Get a little metal in there and....oooh, baby!

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=401588

Now that is a very interesting hybrid design, Glenn. Looks like a great idea!
Is the silicone padding layer just a narrow bead down the center of the tape?

That is an interesting concept - and at $12.99@, not too terribly pricey (unless you have to use two rolls per bar as you would with trad. cotton tape).

http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/...jpg?1408631745

Is that 13 bucks PER ROLL? Yikes. I think maybe I'd just go after the bars with a tube of silicone caulk. Let dry. Then wrap.

Anyone use the gel pads on the RAVX site? Think they would work under Benotto tape?

Yes to cork wrap and a top wrap with cloth. Experimenting with it and so far I like it. Goal was having padding but retain a vintage look. Also found a high quality nylon / cloth weave (in black) at Joanne Fabrics chain store. Ideal and appropriate bar wrap width. In addition, purchased at the same store a very tacky yet thin, double stick tape. No topping of shellac. Material appears durable and would expect some decent longevity. My out the door cost for all was approx. $7. Sorry for the poor pic and its just a crop from zoom image.


http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=401755http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=401761http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=401762http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=401763

edit: Joanne Fabrics has the same material in rolls of different colors. I have a few other projects in the works and probably will try the same but full bar wrap. Next time at the store will pull the SKU's including brand of double stick tape (not Scotch brand).

Sorry Guy/Gals, wasn't here to answer your questions, yes the silicone runs down the center of the Rav-X tape but it is pretty wide and for $12.99 it is two rolls with plenty left over for most bars as I have used it on my 46cm drop bars without running out.

Glenn

Thanks Glenn. Looks like a very interesting option.

My computer had a moment while I was typing this is what I meant to say lol.

Sorry Guys/Gals, wasn't here to answer your questions, yes the silicone runs down the center of the Rav-X tape but it is pretty wide and for $12.99 it is two rolls with plenty left over for most bars as I have used it on my 46cm drop bars without running out.I have also used another Rav-X Tape that I like but can't remember the model off the top of my head, it is thick like cork but has a no slip rubber feel to it, handles vibrations very well and is really comfortable. I had it on my Jetter when I built it just to give it a try and now I am swapping the bars over to a Bianchi Europa and the tape is staying with the bars.

Glenn
Rav-X on my Jetter
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb6758101.jpg

[MENTION=147272]Glennfordx4[/MENTION] - Did you overlap it such that the gel was adjacent between wraps? The point is to get some consistancy along the bar with respect to flex. I suppose the tape overlap might be equal to the bead providing a flatter surface after wrapping. This is an interesting option. Might try it.
[MENTION=63590]jyl[/MENTION] - Havent tried any gel under Benotto, I have done a single wrap others have done a double with the result of a more intense color. It is somewhat transparent and allows the silver from the bar to come through. A double wrap is suppose to hide the silver. If that is the case, the gel color might show through to some degree. Could be good or bad. My concern is that Benotto isn't very flexable and with gel under it, would cause problems of creep or worse.