what we uses in the 83 RAAM ride. Cork or vinyl tape wrap and then Benotto over it from top down. It will take two roles per side, and we finished it with a wine cork installed in the bar end. A fatter and more forgiving bar tape that still looks good today. The hardest part of restoring my bikes is drinking multiple bottles of wine to get the corks! Smiles, MH

SJX426 

jyl This as modern as I can get, 2010 Langster. I was going for the patriotic look
P1030374, on Flickr
2010 Langster Steel 61cm, on Flickr

repechage

the Benotto tape works best starting at the bar end. Cap first then usually we used old fashioned scotch tape to hold, wrap fully to secure- one side clockwise, the other counterclockwise. Your choice as to side preference.
the effort is to keep the tension uniform along with the overlap.
i left out the mention of a section to fill the gap as the tape passes the brake levers- assuming full hoods.

the problem are big bars- Cinelli model 66 in 42cm width for example- most likely you will end shy of the stem reinforcement sleeve.
it is possible to reduce the overlap but you may not like the appearance.

by starting at the bar end you have minimized the movement at the upper radii as your hands push the tape in use.

heat from a lighter and a clean leather work gloved hand can heat seal the tape effectively.