Categories: Accessories and GearKitNostalgiaThe Hardmen

Ride Like a Leader: White Bar Tape

The Prophet rode white tape, how about you?

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.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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View Comments

Marko says:

Feb 20 2012 at 4:45 pm

@Chris
Shit, I thought so but can never ascertain sarcasm on this thing.

Could be how you laid the wraps as you came around. I've done that before. In which case, it's an easy fix.
Calmante says:

Feb 20 2012 at 4:46 pm

@Chris

Don't know how you did it, but yeah, they're definitely going in opposite directions. One thing you did get right, though, is the finishing tape! Good call on that one.

This last wrap job, I did it out to in, but it's not the way I usually like it, and I think this is the last time I do it this way. I think it looks a lot cleaner to start on the inside and go out, no finishing tape necessary.
Souleur says:

Feb 23 2012 at 11:40 am

here she is...can't wait for the White Microtex to wrap her up
building up tonight
Oli says:

Feb 23 2012 at 12:16 pm

@Souleur
Nice frameset, can't wait to see it built up!
Nate says:

Feb 23 2012 at 1:11 pm

@Souleur
Sweet, what's the build going to be?
Souleur says:

Feb 24 2012 at 8:03 am

sram force grouppo, zipp tubies for prom dates, open pro's on training days...will post later, need to get it all sized up and fine tuned as Ridley's are all with taller head tubes, so will need to trim the fork, measure...remeasure...measure
marko says:

Feb 24 2012 at 8:31 am

@Souleur
Always safe to just stick with Belgian cycling accouterments.
Ron says:

Feb 24 2012 at 9:39 am

Looking forward to seeing that Ridley get dressed up!
snoov says:

Feb 24 2012 at 9:57 am

@Chris
A pretty good job. I did something similar on my first attempt re the tape changing direction on one side. I wasn't happy with my work after the lever so I unwound and part of the edge ripped off. This would have been ok as it would be covered but when I got to the same spot it wasn't covered any more! After some head scratching I figured out that there are two ways of doing the figure eight and when I figured out how I'd done it the first time the rip was again covered.

Unfortunately I'm unable to give you a step by step account. When I did the second side it was really hard figuring out how to do it again.
Souleur says:

Feb 24 2012 at 10:59 am

@marko: I've always been fond of Italian girls, but this Belgian just spoke to me

I am eyeing some 4ZR posts..stems..and all to dress her in Belgian style, but they are few and far between. It must be special
will put up pics later this weekend i hope
had to acquire english threaded BB since the switch over from Italian