View Poll Results: What is your Wrap rap?
I use the same wrap on all bikes. Period.
13
15.48%
I use whatever is on sale, because I'm a cheap bastid.
17
20.24%
It has to match my bike. Belt, shoes, bag, wrap, housing...you get it.
47
55.95%
I gotta have squishy wrap for my tender little mits.
7
8.33%
Voters: 84. You may not vote on this poll
Let's Wrap a Little....
08-21-18, 12:23 PM
#26
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Shellaced and twined cloth, mostly. It's a LOT more work, but it lasts forever.
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08-21-18, 01:07 PM
#28
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A cross between choices 2 and 3. Not necessarily "matching", but a color that's appropriate to the frame and/or decal colors. Still, I try to find it on sale / cheap. I tend to buy stuff line that on opportunity, squirrel it away, and then hope to remember "yeah, I have some yellow tape that would look good on that bike" when the need arises.
08-21-18, 02:18 PM
#29
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I only use the very finest bar tape I can buy for $2.00 a roll on eBay. 
08-21-18, 03:05 PM
#30
Senior Member
I only use white wrap. Cinelli Cork is my favorite, but I'll use other brands as long as there's no gel. BTW: I never clean it. If your wrap isn't dirty, you're not riding.
08-21-18, 03:15 PM
#31
Peugeot PSV10 or somethin
I haven't wrapped the bars on my bike since I built it in January 
It will probably get some used fizik that was hiding under a mountain of electrical tape on a Fuji 450 SE
It will probably get some used fizik that was hiding under a mountain of electrical tape on a Fuji 450 SE
08-21-18, 03:18 PM
#32
Peugeot PSV10 or somethin
with apologies to all
I have a bar on my bike it's gotta look right
wrap it in white, that's tight
Black wrap is where it's at
Cinnelli is all of that
I can always wrap pink
as long as it don't cause a stink
Brooks seat, wrap leather
No shellac, no weather
my wrap can't make me sick
Maybe I will go with Fizik
I have a bar on my bike it's gotta look right
wrap it in white, that's tight
Black wrap is where it's at
Cinnelli is all of that
I can always wrap pink
as long as it don't cause a stink
Brooks seat, wrap leather
No shellac, no weather
my wrap can't make me sick
Maybe I will go with Fizik
no offense meant
08-21-18, 03:19 PM
#33
Shifting is fun!
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Velox on anything pre-1975. Bike Ribbon or Benotto on later models. Matchy-matchy and twine belong on Pinterest or Etsy.
08-21-18, 03:47 PM
#34
1/2 as far in 2x the time
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It's never that simple, 'cause I'm also a cheap bastid.
My hands? They ain't the boss of me. I tell them to toughen the heck up.
I fluctuate between perfect tape and what I have on hand. I'm always on the look out for good tape buys (ie as part of combined shipping on eb...)
My rain bike (also my daily rider recently), has a tear at the inside of the right brake lever. and sometimes starts to unwrap. I got it that way 2 years ago. Definition of cheap, (and lazy).
I thought a yellow saddle, cable, tape and painted highlight scheme would be perfect on my rebuilt '74 Ron Cooper (repainted in the original British racing green). The yellow Tressostar tape was too egg-yolk for me, so I tore it off, changed the cables to white, saddle and tape to black. Boring, but will do untill I get it right.
White Saddle and tape?
I fluctuate between perfect tape and what I have on hand. I'm always on the look out for good tape buys (ie as part of combined shipping on eb...)
My rain bike (also my daily rider recently), has a tear at the inside of the right brake lever. and sometimes starts to unwrap. I got it that way 2 years ago. Definition of cheap, (and lazy).
I thought a yellow saddle, cable, tape and painted highlight scheme would be perfect on my rebuilt '74 Ron Cooper (repainted in the original British racing green). The yellow Tressostar tape was too egg-yolk for me, so I tore it off, changed the cables to white, saddle and tape to black. Boring, but will do untill I get it right.
White Saddle and tape?
08-21-18, 03:49 PM
#35
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with apologies to all
I have a bar on my bike it's gotta look right
wrap it in white, that's tight
Black wrap is where it's at
Cinnelli is all of that
I can always wrap pink
as long as it don't cause a stink
Brooks seat, wrap leather
No shellac, no weather
my wrap can't make me sick
Maybe I will go with Fizik
I have a bar on my bike it's gotta look right
wrap it in white, that's tight
Black wrap is where it's at
Cinnelli is all of that
I can always wrap pink
as long as it don't cause a stink
Brooks seat, wrap leather
No shellac, no weather
my wrap can't make me sick
Maybe I will go with Fizik
(or is that wrap? )
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
08-21-18, 04:02 PM
#36
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On drop handlebar racy bikes. Cloth.
Affordable, colors, easy to wrap, multiple vendors.
Definitely vintage racer.
For other bikes -- how would I know???? Get creative with the whole cockpit. IMHO.
Cloth, It doesn't have to be black, white, or padded!
Only 3 of mine.
Affordable, colors, easy to wrap, multiple vendors.
Definitely vintage racer.
For other bikes -- how would I know???? Get creative with the whole cockpit. IMHO.
Cloth, It doesn't have to be black, white, or padded!
Only 3 of mine.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 08-21-18 at 04:32 PM.
08-21-18, 05:06 PM
#37
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Matching and squishy if at all possible. I like white when the bike color will support it. I don't like cotton unless the build demands it.
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My Bikes
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08-21-18, 05:15 PM
#38
Peugeot PSV10 or somethin
first time I wrapped my bars, I said this is entrapment
what the wrap meant would escape me, it hated me!
I fought with tape and cable, i wasn't able
but shape of cold alloy didn't bother me
then I saw a white to red fade Miyata
I said that's sick, i got paid, I gotta
bike in the shop found my shade was yellow
30 minutes top, now my bars say hello
Last edited by Stormy Archer; 08-21-18 at 05:19 PM.
08-21-18, 05:16 PM
#39
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Cotton only. One layer only. Wrapped from tops to bar ends only. Two coats or more shellac. Color is whatever looks best for a particular bike according to my jaundiced eye.
Some things can never change.
Signed: Grouchy old fboatsb
Some things can never change.
Signed: Grouchy old fboatsb
08-21-18, 05:25 PM
#41
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08-21-18, 05:27 PM
#42
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*queue beatboxing*
first time I wrapped my bars, I said this is entrapment
what the wrap meant would escape me, it hated me!
I fought with tape and cable, i wasn't able
but shape of cold alloy didn't bother me
then I saw a white to red fade Miyata
I said that's sick, i got paid, I gotta
bike in the shop found my shade was yellow
30 minutes top, now my bars say hello
first time I wrapped my bars, I said this is entrapment
what the wrap meant would escape me, it hated me!
I fought with tape and cable, i wasn't able
but shape of cold alloy didn't bother me
then I saw a white to red fade Miyata
I said that's sick, i got paid, I gotta
bike in the shop found my shade was yellow
30 minutes top, now my bars say hello
who's up next
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
08-21-18, 08:13 PM
#43
Senior Member
Mine sorta fits all the options.
Currently 2 of my 4 bikes have inner tube wrap. The other 2 have black wrap. But as soon as they bite the dust I'm changing to tube wrap.
The tubes are cheap (as I have about 20 used ones) and it just takes one. They're somewhat spongy and grippy which I like. They only come in black (although I do have a clear one) so I match the saddle and generally the cable housing.
A BF member said the tubes smell bad, another said they don't last long. So if you try it I suggest you:
Cut them in equal length and slice them down the middle.
Wash it to get rid of the smell and allows the wrap to grip the bars better.
Pull tight so they don't move but not so tight they lose there sponginess and longevity.
Instead of tape finish off with vulcanized glue for a neater look.
I'm not a cheap bastud I'm a poor one, (there's a quality difference).
Currently 2 of my 4 bikes have inner tube wrap. The other 2 have black wrap. But as soon as they bite the dust I'm changing to tube wrap.
The tubes are cheap (as I have about 20 used ones) and it just takes one. They're somewhat spongy and grippy which I like. They only come in black (although I do have a clear one) so I match the saddle and generally the cable housing.
A BF member said the tubes smell bad, another said they don't last long. So if you try it I suggest you:
Cut them in equal length and slice them down the middle.
Wash it to get rid of the smell and allows the wrap to grip the bars better.
Pull tight so they don't move but not so tight they lose there sponginess and longevity.
Instead of tape finish off with vulcanized glue for a neater look.
I'm not a cheap bastud I'm a poor one, (there's a quality difference).
08-21-18, 08:19 PM
#44
Banned.
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I'll send you
My used wrap. These are Ironmen, for goodness sake.
Mine sorta fits all the options.
Currently 2 of my 4 bikes have inner tube wrap. The other 2 have black wrap. But as soon as they bite the dust I'm changing to tube wrap.
The tubes are cheap (as I have about 20 used ones) and it just takes one. They're somewhat spongy and grippy which I like. They only come in black (although I do have a clear one) so I match the saddle and generally the cable housing.
A BF member said the tubes smell bad, another said they don't last long. So if you try it I suggest you:
Cut them in equal length and slice them down the middle.
Wash it to get rid of the smell and allows the wrap to grip the bars better.
Pull tight so they don't move but not so tight they lose there sponginess and longevity.
Instead of tape finish off with vulcanized glue for a neater look.
I'm not a cheap bastud I'm a poor one, (there's a quality difference).
Currently 2 of my 4 bikes have inner tube wrap. The other 2 have black wrap. But as soon as they bite the dust I'm changing to tube wrap.
The tubes are cheap (as I have about 20 used ones) and it just takes one. They're somewhat spongy and grippy which I like. They only come in black (although I do have a clear one) so I match the saddle and generally the cable housing.
A BF member said the tubes smell bad, another said they don't last long. So if you try it I suggest you:
Cut them in equal length and slice them down the middle.
Wash it to get rid of the smell and allows the wrap to grip the bars better.
Pull tight so they don't move but not so tight they lose there sponginess and longevity.
Instead of tape finish off with vulcanized glue for a neater look.
I'm not a cheap bastud I'm a poor one, (there's a quality difference).
08-21-18, 08:45 PM
#45
Senior Member
RT you're a class act.
But I prefer the tube wrap. Coming out of the swim, your hands are wet and glove less, those tube wrapped bars feel great.
Here's a pic.
08-21-18, 09:10 PM
#46
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BITD only Velox, usually red because, well, red! My red (ahem) Mercian wears the thinner Fizik perforated which I really like, big improvement over all the corks. I put honey Brooks leather on my Chartreuse International and I really like that too. Slippier but not slippery. Definitely feels luxurious, like the grip on a vintage tennis racket.
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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
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
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
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
08-21-18, 09:31 PM
#47
Senior Member
Tape - I've tried everything over the years except cork tape, which I have an aversion to for no real reason.
I like shellacked cotton for commuting and city riding. I'm kind of over it. Is it snobby to not like it now that other people know what it is? Probably... Anyway, I've come to prefer uncoated cotton for most of my bikes - not that I have a big fleet. Besides liking the softer feel of plain cotton, I get bored and cloth tape doesn't last long, so it works for me.
What about ... Grab Ons!! You know you want them.... Oddly enough, they're still in business. I used their racing grips once BITD. They were OK if I recall. https://www.grabongrips.com/bicycle.php
I have some Hunt Wilde sparkle tape I'm saving for something. I'm tempted to hoard some more before it becomes impossible to find.
Here's my Mercian wearing summer clothes - white soft touch Fizik. A truly bad idea but I like it.
I like shellacked cotton for commuting and city riding. I'm kind of over it. Is it snobby to not like it now that other people know what it is? Probably... Anyway, I've come to prefer uncoated cotton for most of my bikes - not that I have a big fleet. Besides liking the softer feel of plain cotton, I get bored and cloth tape doesn't last long, so it works for me.
What about ... Grab Ons!! You know you want them.... Oddly enough, they're still in business. I used their racing grips once BITD. They were OK if I recall. https://www.grabongrips.com/bicycle.php
I have some Hunt Wilde sparkle tape I'm saving for something. I'm tempted to hoard some more before it becomes impossible to find.
Here's my Mercian wearing summer clothes - white soft touch Fizik. A truly bad idea but I like it.
08-21-18, 10:33 PM
#48
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Apologies to Billy Gibbons....
Brooks seat, Conti tires
Gonna set the ladies' hearts on fire.
Gum hoods, Fizik wrap
Makes all them other bikes look like crap.
When they come lookin' they say "ooh I like..."
'cuz every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed bike.
Apologies to.... er... whoever invented the limerick....
Are my fingers sufficiently facile?
Or will alternating wrap be a hassle?
Is my old wrap (Benotto)
straight enough for a photo?
Should I plug the right end with a tassle?
Brooks seat, Conti tires
Gonna set the ladies' hearts on fire.
Gum hoods, Fizik wrap
Makes all them other bikes look like crap.
When they come lookin' they say "ooh I like..."
'cuz every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed bike.
Apologies to.... er... whoever invented the limerick....
Are my fingers sufficiently facile?
Or will alternating wrap be a hassle?
Is my old wrap (Benotto)
straight enough for a photo?
Should I plug the right end with a tassle?
08-21-18, 10:50 PM
#49
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if @gugie can have a whole thread hating on ‘squishy’ in the shorts padding - then I get a post on minimal cush bar wrap. I wear gloves, I have a steel fork on every vintage and mostly ride paved roads. The cables almost offer a new hand position with different pressure points.
And my tires don’t squish much either.
No Trask for me, or unsupported touring where those things shine.
And my tires don’t squish much either.
No Trask for me, or unsupported touring where those things shine.
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08-21-18, 11:22 PM
#50
Bike Butcher of Portland
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if @gugie can have a whole thread hating on ‘squishy’ in the shorts padding - then I get a post on minimal cush bar wrap.
Man's gotta do what man's gotta want.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.