When done correctly, Cycling can be both the hardest and dirtiest of sports. We relish in the glory of returning from a ride, battered by the four winds and soaked by the seven rains; our bodies, faces, and machines covered in the reasons why most people might stay indoors. Given that, there is something almost cavalier about submitting to the deluge in the color white, particularly when it comes to shoes, socks, jerseys, and bar tape.
Modern cycling teams, with budgets outsized only by the egos inhabiting the roster, are tending strongly towards a Three Musketeers, unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno mentality. Yet, in years gone by, when Rule #5 was a way of life more so than a badge of honor as it is for us, teams were dominated by a single leader who shouldered responsibility in all manner of races throughout the season. In those days, team bikes were generally built, as they are now, in accordance with Rule #8, with bars wrapped in blue, black, red, or green tape. One bike, however, always stood out as the exception: the team leader’s bars were always wrapped in white.
White is a glorious color to grace a set of handlebars. It emphasizes the sensual sweep of the drops and the beautiful curve from the hoods to the tops. It brings out the crisp shadows of the cables running beneath the tape to highlight a perfect wrap. It stands as a testament to the care that is undertaken in maintaining the machine, for without meticulous attention white does not stay white for long. It states that these bars are graced not by the sullied hands of a domestique, but by the clean grip of a leader.
When it comes to wrapping bars, there are many classy possibilities – black is always stylish and versatile (you can dress it up or you can dress it down), red is fast, celeste is classic – but for Bike #1, I always choose white not because it’s Pro, but because when I go out, I ride like a leader.
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View Comments
@Mikel Pearce
I like it with the white tape. Although with the Zipps and white tape it may look a bit different... but hey, everything looks better with Zipps!
@Anjin-san
It's one of those little sweat bras for the trainer. Many Rules don't apply while riding in the house. In fact, sometimes I wear T-shirts and ankle socks.
@SimonH
I really dig how the colors alternate from black to white. Black levers, white hoods, black tape, white bars/stem. The white plugs are a nice touch. That frontal shot is incredibly sexy. I am also digging the white hubs. Perhaps white cable outers?
@SimonH
Ti bikes are the tits, and that's a beauty. Black hoods will top it off nicely, white tape would be too much goin on.
@DerHoggz
Perhaps...
@Anjin-san
@Marko
Yes I know I have "spacer issues". The bike was new in the photos and I was still getting the position dialled. Will be taken care of shortly.
The bike is definitely a workhorse, but i do like to dress her up every now and then. I may just continue to alternate between white and black just for fun.
That Enigma is f'n gorgeous.
@SimonH
@ChrisO
Tell me the seats have been straightened. This detail, and getting the bars exactly at ninety degrees to the front wheel, is something I spend a lot of time on. Well just enough until they are straight.
Oh sorry, before that detail, my first thought was nice bike, including the BMC.
@frank
True dat! I've learned a couple fo really good things from this site and my bar wrapping skills have increased. The Fizik tape isn't easy to wrap and it takes a good deal of tension and I never get it on perfect in one go. I always get a spot like Chris O has then I have to unwrap a couple of turns and re-do and as Frank says you have a good bit left over. I always have a decent sweat on my brow when I'm done. I think it's worth it.
@Mikel Pearce
The other thing I have learned a lot about here from discussions is fitting and position and voer the last year I have been going in tiny increments, back and up at the rear and forward and down at the front. I can't believe how I used to ride. Now I have more power and my back doesn't ache on long rides because I was all cramped up. Anyhoo this now has led me to the verge of "spacer issues" and soon it will be time to cut the steerer. Thats said does anyone here with experience have any tips about this other than the obvious measure twice and cut once. Is there anything to watch out for? Do I need some kind of special blade for carbon? Anything?? Coz I do not want to fook me fork up...thanks.
Sorry for being off topic...
@SimonH
What kind of Ti frame is that? Sure is nice.
@Souleur
@frank
Men, here are some better shots of the all white cockpit. And more detail on the Strack electrical tape color detail.
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