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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I'll be sticking with black for the moment, though, pretending that I'm team leader when riding solo doesn't count.
We were going over this back on Page 2, but please remind me of the best method here.
I'm putting a new stem on one of my bikes. What is the best way to get the bars titled/angled the same way as I currently have them? (they are Deda bars with markings, but different makes of stems, so they won't sit in the same spot in the clamp.)
And I'm not sure if I missed it or what, but has anyone figured out how to wrap the bars with the tape going out on the drops and back on the tops when using perforated tape? I had to tape going away on the tops to get the perforations showing.
I think Oli mentioned I need to do it "right" but this was a bit vague.
I meant that if you tape it going from outside in, all your troubles will be over.
@Oli
Agreed. Outside in is the way to go!
Okay, thanks Oli. I might leave well enough alone this time & next wrapping job alternate how I go about it.
Velominati, my first attempt at bar wrapping. It took a couple of partial un-wrappings and I'm not entirely happy with the result. I'm going to leave it as is for the moment and see how it holds up to a few roller sessions and 100km or so at the weekend.
Feel free to tell me if I've got it horribly wrong.
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@Chris
The spirals should go in opposite directions on the tops (on the whole bar actually). Other than that, it looks good to me
Your kitchen tile is awful and what's going on with the hardware on the cabinetry. Jeez!
@Marko
That's the last time I post pictures of my kitchen. FFS, if you've nothing nice to say...! What's with the keepers today?
Spirals are the wrong way round? Sod, does that mean it will come apart quickly. I followed the guide on the Park Tools site.
@Chris
Lighten up francis, I was trying to make a joke about yesterday's kerfuffle.
Re bars: Your tape - on the tops - looks to be wrapped in the same direction. Look at how the overlaps both flow from left to right in the pics. They should flare out.
Chill, I knew what you were up to and was also making light of it.
I see what you mean but I think I may have just gone round the corner badly on the right hand side?