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 just got some new bar tape on my French steed. White cotton tape (a la the Prophet) purchased from Cycles Alex Singer in Levallois for 4€. The non Rules compliant saddle-to-bar drop is because I just switched to my rain saddle and didn't get a chance to change the seatpost height.
I ride a Bianchi. Only Celeste will do for me. It's "white" enough to demand the same respect.
Rule #8 question... I'm acquiring a 1985 Bianchi Veloce. Nothing special, but it's Celeste, Italian, and draped in Campy.
What to do for tape/saddle/tires? The hoods are tan/brown, and I'm not sure I can source other colors. The saddle is an ugly black Selle that has to be replaced with something with large brass rivets. Three possibilities that have been suggested:
1) Brown tape to match the hoods, brown leather saddle, and leave the tires and cable housings black.
2) Celeste tape, brown saddle and tire sidewalls, black cable housings.
3) White tape and saddle, tan tires to match the hoods. White housing?
@Auto-X Fil
I'd go with option #3, but I'm not sure about white housing - for me it would depend on the colour of the logos on the frame
Logos are that darker blue Bianchi used in the 1980's. I could potentially match them to the cable, but black or white seemed easier.
I don't know where you are...UK? but if you wanted the option to change hood colours, these might do?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/hudz-campagnolo-ergo-v2-original-sti-hoods-9-10-spd/
you can also buy OEM campy ones for £20 in red black and white on the same site....but I guess 1985 is downtube shifters right?
Personally with Celeste I would go white saddle and hoods, in my minds eye cannot decide if white or black would be best for the cable housing..
If you like the tan hoods the you could go vittoria open corsa tyres with the gum walls in which case get yourself i nice brooks swift or swallow or B17 saddle to perch yourself on. Brown hoods and saddle, I would say white cable housings but black would not be out of the question....
As ever, if it looks wrong it probably is but personally I like tan hoods and tape on nice old navy blue and maroon bikes....celeste, I am not so sure..
Deda do a decent leather look bar tape (it looks like bar ends are black so maybe it is better to have black cable housings after all)..
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-leather-look-bar-tape/
I never...ever...have white on tyres, I just think it makes you look like an american cadillac with white wall tyres..just my person opinion..you are the one who has to ride it!
@Auto-X Fil
In that case I would probably try the white housing rather than the black. I really like the gum hoods with tan sidewall tires on an '80s era downtube shift boss frame with white tape and saddle - that should look sweet. Jagwire makes their Racer housing kit in celeste if that interests you - normally I'd say that much celeste housing would be too gaudy/matchy-matchy, but since you'd only be using the brake cable housing it may look nice.
You might find something you want here....http://www.campyoldy.co.uk/index.htm
@Auto-X Fil Black tyres (tan sidewalls if possible), white or Celeste handlebar tape, black saddle, black or grey cable housings. A bike like that shouldn't be subject to the modern Rules, it should reference its own era. Trying to match things will make it look try-hard and crap, in my opinion.
The VMH just got some new Leader Tape for Spring 2013 cruising, applied by the resident wrench. She pays the bills, I tune the steeds. She doesn't push herself too hard, but I always let her lead, as the view is much better bringing up the rear.