I understand the desire to be absolutely period and model correct when building up an old road bicycle and I have tried to do so on a couple of occasions(1963 Peugeot PX10, 1971 Carlton Professional, 1975 CCM Tour du Canada). If I intend to look at a bicycle, rather than ride it, I will go original if possible but do so knowing that I will be negatively impacting "user friendliness".

Uncushioned tape is uncomfortable for me since I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and any padding is much appreciated on longer rides. And as for Old School pedals with clips and leather straps - forget it. I am not about to suffer a crash thanks to the older technology. Simply put, I install my clip in pedals on anything that I intend to ride on a regular basis.

So, it is the old argument of form vs function. Do I want to look at it or ride it? For me, the answer is ride it and the cloth tape can sit on the shelf with my Rat Traps. But that is just me. I do respect the desire to go original and, even though I hate the pedals on my PX10, they will remain but I do not ride that wonderful old French bicycle often.