Need help on bar tape color
03-07-20, 12:14 PM
#1
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Need help on bar tape color
I can't post pics yet, but if you google Benjamin’s 1970s Mercier 300 that is the same bike I have. What goes with a baby blue frame? Want something that pops.
03-07-20, 12:19 PM
#2
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Red. Cloth.
Might consider red cable housing too.
Might consider red cable housing too.
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03-07-20, 12:47 PM
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While the black certainly looks good/fine/inoffensive, red cloth is going to pop while also tying into the red in the Mercier logo. Excellent recommendation @repechage !
As a color composition and design note aside, baby blue is a desaturated version of (regular) blue. The red bar tape/wrap is, presumably, a fully saturated red. This will allow for a clear visual hierarchy where the intense red takes the lead against the (still important) base or background color--the blue. Colors "with friends" works for classical paintings and it works for bicycles, too. We read this a lot here on BF, that X tape or tire or saddle 'ties in with' Y other component or graphic on the bike.
As a color composition and design note aside, baby blue is a desaturated version of (regular) blue. The red bar tape/wrap is, presumably, a fully saturated red. This will allow for a clear visual hierarchy where the intense red takes the lead against the (still important) base or background color--the blue. Colors "with friends" works for classical paintings and it works for bicycles, too. We read this a lot here on BF, that X tape or tire or saddle 'ties in with' Y other component or graphic on the bike.
03-10-20, 05:21 AM
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Given the black lugs, I would probably just match them. Red would be too much contrast for me, given the lack of red on the bicycle, other than the small amount on the head badge. If I wanted a bit more colour, I'd go with something from the same colour palette, like a royal blue. BTW, the bicycle you referenced is not a Mercier 300. Selective picture assist....
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03-10-20, 06:14 AM
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White, and tan sidewalls (e.g. Michelin Dynamic Classics)
03-10-20, 08:46 AM
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Given the black lugs, I would probably just match them. Red would be too much contrast for me, given the lack of red on the bicycle, other than the small amount on the head badge. If I wanted a bit more colour, I'd go with something from the same colour palette, like a royal blue. BTW, the bicycle you referenced is not a Mercier 300. Selective picture assist....
If I could only post pictures I would blow your mind because this bike is sitting in my garage right now. Craigslist San Francisco? I got my driver's license back, thank you very much. I've got an order in for red tape already, couldn't bring myself to go cloth, went Fizik bondcush soft. Think it's gonna be sweet, paste Jamie Swan Light Tourer into google for a baby blue frame/red tape job that looks nice.
PS - The camo tape on there now still looks cool, grip just sucks.
03-12-20, 08:40 AM
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Given the year, the type of bike, the color of the seat and the color of the lugs, I would say black as well. But keep in mind that I am boring and my answer most of the time would be black 78% of the time, white 20% and a color 2%.
Oh yea, I've got grey on my Schwinn Traveler now because I thought I was too boring and would try something different. I don't like it and will be changing it to black soon.
Oh yea, I've got grey on my Schwinn Traveler now because I thought I was too boring and would try something different. I don't like it and will be changing it to black soon.
03-12-20, 09:57 AM
#13
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Well I just wiped my ass with 30 bucks. Can't live with red, going back to urban camo.
Don't keep me in suspense T-Mar, did you sell me this bike or what? You pick nice tape if that's you.
Don't keep me in suspense T-Mar, did you sell me this bike or what? You pick nice tape if that's you.
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03-12-20, 10:03 AM
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I thought red with the blue would look a bit too much like Sky News; or, if you're in the US, the Buffalo Bills alternate uniforms.
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03-12-20, 10:03 AM
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Natural color cork tape, but only if you've got a brown saddle or gum hoods.
03-12-20, 01:09 PM
#16
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Well that stinks that color didn't work. If you were able to remove the new red tape without tearing it, maybe you can use it on a different bike.
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