Old School: Cloth Bar Tape

Caroline_ie · 14-09-2009 8:38pm #1

I am wondering if any of you old school cyclists still use cloth/cotton handle bar tape? ...

Can you make nice pattens like this with cork bar tape?

topazkk · 14-09-2009 9:38pm

I don't know of anyone using it now but I do remember my older brother using it when racing in the late 1970's it needed replacing very often because it became very grubby and even slimy when wet, a bit icky really but does have a certain retro cool though.:) http://www.velo-orange.com/trclhata.html

blorg · 14-09-2009 9:51pm

Rottenhat uses it. I have felt his and don't think it seems very comfortable although it could be OK with gloves (I don't wear them.)

You can do the patterns with normal bar tape I believe.

Raam · 14-09-2009 9:55pm

Back in '87 I had some on my very first road bike. It wasn't comfortable at all.

topazkk · 14-09-2009 10:01pm

Raam wrote: »

Back in '87 I had some on my very first road bike. It wasn't comfortable at all.

Might be possible to use gel pads underneath though.

RobFowl · 14-09-2009 11:41pm

Benotto bar tape :cool:

Caroline_ie · 15-09-2009 7:03am

.. i was thinking a about it this morning again and I will just use normal cork tape, there is a reason why people don't use cloth tape anymore I guess :P I need proper padding for the commute.

Taltos · 15-09-2009 7:27am

I used to use it in the 80s and in a way kinda miss it. You did have to replace it quite often though - and the comments above about getting sticky / slimey / grubby - all true - but that meant you had to change it.

Used to ride then without gloves and it gave a comfortable grip. Fine in the rain - but again once it started getting slippy you really had to change it asap.

Have to take your time applying it - back then I had a racer so it was always a git getting it around the curve, and trimming it properly so that there were no gaps or bubbles. All in all though quite good - but the time needed (care needed) with the grubby dirty look... can understand why I am seeing less of it now.

ednwireland · 15-09-2009 8:06am

if you want yellow £3.83 a pack here

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A0266

(they had cinelli cork ribbon last week but its sold out !)

rottenhat · 15-09-2009 8:55am

I still use it - I guess it wouldn't be all that comfortable without gloves on but I always wear gloves and cork tape makes the bars feel too large and spongy to me. I don't find it gets any dirtier than cork tape, and in my experience it's actually harder-wearing. Or perhaps I should just say that I like the look of cloth tape with the threads hanging off it more than I like the look of cork tape with holes and tears in it. It is a little more difficult to put on than cork tape because it doesn't have as much stretch but you're not going to accidentally rip it either.

If I was going to use anything else it would be leather tape.

Probably wouldn't be good for you, Caroline - as I recall you need a lot of padding?

Old School: Cloth Bar Tape

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