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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@Gianni: beautiful wrap, absolutely beautiful. Is it sterile wrap, its SOOO clean?
@Frank: thanks for noting some exceptions to the rule here, in that, celeste does don the Bianchi, my work bike, daily commuter. I just couldn't bear doing white/black with celest paint, especially since even the cable housings are celeste. It must match.
@Ron: I wouldn't think the Gore would do much about that, it tends to be cable tension vs the cable guide type you have on the down tube. Secondly, yes, Fizik is always right...always. But, even better is Brooks for a classic steel ride like you have, but it must be mated right also. good luck, i love steel.
@SimonH: nice ride! I would go white Fizik microtex, all the way, its not too much, given you've mated the stem/post (which is the unwritten rule..they must match).
@Mike Pearce: black brother, that fucker is a workhorse and a great looking rig, so don it black IMHO. Sweet ride brother!!!
@frank: fantastic suggestion on the levers. its always a tenous deal leveling, looking, measureing in trigonometric fashion...lever tips, lever tops, side to side, center to center....that is simple and a great one.
will be doing it soon!
@SimonH
Wow, that is a stunner. I'd still go white on the bars, but as I said to @Gianni, the white stem/bars is a look I've been pondering, and you're not helping me think its not a good idea! The white seatpost is an interesting touch, and I've been seeing that saddle around a lot lately. How do you like it?
@razmaspaz
What @Chris said.
The more sensitive among you may choose to look away now, as I present the Fizik horror which is on my beautiful Ridley.
I don't have a comparison to hand but I think this brown tape is much thicker than the normal Microtex stuff, which does however lead me to ask why they sell it as the same thing.
I chose the colour because they called it Honey and I have a Honey Brooks saddle, so I am in compliance with the rules... except there's no way that's Honey. It's Brown.
Look at how the edge stands up. It's so thick I had to get a hammer to wedge the bar ends in.
And on the bends it just would not pull smooth so I have horrible creases.
I wouldn't say I was likely to win any prizes but I've never had a disaster like this with other bar tape.
I think I'll go back to Cinellie and put the Bubble tape on - not classic but it is truly excellent in sweaty conditions, of which we have plenty. That's another area I suspect this Fizik tape is not going to perform well in. It already feels slippy.
Unfotunately my choices in AD are very limited so I will have to wait until I'm back in the UK next, after the Keepers' Tour.
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@frank
No. I decided. You have to start learning how to read upside down.
@SimonH
It might be because the rear wheel is lifted, but your saddle looks like it's in violation.
@SimonH
I'm gonna suggest white bar tape to give you an all-white cockpit. It'll balance that totem pole-length seatpost.
@Mikel Pearce
Mikel, I'll go with the black tape here. One of the great features of a BMC is their interesting and slightly quirky frame design. The white tape distracts from this whereas the black pulls the eye towards the visually exciting and interesting frame where it belongs.
ps If your position is dialled-in, you might want to sort out that steerer tube "issue." You know what I'm talking about!
@Ron
Those Gore cables were just recalled for Campa because the terminals can pop off. I was going to put these on my Bianchi this spring, but I'm holding off now until the recall is resolved.
@Mikel Pearce
This!
That would be perfect in my opinion. Especially with rest of the set up.