frenchbikefan

These look great on the net, but looks can be deceiving. I know some of their stuff has come up before but I couldn't find anything about the drop bar wraps. So does anyone use these? got pictures? what saddle do you use with them? think I can use bar end shifters and still keep the leather tight? https://www.etsy.com/listing/58457141...drop-bar-wraps

mkeller234

FYI, velo-orange sells sew-on elk hide strips for $35.00. It's cheaper AND you will get a lot more feedback on them since people here are using them.

https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ar-covers.html

fritter

Cool, I didn't think they made that any more

Dauphine

I like the 6 pack holder better, though it is probably not functional in a real life situation.

Shuncle

I put leather wrap on my bars years ago, & it's a little beat up but still looks good. I have a set of the VO elk hide wrap that doesn't feel as tough as the original leather, so I'm saving it for some other project. In the meantime, i just give the original wrap a little Proofhide whenever I do the saddle. They're a good match!

https://picasaweb.google.com/shuncle/BarLeather#

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

Leather wrap is my favorite. I've got a couple of bikes with the VO Elkhide and a coupe bikes with "Rhodes Gear" leather. I don't think Rhodes Gear is around anymore though....their leather wrap you had to soak in a dish of water to make it pliable and then stretch and sew it on.

The VO elkhide is done dry and is much easier (and softer)


My Super Course rocks Bar-End shifters with the Elkhide wrap. No issues.

frenchbikefan

huh I just noticed that the 6 pack holder has pilsner cardboard and mirror pond pale ale from the Deschutes brewery in Bend. well I guess I will have to think about the tried and true (VO) or try something a little different... decisions decisions

PDXaero

The finish quality on the walnut stuff is superb, slightly thicker than the VO stuff.
A big advantage over VO is that he will customize the barwrap for you if you need it. Examples, longer than average, wider for wrapping over cables, darker or lighter stains, adding color to the stains.
I am certainly going to get Walnut wraps for the next bike that needs some leather, I have talked with the maker in person and after seeing all of his products laid out I am sold on his craftsmanship.

mkeller234

That is great feedback to hear. I can see how the versatility he has can be worth the small amount extra. It's great to have choices!

Epicus07 

Nice looking Bianchi. I wonder which model.

Dauphine

Not sure, he mentions in his Bio though that the Bianchi was originally his dads, which is really rad. My dad has been riding the same Batavia since 1976, I wonder when I get to have it.

mixtemaniac

I have a set of the drop bar wrap from Walnut. It was a bit difficult to get on, but nothing harder than other leather/hide wraps. Thicker than VO and Brooks. I used it for a Nitto Noodle bar. Quality is suburb and he does all the tanning himself. Highly recommended. He will also do custom mods if you need something specific. All of Walnut's leather work is outstanding.

frenchbikefan

I ended up ordering them in "saddle tan" which Geoff says is a good match for the brooks honey colored saddle. Seems his little operation has gotten quite popular and it will take a week or two for delivery. I will post up some pictures when the wraps arrive. Geoff seems like a pretty good guy, and for the extra 3 bucks over VO I will take the semi custom thicker leather, even if it means a little wait. He also assured me that in the normal width the wraps will fit over one set of cable housings, but if you need to go over more than that he will cut the leather wider to accommodate. Next I have my eye on those small cedar sided panniers, but they will have to wait a while.

michael k

Same here,,,super nice person too.

I have a set of the city grips and portage strap.

Hoping to make it to the bike show tommorrow but have'nt seen him listed this year.

https://pedalnationevents.com/

BlueRaleigh

Looks nice. I wouldn't want to sew anything on though--sounds like far too much trouble.