wax under old handlebar tape?
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: phoenix
Bikes: Miyata 110, Schwinn super le tour 12.2, Schwinn super sport, Lemond Zurich
wax under old handlebar tape?
this is probably the most horrifying thing I have yet to find on a bike. touring bars with wax under the tape. was this a common thing in the 70's? I might have to boil the bars to get this crud off...
#3
WAX!? Strange. I would hang the thing by a wire and use a propane torch. keep wiping it down with paper towels to absorb melted wax. Wear gloves, etc.
Then to remove final residue, some heavy solvent. Naphtha maybe. FWIW.
Then to remove final residue, some heavy solvent. Naphtha maybe. FWIW.
#4
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Liberty, Missouri
Bikes: 1966 Paramount | 1971 Raleigh International | ca. 1970 Bernard Carre | 1989 Waterford Paramount | 2012 Boulder Brevet | 2019 Specialized Diverge
Blow dryer will safely do the job. Do the final cleanup with Bestine (rubber cement thinner) - but be aware that Bestine is a solvent, so gloves and outdoors are a must.
#5
When I use cloth tape that isn't adhesive backed, I'll rub paraffin (or beeswax) on the bars to prevent the tape from slipping.
Scott
Scott
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#7
+1 on the hair dryer, nothing more extreme is needed. I used to use that method to strip old wax from surfboards a few times.





