Is this bar tape too gaudy?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,120
Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 669 Post(s)
Liked 426 Times
in
173 Posts
Is this bar wrap too gaudy?
I liked it when I first got it but now I'm not so sure. The original was a blue Benotto which
I can still find on Ebay.
I can still find on Ebay.

Likes For robertj298:
#2
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,923
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2243 Post(s)
Liked 2,681 Times
in
1,719 Posts
Use it until it breaks, then reassess!
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
Likes For jdawginsc:
#3
buy my bikes
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,737
Bikes: my very own customized GUNNAR CrossHairs
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 365 Times
in
223 Posts
welp - I like it. (not sure what's that worth.....) But the "Unsalable TREK420" had a somewhat similar scheme going until I recently flat-barred it.
I'll be wrapping the flat bars with yellow tape for squishing gripping near the stem.
I'll be wrapping the flat bars with yellow tape for squishing gripping near the stem.

Likes For mrv:
#4
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: PAZ
Posts: 12,394
Mentioned: 255 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2586 Post(s)
Liked 4,819 Times
in
1,709 Posts
If you have to ask...
Yes
DD
Yes

DD
#5
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 3,599
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2021 Post(s)
Liked 3,043 Times
in
1,598 Posts
Hides the dirt.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,491
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"
Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 898 Post(s)
Liked 1,206 Times
in
453 Posts
It’s personal preference of course, but I think it detracts from the simple, understated color scheme of the bike. I would switch to yellow tape.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Michigan USA
Posts: 809
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes.
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 226 Post(s)
Liked 718 Times
in
339 Posts
robertj298 I think you need to use whichever bartape makes you happy with that bike.
I have several bikes which follow normal bartape colors, and I have one that doesn't fit normal color rules,
I'm happy with it, and won't be changing it to fit "normal".
I have several bikes which follow normal bartape colors, and I have one that doesn't fit normal color rules,
I'm happy with it, and won't be changing it to fit "normal".

Likes For daverup:
#8
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Looks good to me!

Likes For Dylansbob:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,655
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Mentioned: 150 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2253 Post(s)
Liked 4,371 Times
in
1,614 Posts

Then blue finishing tape to tie it all together.

__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
Likes For jamesdak:
#12
Strong Walker
it is definitely period correct, such tapes were en vogue. as were tires roughly a similar color to the frame. some fashions stand the test of time better than others

Last edited by martl; 03-14-22 at 04:18 AM.
Likes For Soody:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 659
Bikes: Especialy Alan, but also Empella, Cascarsi, Gazelle, Bianchi, CJV, Sirocco, Berkers etcetera
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 184 Post(s)
Liked 960 Times
in
345 Posts
I like it, it suits the frame and cables.
When we're talking about the looks,
guess you have a reason for this saddle but those tyres ....
Strictly my opinion and who am I?
When we're talking about the looks,
guess you have a reason for this saddle but those tyres ....
Strictly my opinion and who am I?
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 763
Bikes: Raleigh Classic 15, 84; Miyata 912, 85; Miyata Ridge Runner SE, 85; Miyata 610, 86; Miyata 100M, 86; Miyata Valley Runner, 88; Miyata Triple Cross, 89; GT Karakoram, 90; Miyata Elevation 300, 91; Marinoni Touring, 95; Long Haul Trucker, 2013
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 155 Post(s)
Liked 118 Times
in
72 Posts
Not my cup of tea, but if you like it, it's just right.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,465
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1561 Post(s)
Liked 2,118 Times
in
1,052 Posts
I thought it was cool util I posted pics here and got flamed. My thinking was it complemented the other colors on the bike.
P1000487w on Flickr
I now use it as a temporary tape to check out different bars and stems. Kind of a franken color scheme.
P1040796 on Flickr
To be period correct for the whole bike, Benotto was used.
1983 Colnago Superissimo on Flickr

I now use it as a temporary tape to check out different bars and stems. Kind of a franken color scheme.

To be period correct for the whole bike, Benotto was used.

__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Last edited by SJX426; 03-14-22 at 05:36 AM.
Likes For SJX426:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 16,930
Mentioned: 469 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3688 Post(s)
Liked 6,107 Times
in
2,441 Posts
It’s good if you pair it with short shorts and tube socks.
Likes For nlerner:
#18
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 9,113
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2643 Post(s)
Liked 2,423 Times
in
1,543 Posts
Nothing wrong with splash tape, especially if you can get it in three colors to match your bike.

Likes For thumpism:
#19
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 21,145
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Hybrid
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2992 Post(s)
Liked 5,913 Times
in
3,458 Posts
I suggest black to match the saddle or yellow to match the head tube.
__________________
Cold-hearted orb that rules the night / Removes the colors from our sight / Red is grey and yellow, white / But we decide which is right / And which is an illusion.
Likes For cb400bill:
#20
Steel Is Real
I have long been of the opinion that multicolor bar tape cheapens the look of the whole build. I agree with most of the replies before mine. Solid yellow tape would look great.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Posts: 5,352
Bikes: Too many to list
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1746 Post(s)
Liked 1,088 Times
in
718 Posts
Running similar tape on a couple of my projects that ive finished within the past 4 months or so -- so I say Go for it



#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 4,083
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2332 Post(s)
Liked 2,091 Times
in
1,310 Posts
It takes away from the classic bike. Yes, very gaudy. You asked.
Match the saddle color to the bar tape color. Black on both. Then the eye goes to the bike where it belongs IMO
Match the saddle color to the bar tape color. Black on both. Then the eye goes to the bike where it belongs IMO
Likes For GhostRider62: