Finally... "new" bar tape for my 71 Paramount
05-15-12, 12:51 PM
#1
Old Skeptic
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Finally... "new" bar tape for my 71 Paramount
First chance I've had to take a photo showing my old bike as newly dressed up.
I had always used simple black cotton tape on this bike, but recently took a chance and was pleased to find some modern tape in a closely matching color. It's not nearly as thick as most of the very cushioned tapes available today and it also has a smooth finish resembling a semi-glossy finished leather. So far, I'm really pleased with both the near match of the color and the ability to easily clean off this rather light colored tape.
... A larger image of this same photo can be found here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stronglight/7204122252/
And, here is a closer view of the bar tape:
... more details and larger view available here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stronglight/5955817241/
It will take a bit of time to get used to seeing "color" on my handlebars. But, now that I have finally found a reasonable compromise between old plastic Hunt-Wilde or shiny vintage Benotto tape (both with zero cushioning) and most thick and highly padded modern bar wraps, I may be changing even more of my old bikes.
Here was my first similar modification - to my Motobecane Grand Record - the red color is in fact more like the "original" (cotton) tape color would have been than the black tape I had always used...
With the discovery of these nice modern tapes... and finally recently discovering a rare color catalog photo showing my c.1971 Motobecane Le Champion in blue with WHITE bar tape (and gum hoods on Universal brake levers), I am already planning my next daring bar tape project.
Don't worry guys. Although my recent inter-ocular lens replacement eye surgeries now have me seeing the world both clearly and in vividly true color, I will never warm to the gaudy "splash" cork tapes - which I will forever consider far too distracting for any bike, new or old.
Bob
I had always used simple black cotton tape on this bike, but recently took a chance and was pleased to find some modern tape in a closely matching color. It's not nearly as thick as most of the very cushioned tapes available today and it also has a smooth finish resembling a semi-glossy finished leather. So far, I'm really pleased with both the near match of the color and the ability to easily clean off this rather light colored tape.
... A larger image of this same photo can be found here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stronglight/7204122252/
And, here is a closer view of the bar tape:
... more details and larger view available here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stronglight/5955817241/
It will take a bit of time to get used to seeing "color" on my handlebars. But, now that I have finally found a reasonable compromise between old plastic Hunt-Wilde or shiny vintage Benotto tape (both with zero cushioning) and most thick and highly padded modern bar wraps, I may be changing even more of my old bikes.
Here was my first similar modification - to my Motobecane Grand Record - the red color is in fact more like the "original" (cotton) tape color would have been than the black tape I had always used...
With the discovery of these nice modern tapes... and finally recently discovering a rare color catalog photo showing my c.1971 Motobecane Le Champion in blue with WHITE bar tape (and gum hoods on Universal brake levers), I am already planning my next daring bar tape project. Don't worry guys. Although my recent inter-ocular lens replacement eye surgeries now have me seeing the world both clearly and in vividly true color, I will never warm to the gaudy "splash" cork tapes - which I will forever consider far too distracting for any bike, new or old.Bob
07-24-12, 08:36 AM
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I like the look myself, but I'm a sucker for yellow bar tape. I like the Deda, which is pretty similar in color but more padded.
07-24-12, 08:45 AM
#5
Decrepit Member
Like most things, choice of bar tape is a matter of personal taste.
I think the yellow bar tape looks great on the Kool Yellow Paramount, and the red bar tape on the Moto picks up the red head tube and red seat tube stripes. All he needs now is a red saddle on the Moto.
I think the yellow bar tape looks great on the Kool Yellow Paramount, and the red bar tape on the Moto picks up the red head tube and red seat tube stripes. All he needs now is a red saddle on the Moto.
07-25-12, 09:58 PM
#7
Senior Member
Love the yellow Paramount! Always wanted one "back in the day" but way out of my high school budget. Are the fenders stock?
