Help me pick a bar tape please.

[vav]

I saw a thread about picking tape to go with a Cambium saddle and wanted to appeal to the forum's collective taste to suggest a color for my newly picked up Circle A bike. As usual thanks in advance :)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7516/16226189552_532eb43a27_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qHRsQQ)IMG_20150107_210708 (https://flic.kr/p/qHRsQQ) by vavpa (https://www.flickr.com/people/63560619@N06/), on Flickr

[joosttx]

Nice bike. I would go with black. Nothing that I know of really matches with that seat.

Its a pretty enough paint job that I would "mute" the bar tape. The paint job will carry the bike and the bar tape will only distract.

[R3awak3n]

I would probably go with black as well. Boring yes but kinda makes sense on that bike

[Louis]

Too much black already to go with black bar tape.

I'd go with white, or something close to the saddle.

[eBAUMANN]

Nice bike. I would go with black. Nothing that I know of really matches with that seat.

Its a pretty enough paint job that I would "mute" the bar tape. The paint job will carry the bike and the bar tape will only distract.

agreed!

needs a black group too IMO :p
all black errythang!

sweet monostay and number hanger too!

[FlashUNC]

White. The only choice really.

[Gsinill]

HandleBra Aqua Marine
http://store.handlebra.com/v/vspfiles/photos/HB-AquaMarine-2.jpg

[pinkshogun]

I have a few options for you

[Ti Designs]

Having worked in the bike industry for 30 years, I'm now trying to ignore the bicycle and see the rest of the world. 3 electric dryers - that alone will take up a 100 amp service. You have a laundry issue?

[p nut]

Cambium? (http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/bags/other+brooks+products/Cambium+Bar+Tape)

[Saint Vitus]

Match the accent color of the frame? (I see that in the time it took to PS the pic, someone else suggested that)

[thwart]

… like the number hanger… :banana:

This might work: Cinelli natural cork.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/medium/Cinelli-cinelli-gel-cork-handlebar-tape-natural-IMG19687.jpg

[phoenix]

Having worked in the bike industry for 30 years, I'm now trying to ignore the bicycle and see the rest of the world. 3 electric dryers - that alone will take up a 100 amp service. You have a laundry issue?
Awesome!

[sparky33]

Cambium? (http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/bags/other+brooks+products/Cambium+Bar+Tape)

I had no idea Brooks made cotton tape to match the Cambium saddles. A defining look.

in general, I go with black. However, the paint asks for white tape to compliment the white lettering and dark background.

[sparky33]

Awesome bike, by the way.

I saw a thread about picking tape to go with a Cambium saddle and wanted to appeal to the forum's collective taste to suggest a color for my newly picked up Circle A bike. As usual thanks in advance :)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7516/16226189552_532eb43a27_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qHRsQQ)IMG_20150107_210708 (https://flic.kr/p/qHRsQQ) by vavpa (https://www.flickr.com/people/63560619@N06/), on Flickr

[thirdgenbird]

Matching cambium tape. No question. Hot bike.

[ctcyclistbob]

I'm with those who've suggested aqua blue or similar, to match the color accents on the frame. That would look pretty sharp, and balanced.

[Fishbike]

Brooks make a teal leather tape that might work well. It will either be perfect or not. It is a perfect match for my teal Merckx. I was going to go white and then I was at the LBS when the Brooks U.S. rep. was there. So I just couldn't refuse.

[Louis]

Matching the BB and fork end highlights was the first thing that came to my mind, but sometimes (not always) that makes a bike look "too pretty," as if you're trying too hard to get everything just right.

[Keith A]

Match the accent color of the frame? (I see that in the time it took to PS the pic, someone else suggested that)That would be my choice too.

[ctcyclistbob]

Yes, the Brooks idea could work. Here's their turquoise bar tape:

[cnighbor1]

match the blue on the frame
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Selev-Blue-Italy-Handlebar-Tape-BAR-TAPE-Cork-Ribbon-NEW-/181632242688?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a4a201400

[professerr]

Having worked in the bike industry for 30 years, I'm now trying to ignore the bicycle and see the rest of the world. 3 electric dryers - that alone will take up a 100 amp service. You have a laundry issue?

Laundry venting issues -- I'd replace those flexible mylar ducts on the right with semi-rigid (like the left dryer) or rigid ones, especially if these are seeing heavy use in, say, a multi-unit dwelling. Fire safety and efficiency, and all.

And I'd go with the teal stuff; for the bike, that is.

[pinkshogun]

perforated tape looks more classic than cork

[Tony T]

… like the number hanger… :banana:

This might work: Cinelli natural cork.


Used to be my choice, then they started using a backing tape that left too much residue on the bars (I know, it's covered by the new tape :))
Anyway, I use Fizik now.

My choice for the OP is Fizik black with logo:

[thirdgenbird]

Nice bike. I would go with black. Nothing that I know of really matches with that seat.

I know I am repeating myself, but Brooks has matching Cambium bar tape.

[weaponsgrade]

IMHO, the only time white looks good on any bike is right before the very first ride. Though I suppose that in this case, after a few rides the tape will match the off-whiteish saddle color. Personally, I'd go with that turquoise color.

[Keith A]

IMHO, the only time white looks good on any bike is right before the very first ride. Though I suppose that in this case, after a few rides the tape will match the off-whiteish saddle color. Personally, I'd go with that turquoise color.You should try Fizik's Performance bar tape...the white stays white for a long time.

[makoti]

I'm going to agree with the Brooks Cambrium tape. I also tought aqua to match the paint, but when I saw the pic, I didn't like it. Sweet ride, too.

[SpokeValley]

I'd go with any of the above ;0)

Be sure to post some pix when you decide.

Sweet machine, BTW :)

[93legendti]

Laundry venting issues -- I'd replace those flexible mylar ducts on the right with semi-rigid (like the left dryer) or rigid ones, especially if these are seeing heavy use in, say, a multi-unit dwelling. Fire safety and efficiency, and all.

And I'd go with the teal stuff; for the bike, that is.

Around here rental codes require rigid venting in single family residences...

[vav]

Ok ok, 3 pages and the only certain thing is that this weekend I'll replace the flexible ducts with rigids :cool:

I like the matching Cambium so far but not 100% sure yet.

[Louis]

Ok ok, 3 pages and the only certain thing is that this weekend I'll replace the flexible ducts with rigids :cool:

What color?

[josephr]

What color?

black, of course.

[Louis]

black, of course.

That won't pick up the chrome highlights on the dryers.

[Elefantino]

A bike like that deserves nothing but the best ...

HandleBra!

You'll thank me (and, mostly, Ray) later.

[merlincustom1]

Easy problem. Get black, blue, cambrium. Swap out every season. You're set for three years.

[everbeek]

I dislike black bikes. Your's is great looking. Always start out with white tape.
-Mike

[macaroon]

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/images/items/900/CIN/CIN0004/NA.jpg

[zennmotion]

Youse guys have no imagination! If you're sufficiently secure in your masculinity and aversion to peer pressure groupthink, why not a dark pink? :eek:Seriously, I'd try it- rules are made to be broken and it's your bike, not a business suit- This one is pretty cool and fits the rebel pedigree of circle A
http://www.amazon.com/Unique-Leopard-Handlebar-Bicycle-Magenta/dp/B00OZCZ8O2#

"We specialize in custom steel frames, lugged and tig welded; frame repairs and repaints; and in our spare time, smashing the state. A frame from us will be more than your transportation. It's your companion on adventures. It will listen when no one else will. It won't judge. It knows how to get you home safely. It offers good advice and knows how to make a strong cup of coffee or a stronger mint julep."

[sandyrs]

Youse guys have no imagination! If you're sufficiently secure in your masculinity and aversion to peer pressure groupthink, why not a dark pink? :eek:Seriously, I'd try it- rules are made to be broken and it's your bike, not a business suit- This one is pretty cool and fits the rebel pedigree of circle A
http://www.amazon.com/Unique-Leopard-Handlebar-Bicycle-Magenta/dp/B00OZCZ8O2#

"We specialize in custom steel frames, lugged and tig welded; frame repairs and repaints; and in our spare time, smashing the state. A frame from us will be more than your transportation. It's your companion on adventures. It will listen when no one else will. It won't judge. It knows how to get you home safely. It offers good advice and knows how to make a strong cup of coffee or a stronger mint julep."

Agreed.

http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/fbe5ac8ca17c11e3b9b8122fb60c5e56_8.jpg

[Seramount]

way too many colors going on...

black paint
aqua accents
white logos
silver rims
tan sidewalls
whatever the saddle is (beige?)

start by getting some all black tires...see if that helps.

[Brian Cdn]

Like this...

[thirdgenbird]

way too many colors going on...

black paint
aqua accents
white logos
silver rims
tan sidewalls
whatever the saddle is (beige?)

start by getting some all black tires...see if that helps.

You are crazy. The tan tires and cambium are part of what makes this bike rock.

Some bikes pull off multiple colors. This is a prime example.

[snah]

way too many colors going on...

black paint
aqua accents
white logos
silver rims
tan sidewalls
whatever the saddle is (beige?)

start by getting some all black tires...see if that helps.

I like the tan sidewalls, but I'd vote white tape and white saddle.

[Ti Designs]

That won't pick up the chrome highlights on the dryers.

Now we're getting somewhere!

[guido]

Brooks does sell Cambium tape to match the new saddles...
http://www.amazon.com/Brooks-Cambium-Bar-Tape-Rust/dp/B00RNP7M74/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1420822180&sr=8-24&keywords=brooks+handlebar+tape

I saw a thread about picking tape to go with a Cambium saddle and wanted to appeal to the forum's collective taste to suggest a color for my newly picked up Circle A bike. As usual thanks in advance :)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7516/16226189552_532eb43a27_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qHRsQQ)IMG_20150107_210708 (https://flic.kr/p/qHRsQQ) by vavpa (https://www.flickr.com/people/63560619@N06/), on Flickr

[Seramount]

You are crazy. The tan tires and cambium are part of what makes this bike rock.

oh, no argument on being crazy...

I have a pathological dislike of the color brown, so I'd go black tires and then try and match saddle and tape. white or aqua being the first two choices.

[jmoore]

What do you want to emphasize, the frameset or the accessories? If it is the frame, then you need a neutral color on the bars, so I'd get the matching Cambium tape or maybe some cotton Newbaums/Green Grips. Something like that. That would let the colors of the frame really pop.

If not, then aqua Brooks or Handlebra would look slamming. You could always go black Handlebra with aqua cords to still have some bling but make it more subtle.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Your first, second, and third choices should be black, black, and black, respectively.

[pitcrew]

How many pages can this thread go on the subject of picking one roll of bar tape (not to minimize the significance of the decision though....)?

:)

[jmoore]

How many pages can this thread go on the subject of picking one roll of bar tape (not to minimize the significance of the decision though....)?

:)


Bar tape and bottle cage threads always go on a long time! We could easily get to 8-10 pages on this one. They are some of my favorites topics!

[weightshift]

White: considering the silver components, and that over time the white will take on a muted hue and tone with some grime, that would match the Cambium eventually.

Second pick is black to tone down the silver components and hide away into the frame's black parts.

I like the mix of bar tape and saddle — to me, they don't have to match.

But hey, it's bar tape — you can always switch it out if you don't like it.

[OtayBW]

How many pages can this thread go on the subject of picking one roll of bar tape (not to minimize the significance of the decision though....)?

:)
Allow me to minimize it:
It's bar tape. Apply. Ride bike. Talk to friends. Check with wife (no, scratch that...). Photograph it and upload for review. Ride bike more. Friends again. Ride. Wife (no...).
Then spend 20 minutes and change out again if you're (they're/we're) not happy. Repeat as needed.

Done.:banana:

[jmoore]

I like the mix of bar tape and saddle — to me, they don't have to match.



blasphemer!!

[Ti Designs]

Allow me to minimize it

Yeh, that never works. Of everything on the bike - frame, parts, wheels, cables, saddle... the one thing you see while riding is the tape. I'll go so far as to say the color, texture and style of bar tape is more important than the fit of the bike. I'm also going to give up on bike fitting and become a handlebar tape color consultant (too bad I'm color blind...). It really all comes down to safety, if your bar tape is wrong, you're not going to be watching where you're going and you're gonna hurt yourself. Do it right, bring in a professional handlebar tape color consultant. And while we're at it, can we switch the fitting section of this forum to a color section?

[OtayBW]

I'm also going to give up on bike fitting and become a handlebar tape color consultant (too bad I'm color blind...). You'll be perfect!! :eek:

Actually, I'm a Cinelli cork man myself - very simple. It usually just comes down to one of two colors for whatever bike I'm dealing with: black or white.....(OK natural cork on one....).

[jmoore]

Yeh, that never works. Of everything on the bike - frame, parts, wheels, cables, saddle... the one thing you see while riding is the tape. I'll go so far as to say the color, texture and style of bar tape is more important than the fit of the bike. I'm also going to give up on bike fitting and become a handlebar tape color consultant (too bad I'm color blind...). It really all comes down to safety, if your bar tape is wrong, you're not going to be watching where you're going and you're gonna hurt yourself. Do it right, bring in a professional handlebar tape color consultant. And while we're at it, can we switch the fitting section of this forum to a color section?


Great idea. If we had a color sub-forum, then we could have avoided most of the paint travesties on Landsharks and Colnago's over the years. :hello:

[weightshift]

blasphemer!!

Haha! It does have to be done well and pick up on an accent.

Like this:
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2d/73/d4/2d73d435e1d90cfe97de485ea505a3d6.jpg

Or to pop:
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f3/10/31/f31031da86b2255c36a84fc1eb8edc73.jpg

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/1f/ed/1f1fed665852c64fb9a9aa2e08d19ac3.jpg

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e6/31/f7/e631f7599e7c56453029cc540672260e.jpg

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cc/b5/60/ccb560340422bd8bb23da13ef30003fd.jpg

[Louis]

I like the mix of bar tape and saddle — to me, they don't have to match.

Go for the mix: On my daily driver I currently have one color of splash bar tape on one side and a different color splash tape on the other. (and lots of electrical tape holding it all together)

[Brian Cdn]

Go for the mix: On my daily driver I currently have one color of splash bar tape on one side and a different color splash tape on the other. (and lots of electrical tape holding it all together)

A little beige a little blue...