The only thing I'd like to add is that it's a single strip wide but it usually (at least on my bikes) multiple wrappings to make it thicker and actually provide a bit of a cushion. This of course only works with cloth, padded vinyl or 'cork' tapes. Don't expect any protection from Benotto cello!
Although more common on track bikes I have it on a few of my road bikes as well, and in fact it's a good way to hide a dent that was put in the TT by a previous owner, as my orange '76 Marinoni will attest. :-)
David Bilenkey Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
> -----Original Message-----
> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
> [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Mara &
> Steven Maasland
> Sent: May 31, 2003 8:56 PM
> Cc: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: [CR]top tube bar tape
>
>
> Greg asked:
>
> > I hate to show my ignorance, but.. At the Cirque this year &
> > periodically 0n ebay I have seen bikes with a single band of what
> > appears to be cloth bar tape wrapped around the top tube 6 or so
> > inches from the headtube. What function does this serve? The only
> > thing I could think of was some type of sweat catcher. If that is
> > the purpose I would have to wrap most of my top tube. I seem to
> > dribble sweat all over the front half of my bike.
>
> This is more common on Track bikes. It is placed where the handlebars
> would come into contact with the top tube. It is a good idea on any
> bike that gets transported frequently.
>
> Steven Maasland
> Moorestown, NJ