Dear Greg, Darlene, & All: Bob Hovey and the august CR members have given sage advice as usual. Here's a few more tips. We usually cut a few inches on one end at an angle so the end is flush with the end of the bar for plug installation. Then one can start to wind while gently stretching to put a little tension on the tape to keep it from unravelling. If you want to shellac or spray adhesive by all means do so if thats your pleasure.When starting on the end please wrap from the inside of the bar to the outside on each side. Reason: When you have your hands in the drops, your weight and palms role out more and that way you keep the tension and prevent unwinding. Either cut a few short strips at the hoods to cover the bar nicely, or go around a time or two more if it doesn't get too thick and /or unsightly. At the hood it gets a little tricky. You'll have to reverse direction of wrap here because on the top of the bar your weight and palms usually roll back so at this section you wrap from the front of the bike to the back over the top to keep tension and tightness. Some people cut the tape and wrap bottoms and tops separately and sticky tape them under the hoods, but I don't like that. Too many ends. Fasten at the top to your personal choice. Now your pretty bike is ready to show! BUT CAUTION!!
If you place your machine in a show be advised that spot checks are made by monitors of the Secret Silk Tire Society. These are usually Italians of the most particular ilk. They are also known as the clandestine art jury. One of the faults they look for is Bar Tape Installation! They will pause in front of a bike and count the number of wraps on each side of the bar. If they don't match you will notice one eyebrow raising at this time. Look up briefly, nod gently and look humble and contrite. The monitor will accept this apology and expect you to correct the defect. A matter of honor. If your demeanor is defiant the monitor's withering expression and upper lip curl means your bicycle will be placed in the List of Shame Book unless you immediately change your antlitz and bow your head. This will mean a penalty of two successive bike inspections at subsequent shows to free your bike's spirit. If your attire / clothing doesn't match your machine and your tape is wrong, the monitor will utter the word dilletante in addition to his visual scorn and your bike is instantly placed on the List of Shame regardless of your expression. Then only the successful passing of five successive show tests will redeem the soul of your treasured velo. If you don't redeem your two wheel treasure it will remain on the LIST and be doomed to roaming the earth forever, riding uphill, against the wind, in the rain, and over cobblestones. All other treasured velos will be given entry to the Venerable Valhalla Velodrome where they will be forever pampered, lubed, polished, maintained, with tender loving care for all eternity. You Have Been Warned. Ted Ernst.
> Could we engage in a discussion about using the leather tape? Since I'm in
> line for a few rolls, I'd like to make sure I use it in the best manner
> possible.
>
> I have always wrapped cloth tape starting up by the stem and wrapping down
> to the end. At the end, I tuck a bit in and secure it with the plug.
> Others on the list have recommended wrapping in the other direction,
> citing the reason that the natural action of the hands does not tend to
> unwrap the tape when done in this fashion. However, they must then secure
> the loose end at the top with a strip of some kind of adhesive tape. While
> I have never had a problem with tape unwrapping with my method, I have had
> the small bit of tape at the top come loose when doing it the other way.
>
> It seems that the thickness of the leather would make tucking in at the
> bar end with a plug rather difficult. I would like to hear from those who
> have tried it different ways which way worked best for them.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Greg Pitman
> Rancho Cucamonga, CA