SquidPuppet

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!

oddjob2

I would like to know how to wrap it without wrinkles!

mountaindave 

And how does it compare to hockey tape?

Chrome Molly

Tressostar

3speedslow

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...

3speedslow

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.

SquidPuppet

When making it wet, does that effect the adhesive? How wet/damp do you make it?

Lascauxcaveman 

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.

sloar 

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.

noglider 

Newbaums is more flexible and thus easier to apply. The extra length makes it easy, too.

rootboy 

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.

SquidPuppet

Thanks for the responses. I'll give Newbaums a shot.

Chombi

+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.

rootboy 

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.

rootboy 

Do NOT get Newbaums wet before wrapping. You'll be sorry if you do.
Edit: i've never done it. Always wrapped dry. But Auchecrow told me he tried wetting Newbaums once.
Ruined a roll.

devinfan

Just do exactly this step by step and it will work out perfectly.

repechage

I like the Newbaum's yellow too, The modern Velox and Tressostar have the yellow that is now more "marigold" than true hue yellow.
Yes, yellow gets dirty faster…
I also like the Red, but I miss the old Tressostar red that matched the LeJeune Red so well.

3speedslow

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.

SquidPuppet

Thanks. I was really apprehensive before my first time wrapping. I wanted it perfect and had seen so many different techniques in videos, so I lacked confidence. Once I got started I developed my own technique (same as yours) and was amazed at how easy it was to achieve excellent results. The secret for me seemed to be that a gentle snugging was inadequate, I needed to go TIGHT. Once I discovered that, it was easy to make the stuff obey, even in the curves. I felt kind of silly afterwards.

daf1009

Newbaums...use it on everything!

noglider 

I've never even heard of wetting handlebar tape.

Johnny 831

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?

due ruote 

2 rolls needed.

I have used Newbaums plenty wet and had no problems with it.

desconhecido 

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.

zandoval 

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...