wrapping over the thick rubber wouldn't work for me. first, i'd need to replace the suicide levers, so i would need access to the clamp. also, i'd need to move the levers up so i could ride on the pretty new hoods i would add. next, i tape bars starting at the ends and would need access and use of plugs. fourth, it would be way too bulky. fifth, the jimmy rigging insults my professional sensibilities. and if it were a keeper, i wouldn't be concerned with marketing it as 'original.' also, if the integral hoods are missing, it's not original to begin.

taping bars is not really trial and error, especially with cotton. one can't tape over rubber, try it out, then remove it and reapply the cotton, expecting it to be easily applied and attractive. it stretches and conforms to initial use. it's difficult enough to perfectly tape bars. to reuse cotton after it's already been applied once is not worth the trouble. the same is true with the fizik tape i prefer.