Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Black Electrical Tape and Paint

So I bought myself a nice Bianchi track bike, and I don't want it to walk away. So far I've just used it for to and from work (goes inside with me) and 8am rides to get PBR and Jameson. I also don't want to damage the paint when I'm locking it up (already saw some green from it rubbed onto my lock).

I noticed that a lot of the photos of Bianchis here are wrapped in black electrical tape - I'm wondering if this works well, and if it takes off the paint when you remove it. One of the reasons I bought a new bike is the last bike (older Ross road bike) I rode got stolen for about 24 hours. They threw out the fixed Surly on the back and replaced it with something that was probably off a huffy. They also wrapped most of it in tape, then left it at the White Castle accross the street from where they stole it - IDIOTS!!!!!

When I took the tape off, it took a lot of the paint and decals. Then I rode it all winter and it's covered in rust....

I really don't want that to happen to the new bike - anybody have experience wrapping black Bianchis in electric tape?

Thanks

nothin to fear, friend. simple enough, wrap the thing up, and call it a day. when you want the tape off, take it all off and a good cleaner wax will get the smears and adhesive off.

Right on - the main thing I was worried about is the paint coming up. The Ross already had a lot of dings and stuff, but the Bianchi's almost pristine.

I'd hate to ride it all summer, take off the paint and see metal.

If you have some handy, you could also use some contact paper. It might save some time covering a whole tube at a time, and comes off just as easy. You could even get some really funky patterns. :)

as one of the few propenents of wrapped frames I must add that I prefer wrapping with old tubes. better protection from dings and easy clean up. jeff

Black electrical tape: good for wrapping bicycles, covering nipples, and....electrical work!!!

Friction tape would work too, and it's got less sticky adhesive backing than BET; but my guess is that the paint job on the Bianchi is better than the one on the ol' Ross, and will stay put better. Not sure about any decals, though...

randya, don't be too sure about that. from what hereNT posted, it sounds like it's an older celeste bianchi track. those buggers are NOTORIOUS for having flakey paint. i've seen a bunch that, from a distance, looked fine, but upon closer inspection i was seeing bare tubes.

before anything, i'd reccommend a good clear coat. just find some krylon, do a test area (say, underneath the bottom bracket) and if it turns out okay, do the whole bike. THEN do the tape. then you won't have to worry about pulling the paint off with the tape.

old tubes and zip ties are the way to go.

I'm not sure of the year - It's black with a green rear triangle and fork, and it's lugged. The guy I bought it from even took the time to find green leather wrap and do the colors of the Italian flag in electric tape at the end.

And yeah, zip tires - now if I only knew what to do do when I get a flat... Right now I'm a little bit worried about it.

I'll probably end up wrapping the bottom bracket for a week or so and seeing how that goes. I was going to try to borrow my brother's camera today and get some pics but the camera's leaving for Colorado for a week in about 3 hours :(

Okay, first shift is almost here. Time to start look like I'm working.

I'm not sure of the year - It's black with a green rear triangle and fork, and it's lugged. The guy I bought it from even took the time to find green leather wrap and do the colors of the Italian flag in electric tape at the end.

And yeah, zip tires - now if I only knew what to do do when I get a flat... Right now I'm a little bit worried about it.

I'll probably end up wrapping the bottom bracket for a week or so and seeing how that goes. I was going to try to borrow my brother's camera today and get some pics but the camera's leaving for Colorado for a week in about 3 hours :(

Okay, first shift is almost here. Time to start look like I'm working.


If your really worried about it, do the first layer upside down. Another trick is, after the wrapping, hit the area with a heat gun. The vinyl tape will shrink a bit, giving you a nice tight wrap.

And use something besides bland old black tape. Hit the Depot or something and pick up some nice colors.

But I LIKE black! I was actually at the guy I bought it from's house to pick up a $35 black Miyata frame to build up.

I'm kind of happy that it was too small.

It'll probably have a lot of stickers once there's something protecting the finish, though.

Try waxing your frame first...may help with decals not lifting when you remove tape.

Instead of wrapping the bike, wrap the lock?

Lock has been wrapped since I started this post - I'd cut away some of the plastic on the Krypto I use to use a holder - that's where the paint had rubbed off.

But I also do have to disguise the bike a little. It's way too pretty, and apt to leave me for somebody else.

I got yelled at by a lady that works second shift at my job when she first saw me bring in the bike.
She said, "No girlfriends allowed at work."

Since I'll probably end up getting drunk and wrecking her, I need to protect the finish too...

That's why I'm asking about tape.

Hmm, interesting query. If you want something to stick, but no too well, I'd recommend putting some form of wax on it first (the wax sticks to the paint, the tape sticks to the wax, but the wax comes off both real easy). So go out and get some car wax (Mothers is good); apply as directed on the can, rub off and polish to a mirror shine. Then put on another coat but don't wipe it all off (leave a little, but not all of it). Put the tape over that.

*I've never wrapped a bike, and I'm just hypothesising here, but it should work :)

8am rides to get PBR and Jameson

I don't know what PBR is, but Jameson is whiskey, right?

I don't know what PBR is, but Jameson is whiskey, right?
PBR? C'mon...for shame.
Pabst Blue Ribbon...the TRUE King of Beers!
And Jameson's is Irish whiskey

I don't know what PBR is

I think that may be grounds for being banned from this sub-forum. But we will let it go this time. BTW, it stands for the Professional Bull Riding tour, no doubt....

Pabst Blue Ribbon...the TRUE King of Beers!
I much prefer Hamm's (7.49$ for a case (that's 24 beers for you non-drinkers)), Miller High Life "The Champagne of Beer," or Milwaukee's Beast... PBR is about as high-falooting and snobby as that guy with a Ferrari!

Anyone have experience with the 2004 Pista and making it less attractive to thieves? I've been thinking about getting one, but I have a feeling my shiny all chrome bike won't last long in downtown Philly. I thought about covering it BET or contact paper, but I'd like to see how it looks first if I can.

Thought you meant PBR and Jenna Jameson. Now that would be worth getting up at 8am for!!

Thought you meant PBR and Jenna Jameson. Now that would be worth getting up at 8am for!!

Have you been spending your time at drunkcyclist.com??? ;) :D

I work graveyards - that's why it's 8am runs. Gotta wait an hour and a half after work if I'm out of beer.

Anyone have experience with the 2004 Pista and making it less attractive to thieves? I've been thinking about getting one, but I have a feeling my shiny all chrome bike won't last long in downtown Philly. I thought about covering it BET or contact paper, but I'd like to see how it looks first if I can.


I agree, I dont think a new pista would last long in philly....if you left it out overnight. .... our outside McGlinchys for too long.

where in philly are you? I was worried about my Fuji Track bike being stolen, but I have had it a few months now and its been fine...I used blue painters tape to cover up the downtube and some other areas on the bike. I like the color, but this is only temporary until the weather warms up and I can paint it. I think no matter what, you will want to cover the bike and personalize it somehow, i think its less likely to be stolen that way....especially in a small city like philly.

I much prefer Hamm's (7.49$ for a case (that's 24 beers for you non-drinkers)), Miller High Life "The Champagne of Beer," or Milwaukee's Beast... PBR is about as high-falooting and snobby as that guy with a Ferrari!

They still sell Hamms (from the land of sky blue water). I haven't seen it in ages. Oh what I wouldn't give for a couple cases. Or Strohs, the beer of my youth.

As it is, I just settle for Rolling Rock, or skulk across the border for some real Canadian beer.

They still sell Hamms (from the land of sky blue water). I haven't seen it in ages. Oh what I wouldn't give for a couple cases. Or Strohs, the beer of my youth.

As it is, I just settle for Rolling Rock, or skulk across the border for some real Canadian beer.
Oh yeah, they still sell Hamms... and my liver is single-handedly keeping the brewery open
http://www.realbeer.com/edu/ask_realbeer/ask000113.php

I agree, I dont think a new pista would last long in philly....if you left it out overnight. .... our outside McGlinchys for too long.

where in philly are you? I was worried about my Fuji Track bike being stolen, but I have had it a few months now and its been fine...I used blue painters tape to cover up the downtube and some other areas on the bike. I like the color, but this is only temporary until the weather warms up and I can paint it. I think no matter what, you will want to cover the bike and personalize it somehow, i think its less likely to be stolen that way....especially in a small city like philly.

i'm over around Drexel right now and the bike would spend its nights safely in my apartment. When i'm over in the city it would be locked to random parking meters though. I thought about painting it, but I'm not sure how well it would work on that chrome finish... and also it would be a shame to buy a chrome bike just to cover it up right away. Seems like it would make more sense to just get something thats more plain from the start. Too bad Bianchi doesn't make the gray anymore...

I have spotted a new Pista, complete with chrome saddle, locked up on the street - so I guess someone is riding one...

I have spotted a new Pista, complete with chrome saddle, locked up on the street - so I guess someone is riding one...
With the stock saddle? Yowza. The only reason someone hasn't stolen it is because that seat is a brick... Hell, he could probably do without locking it.

Oh yeah, they still sell Hamms... and my liver is single-handedly keeping the brewery open
http://www.realbeer.com/edu/ask_realbeer/ask000113.php

you should brew your own beer. it's cheaper, and you can make it really brown. i tend to make 5 gallons for under $20. ok, not cheaper, but about just as cheap, and browner.

-rob

you should brew your own beer. it's cheaper, and you can make it really brown. i tend to make 5 gallons for under $20. ok, not cheaper, but about just as cheap, and browner.

-rob
yeah, but that involves **gasp** effort!

Does anyone really think that taping up the frame really disguises what it is? I'm always amused by cannondale/kleins covered in e-tape, as though I'm not supposed to be able to tell what it is anymore.

Better idea than electrical tape - black rubber tape. The stuff is cohesive, meaning it only sticks to itself. You stretch it as you're applying it, so it's nice and tight, and after a few days it completely fuses to itself. Works well for disguising a frame, and it also gives some decent protection against dings and scratches. Available at any hardware store.

Does anyone really think that taping up the frame really disguises what it is? I'm always amused by cannondale/kleins covered in e-tape, as though I'm not supposed to be able to tell what it is anymore.

Yeah, no matter what you'll be able to see this bike is nice. I'd like to think that people who know would be above taking it. But if you're the guy walking around looking for something to take to the pawn shop...

I think that I figured out a solution, though - just bought a 25 foot roll of 3/4" black heat shrink tubing off of e-bay. It should work pretty well - I'm thinking of wrapping it like bar wrap around the frame with BET at the ends to hold it down. Basically it should work like wrapping your frame in rubber, but without adhesive!

I'll know when the roll gets here. It was only 10 bucks, so what's there to lose?

Hockey tape is nice. water,whatever,nice to wrap- good grip for lfting the bike xc, colors, takes metal, scuffs (wrench) ect better.

This is a strange question.
"My bike is too pretty, I'm scarred someone will steal it."
"My lock is dinging up my paint when I lock it up."

The answer is, keep locking the bike up and f--k up the paint. Then it will be less likely to get stolen. When you need it to look pretty again, take to the paint shop.

problem solved.

I once owned a very nice basso track bike with philwood hubs and the whole bit. I rarely ever locked the thing up. I never tried to disguise it but only put it against the wall and walk in and make my deliveries. It was never stolen in the 2 years that I had it. I don't know why or how it was never stolen but there ya go. I really don't have any point but just thought I relate this odd little tale.

I'd be carfull which tape as it can pull of paint when you remove it. Not likly electrical tape will.

I once owned a very nice basso track bike with philwood hubs and the whole bit. I rarely ever locked the thing up. I never tried to disguise it but only put it against the wall and walk in and make my deliveries. It was never stolen in the 2 years that I had it. I don't know why or how it was never stolen but there ya go. I really don't have any point but just thought I relate this odd little tale.
I think you were incredibly lucky. I have seen messengers lose seats and wheels that weren't locked down. It is a ***** to come out from your drop and find your front wheel is gone because you didn't want to bother with locking it up. I wish I had had your luck.

Fixedgearhead

I was riding down state street when I saw a messenger-rig laying in the right lane. I stopped and righted it up and found the lock had been so worn down it couldn't latch. I waited around and eventually the owner showed up. thanked me and said he'd been using the broken lock for years without a problem.

oh and who said tape makes bikes look worse to prevent stealing? I do it for ding protection alone.

jeff

I think you were incredibly lucky. I have seen messengers lose seats and wheels that weren't locked down. It is a ***** to come out from your drop and find your front wheel is gone because you didn't want to bother with locking it up. I wish I had had your luck.

Fixedgearhead

I am well aware of how lucky I was. I sold that bike to a friend of mine who I hopes treats it much better then I did.

Yeah, no matter what you'll be able to see this bike is nice. I'd like to think that people who know would be above taking it. But if you're the guy walking around looking for something to take to the pawn shop...

I think that I figured out a solution, though - just bought a 25 foot roll of 3/4" black heat shrink tubing off of e-bay. It should work pretty well - I'm thinking of wrapping it like bar wrap around the frame with BET at the ends to hold it down. Basically it should work like wrapping your frame in rubber, but without adhesive!

I'll know when the roll gets here. It was only 10 bucks, so what's there to lose?

Let us know how it works. I question how well it will stay attached.

Anyone have experience with the 2004 Pista and making it less attractive to thieves?

yeah...dont buy it...buy an '03 instead..

Maybe to avoid your bike being theived, why not take the hillbilly approach. STEEL. Add more steel chains, Ulocks, things that can't be cut etc. do all theives in big cities carry bike tools with them? im used to being able to leave my bike unlocked out side while i get something from my room(small town, lazy ass college)

yeah...dont buy it...buy an '03 instead..

got one you want to sell? :)

I got my new Soma Rush together last weekend. I wrapped the top tube with an old inner tube, with black electrical tape on top of that. Nice!

I got my new Soma Rush together last weekend. I wrapped the top tube with an old inner tube, with black electrical tape on top of that. Nice!

Will wrapping the bike in inner tubes or HS tubing cause water that seeps in or condensation to get trapped in there and start corrosion?

Will wrapping the bike in inner tubes or HS tubing cause water that seeps in or condensation to get trapped in there and start corrosion?

I doubt it. My messenger bike, On-One Il Pompino was wrapped in duct tape (looked reassuringly ratty) I rode it for whole of the winter, in rain, snow, sub zero temperatures. No visible damage to the paint job.

I just had a thought...the Bianchi Pista has now brakes,right? any thief dumb enough to steal it would most likely be killed if he attempted to ride it anywhere, so whats the big deal? Get a bike license, put it on insurance, lock it up well, and if it does get nabbed take comfort in the fact that natural selection will take it's place.