White leather handlebar tape?
05-26-22, 03:53 AM
#51
Strong Walker
Originally Posted by BMC_Kid
Of course handlebar tape is a consumable. Plastic, man-made materials are more consumable in general. But good quality leather whether used to make shoes, specialized gear, and yes even handlebar tape, when taken care of lasts many times that of the man-made materials. The issue is that current society is a throwaway one, and the vast majority (most probably even on this website) do not want the extra hassle of the minimal upkeep of leather tape versus the convenience of disposable plastic tape, all other things being equal. I am not finding fault in this preference, just giving my opinion as someone that has used everything from cotton wrap in the late 70s, to the 80s trend of plastic Bike Ribbon type, to the 90s use of cork, transitioning to synthetic cork to some of the current stuff available, even leather. After all these years, I still prefer plain leather wrap that I diligently clean and preserve. It just works for me but not for the vast majority of cyclists for many reasons of their own preference - I get it. Just don't tell me it's trying to look "vintage without being so".
Last edited by martl; 05-26-22 at 03:58 AM.
05-26-22, 05:11 AM
#52
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 185 Times
in
78 Posts
Originally Posted by martl
Things that have been widely used back in the days, i call vintage, things that weren't used but are made to look that way i'd call "retro". Personally, i don't care what you use and for what reason, and you have permission to not care about what i think is vintage, i'm just an idiot with an opinion
Likes For BMC_Kid:
05-26-22, 07:13 AM
#53
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 2,916
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
843 Posts
Originally Posted by martl
i have an aversion to leather handlebar tape because it tries to look vintage without being so.
I had vinyl seats in my 1976 Honda Civic wagon. Leather would have been better.
Last edited by smd4; 05-26-22 at 08:43 AM.
05-26-22, 10:04 AM
#54
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,070
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 359 Post(s)
Liked 571 Times
in
330 Posts
I get it. But I like the Fizik so much, I'm thinking about getting their shoes.
I wrap it probably (2 or 3 times) on the initial wrap, use Lemon Pledge to clean it, and it stays clean.
It doesn't look as good on the oversize areas of carbon bars, but on the older stuff, I like it.
My only recommendation, if you get Fizik, is do not get the lettered version. The letters wear off.
It's good enough for this, appearance-wise.
I really like the stitched sleeve setup you have, but I'd have to hire it done.
Been there, failed miserably at that.
I also like the wall-reinforced repair rack.
The close proximity of the angle grinders, though....
I'd have to have them farther away. The temptation at times....
I wrap it probably (2 or 3 times) on the initial wrap, use Lemon Pledge to clean it, and it stays clean.
It doesn't look as good on the oversize areas of carbon bars, but on the older stuff, I like it.
My only recommendation, if you get Fizik, is do not get the lettered version. The letters wear off.
It's good enough for this, appearance-wise.
I really like the stitched sleeve setup you have, but I'd have to hire it done.
Been there, failed miserably at that.
I also like the wall-reinforced repair rack.
The close proximity of the angle grinders, though....
I'd have to have them farther away. The temptation at times....
Originally Posted by martl
i have an aversion to leather handlebar tape because it tries lo look vintage without being so; no one used leather because handlebar tape is a consumable. exception would be the Almarc bars which were used by dentists, not racers. still nice
Last edited by bamboobike4; 05-26-22 at 10:27 AM.
05-26-22, 10:16 AM
#55
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 2,916
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
843 Posts
Originally Posted by bamboobike4
if you get Fizik, is do not get the lettered version. The letters wear off.
It's good enough for this, appearance-wise.
It's good enough for this, appearance-wise.
05-26-22, 11:01 AM
#56
Strong Walker
Originally Posted by bamboobike4
I
I also like the wall-reinforced repair rack.
The close proximity of the angle grinders, though....
I'd have to have them farther away. The temptation at times....
I also like the wall-reinforced repair rack.
The close proximity of the angle grinders, though....
I'd have to have them farther away. The temptation at times....
Likes For martl:
05-26-22, 01:31 PM
#57
I’m a little Surly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Southern Germany
Posts: 2,198
Bikes: Two Cross Checks and a Karate Monkey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 598 Post(s)
Liked 1,092 Times
in
559 Posts
Originally Posted by martl
i have an aversion to leather handlebar tape because it tries lo look vintage without being so; no one used leather because handlebar tape is a consumable. exception would be the Almarc bars which were used by dentists, not racers. still nice
05-26-22, 08:31 PM
#58
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 2,916
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
843 Posts
Originally Posted by Germany_chris
Leather tapes gets more tacky with use.
05-28-22, 04:51 PM
#59
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 2,916
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
843 Posts
The Handlebra came today. Not packaged at all (came packed in a express mail envelope) and no extras like the Leh, but came in two rolls with a little extra for the brake lever clamps. It is nicely textured and seems more supple than the Leh, and as noted above, the edges are feathered, which should produce a very smooth and uniform wrap.
05-28-22, 06:45 PM
#60
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 2,916
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
843 Posts
For those of you who have actually installed leather wrap, do you soak it in water first? I’ve seen at least one YouTube video where this was done.
05-28-22, 07:21 PM
#61
Full Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tropical Montana
Posts: 343
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 184 Post(s)
Liked 934 Times
in
280 Posts
I wouldn’t soak it. Here’s a good YouTube video.
__________________
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
06-07-22, 01:17 PM
#62
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 185 Times
in
78 Posts
Well, I couldn’t bare to throw this antiquated leather bar tape in the trash and buy me some new fangled, petroleum based tape. I prefer my handlebars wrapped like my steering wheels, with real leather. So here’s my bars wrapped with Brooks leather tape. My first experience with Brooks wrap and had no issues. Let’s see if I get the years out of it like my other leather wrapped bars.
Likes For BMC_Kid:
06-07-22, 04:12 PM
#63
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 2,916
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
843 Posts
Gorgeous. Turned out real nice.
I’m still deciding which brand to use (I have both the Handlebra and the Leh—both have features I like), and am waiting for a good rainy day to install.
I’m still deciding which brand to use (I have both the Handlebra and the Leh—both have features I like), and am waiting for a good rainy day to install.
06-07-22, 05:07 PM
#64
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,070
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 359 Post(s)
Liked 571 Times
in
330 Posts
Originally Posted by smd4
The vinyl tapes usually have a couple 3-inch pieces that go around the brake lever clamps. Is something similar done with leather wrap?
06-09-22, 07:45 PM
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,802
Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 730 Post(s)
Liked 886 Times
in
433 Posts
Originally Posted by majmt
From a previous post:
Handlebra is the best leather tape I’ve come across. Expensive but worth it.
HandleBra : Exemplary Leather Bicycle Handlebar Wrap : "Wait ' till you put your hands on this!" TM
This bike gets ridden less than 300 miles per year but the tape has been on since 2012 and still feels great for bare-handed riding. The chamfered edges make for a very smooth wrap. Only been wet a few times but I never had issues.
Handlebra is the best leather tape I’ve come across. Expensive but worth it.
HandleBra : Exemplary Leather Bicycle Handlebar Wrap : "Wait ' till you put your hands on this!" TM
This bike gets ridden less than 300 miles per year but the tape has been on since 2012 and still feels great for bare-handed riding. The chamfered edges make for a very smooth wrap. Only been wet a few times but I never had issues.
06-09-22, 09:19 PM
#67
Full Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tropical Montana
Posts: 343
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 184 Post(s)
Liked 934 Times
in
280 Posts
Originally Posted by polymorphself
What levers are those?
__________________
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
Likes For majmt:
06-10-22, 01:03 AM
#68
Junior Member
I've never been a fan of perforated handlebar tape; that's just my personal taste.
I'm currently using the Profile Design "Drive" handlebar tape. It's 2.5mm thick. It retails for about $28 per box (set). The tape has no logos, and it stretches well enough to make for a tight and uniform wrap. It's generally easy to work with. The tape's hexagonal surface pattern provides a good grip, and the pattern reminds me of vintage 1920s bathroom floor tile (FWIW). The tape does have an adhesive, which I prefer. The adhesive helps keep the tape in place without creep.
I wash the tape after every ride, using a bit of dish soap on a moderately wet sponge. After 2-3 months, I replace the tape due to darkening and wear at the touch points. Here's a photo of a fresh retape:
I'm currently using the Profile Design "Drive" handlebar tape. It's 2.5mm thick. It retails for about $28 per box (set). The tape has no logos, and it stretches well enough to make for a tight and uniform wrap. It's generally easy to work with. The tape's hexagonal surface pattern provides a good grip, and the pattern reminds me of vintage 1920s bathroom floor tile (FWIW). The tape does have an adhesive, which I prefer. The adhesive helps keep the tape in place without creep.
I wash the tape after every ride, using a bit of dish soap on a moderately wet sponge. After 2-3 months, I replace the tape due to darkening and wear at the touch points. Here's a photo of a fresh retape:
06-10-22, 05:51 AM
#69
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 185 Times
in
78 Posts
Originally Posted by Andrew_G
Last edited by BMC_Kid; 06-10-22 at 06:00 AM.
06-10-22, 07:49 AM
#70
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 2,916
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
843 Posts
Originally Posted by Andrew_G
I've never been a fan of perforated handlebar tape; that's just my personal taste.
I'm currently using the Profile Design "Drive" handlebar tape. It's 2.5mm thick. It retails for about $28 per box (set). The tape has no logos, and it stretches well enough to make for a tight and uniform wrap. It's generally easy to work with. The tape's hexagonal surface pattern provides a good grip, and the pattern reminds me of vintage 1920s bathroom floor tile (FWIW). The tape does have an adhesive, which I prefer. The adhesive helps keep the tape in place without creep.
I wash the tape after every ride, using a bit of dish soap on a moderately wet sponge. After 2-3 months, I replace the tape due to darkening and wear at the touch points. Here's a photo of a fresh retape:
I'm currently using the Profile Design "Drive" handlebar tape. It's 2.5mm thick. It retails for about $28 per box (set). The tape has no logos, and it stretches well enough to make for a tight and uniform wrap. It's generally easy to work with. The tape's hexagonal surface pattern provides a good grip, and the pattern reminds me of vintage 1920s bathroom floor tile (FWIW). The tape does have an adhesive, which I prefer. The adhesive helps keep the tape in place without creep.
I wash the tape after every ride, using a bit of dish soap on a moderately wet sponge. After 2-3 months, I replace the tape due to darkening and wear at the touch points. Here's a photo of a fresh retape:
Last edited by smd4; 06-10-22 at 07:54 AM.
06-10-22, 08:00 AM
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,901
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 435 Post(s)
Liked 2,141 Times
in
576 Posts
Originally Posted by smd4
Why would you post this in a thread about leather tape? Was it just an excuse to post a photo of your tape job?
Lighten up Francis
06-10-22, 08:02 AM
#72
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 5,777
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: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1847 Post(s)
Liked 1,989 Times
in
1,327 Posts
I am still angry that Fizik dropped the Performance bar tape. Easily the best I have ever used.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, 1996ish Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe (most not finished of course), 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba...I...am...done....
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, 1996ish Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe (most not finished of course), 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba...I...am...done....
06-10-22, 08:28 AM
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,226
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3723 Post(s)
Liked 2,536 Times
in
1,510 Posts
Originally Posted by krakhaus
The Fizik stuff is great, It's not real leather, but it looks and feels like it. It cleans up really easily, and if you get any chain grime on it, just use some degreaser, and you're good as new.
06-10-22, 08:33 AM
#74
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 185 Times
in
78 Posts
Originally Posted by Roger M
Probably for the same reason that you go on someone else thread and tell them their bike is a pos, and pick apart how they ride.
Lighten up Francis
Lighten up Francis
06-10-22, 01:28 PM
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Posts: 5,247
Bikes: Too many to list
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1718 Post(s)
Liked 1,037 Times
in
687 Posts
Another nod for the Fizik synthetic stuff --- not leather, but i dont have to worry about getting caught in the rain --- the wrap on the DeRosa has some tiny embossed in logos though -- and it is starting to yellow but its 5 years old.
Either wipes clean with some 409
l
Either wipes clean with some 409
l
