Originally Posted by
unterhausen
I think the electrical tape started as top tube protection against sign posts. Then it got out of hand.
There was a time when a lot of fixed gear bikes were old road bikes that were converted, before the Pistamania took over. I mention this because my Gitane fixie is of this variety (though built up more recently) and the paint rubs off like nobodies business. It seems like every day I see primer showing through in a new place. I've been just slapping touch-up paint on these spots as they appear but I can see where electrical tape could be appealing.
Also, both my touch-up paint and the electrical tape have the effect of uglifying the bike, which makes it, theoretically, less appealing to thieves.