Don't get Brooks tape. It's ****ing ****. It's like they had Ikea make it.


Get this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078S91VQ
Cheaper, actually made out of a dead cow, infinitely better in every way.

But were the cows free range and grass fed?

Yeah actually. Organic dairy cows from a dairy farm in Wisconsin. The bar tape is made onsite at the tannery too. 'Murica.

I have Brooks tape on my everyday bike, and haven't had any issues at all, but that Adarga stuff is TOP NOTCH. I have it on my summer fun bike and it really is a cut above the rest of the herd (no apologies for the pun ;) )

brooks is real leather. shuwahat?

Brooks bartape is made of leather in the same way that Ikeas furniture is made of wood.

It's like leather scraps grinded up and shaped.

I shant believe. You have any sources? I've handled the stuff. How would they even shape pieces of leather into wrap?

Cut a piece off. The insides have the texture of cork.

i go with the gtb.

Don't do it! I had the same thought and threw a gold KMC X10SL on my black & white Felt this past weekend (with plans to get some gold Ti bolts down the road). If you want an accent color look for better places to do it. The chain looks tacky when shiny and new and will just look gross once after a few hundred miles.

Should I take the track bars off my budget bike and put the ...risers back on?
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=366232http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=366232

^ you posted the same pic twice. They look good, do you ride it enough to keep on the new bars? Maybe would prefer on different bike? or keep em on

Fiveflat, comfort should be what you base your decision on. Are you comfortable in the drops on that bike? Risers will be a very different position on the bike. Do whatever feels best, man.

That is just false. I have a scrap sitting in front of me right now, and it is full grain leather, though chamfered at the edges. You may not like the stuff, but it's leather, and it is nice though pricey. Yeah, there's alternatives that are just as nice or even nicer, but don't spread some FUD like that just because you don't like a branding.

I have nothing against the Branding. Brooks saddles are great.

Their bartape is **** and is made in china.

That's a valid criticism, but that doesn't mean it isn't leather. I personally think Brooks overcharges for it for sure, and the bar end plugs suck major pole, but the wrap is actually pretty good if you get a decent deal on it (I got mine cheap from a local shop during a close out)

I certainly will not complain about it for the 35 bucks I paid for mine, and the quality is much much much better than any non-leather wrap I've used.

I never said it wasn't leather. You really should read what I wrote.
Doesn't sound like you're too pleased with it either. ****ty plugs, and "pretty good" quality even after having paid less than half of retail.



It isn't up to par with other Brooks products. I mean FFS, the colors don't even match their saddles according to most reviews.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/4354385570.html

should i turn this into my beater/rain bike? I like the alu/carbon fiber, i like that it looks like ****, i don't like new headset for beater bike. Also, no fenders.

fenders are the only thing i like about my current beater/rain bike.

I wouldn't. Track bike =/= good rain bike.

If the 725TR has the same geo as a 725/735 then you shouldn't have any issues mounting SKS fenders to it. My 735 has front/rear fenders and still no toe overlap. Price seems pretty good.

Should I guy for Nitto risers or Nitto bullhorns? I want to have both at some point but for now I can only afford 1 or the other. I usually just buy cheap generic handlebars but I want something of good quality for a change.

Radical. Pictures? We're you able to mount them to a non-drilled carbon fork or would fork need to be drilled for brake to mount them? Also what size tires can you fit with the fenders?

It's on 32s, mine clip onto the fork. I added a little spacer to make them not rub on the 32.

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/...301_150336.jpg

MF'er put 32s and fenders on a track frame.

I ain't even mad doe. Kinda impressed.

It was supposed to be a dedicated track bike but I was underwhelmed with it, so I use it as my commuter/lock up bike now.

That's rad, definitely impressed. The Dood already sold the frame, so my hypothetical alu/carbon rain/beater track bike is still hypothetical. At least I know that it can be done though.

Chris King R45s to Archetypes...

http://www.pedalroom.com/forums/mark...-wheelset-3055

... should I buy em used or make them myself? this seems like a good deal...

For a half second I was positive I laced those.


$750 is like 95% of retail cost. Hardly a good deal. 600 dollar hubset, 60 dollar rims, dollar spokes, dime nipples.

You should all consider taking a Track Racing Orientation Class near you: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...tation-Classes

You know, do track stuff with yer track bikes!

But it's raining out and track orientation classes aren't till the end of April.

Hurrumph.