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Back when I built up the LHT, I was on a super tight budget and had to use bits and pieces I had or buy components on major clearance. I couldn't be picky. If the color tape I wanted was $18 but there was something on clearance for $8, I went for the cheaper option. Now, though, I've got the inclination to fix a few of those little things.
So I recently ordered some Newbaums cotton bar tape that tickled my fancy a bit more. I chose the maroon color (which will eventually look quite nice under some shellac, I believe). Cotton tape is something I've wanted to play with for a while. No reason. It's just something different. And there's something about the classic look and feel.
So far I like it a lot. Looks good. Feels good. I'm looking forward to the look of it as it ages, too. It was a good investment.
Get out there.
That red looks great with the olive color of your LHT! I've used cotton tape + shellac on all my drop bars for years (I can't stand the feel of the squishy, synthetic foam stuff!). If you need any tips or pointers, or if you want to know what color tape makes what when combined with either amber or clear shellac, I may be able to help. I've done all sorts of varieties ranging from off-white to chocolate brown!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Any concerns with shellac in the rain? I'm not really concerned with the look at all. But is there any brand/make of shellac that will work best for a bike that sees all weather conditions?
DeleteRain won't be an issue at all. I've found that it even stays nicely grippy when wet. And the cool thing is, if you scuff it, or if it starts to wear down, just slap another coat of shellac on it and you're good to go for a while. I only use Zinser Bullseye Shellac, which you can find at any hardware store. It comes in clear or amber, and depending on what color tape you start out with, and how many coats you put on, determines what color the tape will turn out to be. Shellac is all natural and hypoallergenic, so you don't need to worry about any nastiness or toxic repercussions of it coming into contact with your skin.
ReplyDeleteI always put 3-4 coats of shellac on fresh cotton tape. Each coat will dry within 20-30 minutes if you allow your bike to sit out in the sun while drying. I apply the shellac with those cheap foam brushes you can buy in a bundle at the hardware store.
There's so many reasons why shellaced cotton tape is the ideal bar wrap, and not just because Grant Peterson says it looks good. We've all been handed this notion that we need super-thick, squishy foam wrap for comfort, or we need expensive leather wrap to go with a fine Brooks saddle, but I will always contend that neither is the case. Bar wrap is just something else I don't want to have to think about while riding, and once you get set up with the cotton tape + shellac, you can just ride and forget it. No worries about it getting wet or dirty. It just works... and it looks good!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking to try something a little different... All black components, olive frame and deep browns in the saddle and tape. Almost reflective of an old army jeep. With that plan, I'm only a new saddle, seatpost and crankset away. So amber shellac is where I'm headed in my mind...
DeleteLooks great! Of course, since I've got the same army green/maroon bar tape, what else could I say?
ReplyDeleteI've got two generous coats of amber shellac on my mine.
Yeah, you do have a similar look, don't you!
DeleteNice looking ride. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteAs to cloth, I've had plain and shellacked and I prefer the former.
Man, the LHY has totally changed my preferences. I'm thinking of ditching the Cross Check totally. I never even touch it anymore.
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