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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@brett
That Ben K didn't get an Oscar for Sexy Beast is a stain upon their roll of honor. Astounding performance both on-screen and even when he''s not. Right up there with Emily Watson not getting one for Breaking the Waves. I Mean to say, but Helen Hunt and Catherine Zeta Jones have Oscars FFS! Kinda like Carlos Sastre and Oscar Peirero "winning" a tour while riders like Poulidor never got one.
@Gianni
Man, that white cockpit is the business. Nice job!
@paolo
Get the Park tool guide for cutting steerer tubes.
If not, bring it to a shop.
OK, I'm stopping myself here, too many variables. It is not hard but I won't bore you with my methods.
@SimonH
I am not saying this to be picky, but it looks from the fore and aft shots as if the saddle is pointing out towards the right-hand brake lever. It may well be a trick of perspective, but if I'm right is it a deliberate bike-fit thing? Lovely bike!
Is there a good bit of urban lore, or a "that's how my grand pappy taught me" sort of methodology on the direction you start the wrap? Looking at some of the images posted throughout the article, I can see the left bar viewed from the cockpit for example, has started both clockwise and counterclockwise. Does this depend on how you go about dealing with the hood?
Anything Good is better with bacon.
@roger
I just make sure that when I finish, the tape is coming over the bar towards me. That way my grip tightens the tape.
@Gianni
Please fire away. That's what we are here for no? To obsess over the infinite details, plus I want to learn. I didn't even know there was a guide. I was going to wing it which now sounds like a bad idea. BTW..bad ass bike mate..very nice.
@Cyclops
I know some vegan hipsters whose bikes scream out to be "rewrapped" under the cover of darkness with bacon bar tape. Muahahah...
@mcsqueak
Waste of good bar tape . . . . or bacon for that matter.