Bar Tape. Newbaums vs Velox
#1
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Thread Starter
Bar Tape. Newbaums vs Velox
I've never used it before, so I am going to give cotton bar tape a try on a bike I'm building.
None of my LBSs carry either, so I can't compare them in person.
Velox and Newbaum's are priced about the same and color isn't an issue.
So, is either superior to the other? Feel, grip, cushion, durability, adhesion, dye fade, or are they just about the same.
Any other comments on a move from leather to cotton are welcome too.
Thanks!
None of my LBSs carry either, so I can't compare them in person.
Velox and Newbaum's are priced about the same and color isn't an issue.
So, is either superior to the other? Feel, grip, cushion, durability, adhesion, dye fade, or are they just about the same.
Any other comments on a move from leather to cotton are welcome too.
Thanks!
#5
Senior Member
Neub... Has longer length, Vel can short you so wrap sparingly. Wet the wrap a little before using it will stop wrinkles I have found. Cotten is thin so wrap twice for cushion. Cotten is the pits in the rain. Leather is elegant,expensive and very cushioned, cleans easy . Both can be reused but why reuse Cotten. Must find your own bar cap for Cotten while leather ones come with a cap.
Just my ramblings...
Just my ramblings...
#6
Senior Member
Oh, hockey tape is good for a long test ride to check if the handlebar, brake set up is correct. After that ,ditch for the real stuff. I have learned.
#7
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Thread Starter
Neub... Has longer length, Vel can short you so wrap sparingly. Wet the wrap a little before using it will stop wrinkles I have found. Cotten is thin so wrap twice for cushion. Cotten is the pits in the rain. Leather is elegant,expensive and very cushioned, cleans easy . Both can be reused but why reuse Cotten. Must find your own bar cap for Cotten while leather ones come with a cap.
Just my ramblings...
Just my ramblings...
#8
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Newbaum's, unless you're OK with the shorter length of Velox. Also Newbaum's is made in the USA. If you're doing it right, you can wrap it nicely without getting it wet; although that can be challenging around the brake levers and may require backing off and fiddling with it a bit. There are plenty of videos online on how to get the best results.
And since it's so cheap, a layer or two (or three) of hockey tape under the Newbaum's if you want a thicker, softer grip.
And since it's so cheap, a layer or two (or three) of hockey tape under the Newbaum's if you want a thicker, softer grip.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 02-12-15 at 06:08 PM.
#9
Senior Member
I've never really noticed a difference, once it's on I couldn't tell you what brand I used. Putting it on just go slow and keep pulling it tight.
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#10
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Newbaums is more flexible and thus easier to apply. The extra length makes it easy, too.
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Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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No comparison in my view. I've used Velox, Tressostar and all the rest of the old brands. Newbaums is far superior in my book. It is slightly thicker and provides a tad more cushion. Not much, but it's noticeable. It's longer. Ever run out when you need two more wraps to complete the job? I have, with the old stuff. Argh!
Plus, Newbaums comes in lots of nice colors.
Best I've found. I use it dry.
Plus, Newbaums comes in lots of nice colors.
Best I've found. I use it dry.
#12
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
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Thanks for the responses. I'll give Newbaums a shot.
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+1 for Newbaum's.......
Had no problem wrapping the long Campione Del Mondo Cinelli bars on my bike with it, with a lot of tape left at the ends to spare.....
The glue under them is also just the right consistency to let you do adjustments along the way without ending up with a sticky mess or too little stickiness left to keep the tape in place.
Had no problem wrapping the long Campione Del Mondo Cinelli bars on my bike with it, with a lot of tape left at the ends to spare.....
The glue under them is also just the right consistency to let you do adjustments along the way without ending up with a sticky mess or too little stickiness left to keep the tape in place.
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First time wrapping cloth?
Go slow. Tug and stretch and wiggle back and forth and pull real tight as you go.
Newbaums comes with a paper backing on the adhesive. I like to unroll about eight or twelve inches of cloth, tear off that much paper backing, keeping the roll in your fist. Don't drop the roll! I'll re-roll most of the now bare adhesive cloth so I can control the wrap, hand close to the bars. Then pull tight and stretch as I lay down an even overlap. If that makes any sense.
Go slow. Tug and stretch and wiggle back and forth and pull real tight as you go.
Newbaums comes with a paper backing on the adhesive. I like to unroll about eight or twelve inches of cloth, tear off that much paper backing, keeping the roll in your fist. Don't drop the roll! I'll re-roll most of the now bare adhesive cloth so I can control the wrap, hand close to the bars. Then pull tight and stretch as I lay down an even overlap. If that makes any sense.
Last edited by rootboy; 02-12-15 at 07:30 PM.
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Edit: i've never done it. Always wrapped dry. But Auchecrow told me he tried wetting Newbaums once.
Ruined a roll.
Last edited by rootboy; 02-12-15 at 07:46 PM.
#16
Senior Member
First time wrapping cloth?
Go slow. Tug and stretch and wiggle back and forth and pull real tight as you go.
Newbaums comes with a paper backing on the adhesive. I like to unroll about eight or twelve inches of cloth, tear off that much paper backing, keeping the roll in your fist. Don't drop the roll! I'll re-roll most of the now bare adhesive cloth so I can control the wrap, hand close to the bars. Then pull tight and stretch as I lay down an even overlap. If that makes any sense.
Go slow. Tug and stretch and wiggle back and forth and pull real tight as you go.
Newbaums comes with a paper backing on the adhesive. I like to unroll about eight or twelve inches of cloth, tear off that much paper backing, keeping the roll in your fist. Don't drop the roll! I'll re-roll most of the now bare adhesive cloth so I can control the wrap, hand close to the bars. Then pull tight and stretch as I lay down an even overlap. If that makes any sense.
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+1 for Newbaum's.......
Had no problem wrapping the long Campione Del Mondo Cinelli bars on my bike with it, with a lot of tape left at the ends to spare.....
The glue under them is also just the right consistency to let you do adjustments along the way without ending up with a sticky mess or too little stickiness left to keep the tape in place.
Had no problem wrapping the long Campione Del Mondo Cinelli bars on my bike with it, with a lot of tape left at the ends to spare.....
The glue under them is also just the right consistency to let you do adjustments along the way without ending up with a sticky mess or too little stickiness left to keep the tape in place.
Yes, yellow gets dirty faster…
I also like the Red, but I miss the old Tressostar red that matched the LeJeune Red so well.
#18
Senior Member
Newbaum indeed has a paper roll and would not be good with wetting it. I have had good results with Velox wet. Before wrapping I have put the roll under the tap for scant seconds before squeezing out any extra wetness. Ideally,you don't want to allow too much water.
It's how I have been wrapping my bars. When they try, it seems to draw it up tighter on the bar.
It's how I have been wrapping my bars. When they try, it seems to draw it up tighter on the bar.
#19
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Thread Starter
First time wrapping cloth?
Go slow. Tug and stretch and wiggle back and forth and pull real tight as you go.
Newbaums comes with a paper backing on the adhesive. I like to unroll about eight or twelve inches of cloth, tear off that much paper backing, keeping the roll in your fist. Don't drop the roll! I'll re-roll most of the now bare adhesive cloth so I can control the wrap, hand close to the bars. Then pull tight and stretch as I lay down an even overlap. If that makes any sense.
Go slow. Tug and stretch and wiggle back and forth and pull real tight as you go.
Newbaums comes with a paper backing on the adhesive. I like to unroll about eight or twelve inches of cloth, tear off that much paper backing, keeping the roll in your fist. Don't drop the roll! I'll re-roll most of the now bare adhesive cloth so I can control the wrap, hand close to the bars. Then pull tight and stretch as I lay down an even overlap. If that makes any sense.
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I've never even heard of wetting handlebar tape.
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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I'm seeing that Newbaums often is sold as one roll, is that enough for both sides of the bars? Or should I get the double roll set?
#24
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Neither have I. I used to use black cloth tape, probably Tressostar, and I never had any problem with it wrinkling or anything. I don't remember it being adhesive backed. either. Put it on and ride it til lit started to get ugly and put another layer right on top. Did that until I couldn't find it anymore. Then got seduce by cork.
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Cotton is all I ever used.... Well, there was that Motobecane in 77 that I put those foam things on for a whail...
I'll stick with cotton. On two of my bikes I must have at least three or more layers on the bars. When they fade I just wrap another layer on no problem...
When the ends start to come loose I use a dab of Elmers to keep them in place...
I'll stick with cotton. On two of my bikes I must have at least three or more layers on the bars. When they fade I just wrap another layer on no problem...
When the ends start to come loose I use a dab of Elmers to keep them in place...