[CR]Applying and coloring/aging leather bar tape

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org, tsan7759142@comcast.net
From: "Neill Currie" <neill-currie@excite.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 10:58:17 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [CR]Applying and coloring/aging leather bar tape

Well, I have had the leather bar tape on a bike for the last 2 and a half years now. I believe I was the person who first ordered the tape from the pa Harness Shop, and I have posted their contact details to this list before, along with some hints and tips on the care and feeding of the wrap.To summarize: I have wrapped my tape tightly over a single layer of double sided "carpet" tape, made by 3-M (??), i never wet the tape or treated it in any way prior to wrapping, and it has never moved on the bars at all. I have the honey colored tape on the bike, and a honey colored Brooks B17. The tape started out life a lighter shade of honey than the saddle. To get a perfect match I have used the following products. The lightest darkening is achieved with a rag and clear shoe polish, medium with a rag and neatsfoot oil, and the darkest with a rag and cordovan shoe polish. it is better to try the least darkening method first.......it may be difficult to impossible to "remove" darkenin
   g.Over time though, the tape tends to darken in areas where ones hands spend most of the time. In this case I have found that a light application of clear shoe polish and a general buffing with a clean tee shirt helps smooth or blend these . Hope this all helps someNeill Currie595-B E. Deering RdDeering Nh 03244tel: 603-529-6472 ------------I usually have classic bicycle components for sale at good prices. Please email me for a current list. A reasonably current list may be seen here:------------The Mountain Goat website is at:------------