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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@Oli
sorry, will desist.
slightly off topic, radially spoked wheels and cobbles? Bad Idea?
It certainly wouldn't be my preference, but if it's built well and you're not riding like a maniac it should be okay...I guess?
While we're on white bar tape - I just got my bars retaped (put it on myself? hells no) in Zipp Service Course CX tape, in pristine white. The CX tape is nicely padded, and feels great. I don't have amazingly large hands, but I do appreciate a larger diameter bar in my hands. When MTBing I prefer Oury grips. Those things are bad-arse.
The bike did have fizik tape on it, which was nice enough, but didn't blow my mind. It was pretty quickly stained from Singapore-sweaty rides, too. Probably my fault for not cleaning tape as well as I could, and for being a sweaty bastard.
@Oli
Alternatively, a re-build might be in order. Thanks.
I might not be riding like a maniac but I will be riding with maniacs. I'm also mindful of the reduced ability to avoid stuff when riding in a group.
@Chris
Why take that chance? Probably the only time you'll hear me say 3-cross.
@Calmante
I have no intention of taking any chances but is three-cross not overkill? Time to find a local master craftsman.
Tell me you're not looking for an excuse not to buy more gear?!?!
Nate - very, very close to picking up those Ritchey Clasic bars & stem, then saw the bars in person on a friend's bike. I didn't like the drop curve on them, pretty shallow, kind of weird, in my opinion. I like classic round, they seem shallow and short.
They definitely look nice though! I've seen the bars, stem, post on a bike matched up. Very slick, but the bar curve seems weird to me.
@Marko
aren't we all?
@SimonH
Funny that you wrote it in terms of your back; I was perusing Slamthatstem.com when I commented before, and my original thought was, as they say on that site, "do some yoga and slam that shit!"