Originally Posted by
Velo Fellow
I'd like to put in a word for being anti-prissy about tape. Personally, white tape with a little grime on the edges suggests a hard and often ridden bike-- or, admittedly, a slob-rider with greasy gloves. Just like a well-used steel frame gets a few dings and scratches and develops "character". ("Yup, that scuff on the fork is where I hit the guard railing and took down two other guys.") Anyway, tape is easy to change out......different seasons, different moods, different "images" we want to project.............try 'em all.
New bikes do demand the perfect tape color, texture, end caps, etc. The older and more familiar the bike, the funkier we can get. Years ago my newliwed wife only wore the the most delectable gossamer stuff to bed...years later it was hard to tell which species she belonged to. But it somehow didn't matter.
So, Deege, no matter what the wrapping, the ride will be just the same.
When my car was brand new, back in 2000, I wanted it to remain pure and pristine. Fat chance. Now it's got a dent or two, the seats have duct tape, and there's scratches from various bikes on the bike carrier on the back. That said, I am now free. I don't care where I have to park it, I don't worry about another scratch, I just want it to work mechanically for as long as possible.
That said, I'm still torn between white and black tape. I think the white tape looks good given a white saddle, but I think a black one would stay looking good for a lot longer. I'm all for "character" but not when the bike is new. After I rejoin Club Tombay, well, that's when things might change. Perhaps I should get gray tape!
