Leather wrapped bars - I'm still doing it!!!
I purchase vegetable dyed leather, cut it into the correct size strip, dye it to match my Brooks Saddle - antique brown or black - punch holes and then stitch. I stitch with leather lacing. It makes a nice ridge to hold on to. It takes me about 8 hours to do one set of bars. The leather is much thicker than the old kits (I bought one before I decided to do it myself).
I have about 4000 miles on my Masi with this setup (including many rainy rides) and with the application of a little Proofhide and the buffing of leather palmed gloves, it looks better than when I installed it.
I just finished a set of bars for my new Sachs. This one has modern components, including Campy 10 speed. I was able to successfully stitch the leather over the bars with the cables underneath - looks better than any cork taped job and should last for years.
Steve Rice Shelbyville, KY
> [Original Message]
> From: Morgan Fletcher <morgan@hahaha.org>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Date: 1/21/2003 6:29:36 PM
> Subject: Re: Fwd: [CR]Re I hate tape......
>
> Mara & Steven Maasland <TheMaaslands@comcast.net> writes:
> > Rhode Gear used to market a grreat little kit that came with the pre-
> > perforated leather, special waxed thread and a couple of very sturdy
> > needles. Back in the late 70's early 80's it retailed for about $20-25.
>
> I'm not sure if I remember right, but I think Cinelli also offered such a
> kit. Similar kits are available for cars as well.
>
> Morgan Fletcher
> Oakland, CA
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--- Steve Rice
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