Is this bar tape too gaudy?
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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.

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Use it until it breaks, then reassess!
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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.

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If you have to ask...
Yes
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Yes

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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.
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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".

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Looks good to me!

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Then blue finishing tape to tie it all together.

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#12
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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.
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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?
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Not my cup of tea, but if you like it, it's just right.
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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.

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Last edited by SJX426; 03-14-22 at 05:36 AM.
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It’s good if you pair it with short shorts and tube socks.
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Nothing wrong with splash tape, especially if you can get it in three colors to match your bike.

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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.
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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



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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
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Too gaudy for that bike, the tape becomes the star of the show.