[CR]re: Leather Handlebar Wrap

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing)

From: "R. J. Brophy" <rjb@montana.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2005 16:10:18 -0700
Thread-Index: AcUZM5OtSa6MGruHRLKvgA+O7IWN4A==
Subject: [CR]re: Leather Handlebar Wrap

I have found the best way for a great looking leather wrap is to soak the leather overnight (it then becomes somewhat stretchy) and sparingly use Gorilla Glue (which is made to use on wet or damp materials). I choose to use a single layer of old inner tube over the bars first for a bit of padding and slight increase in diameter. I start at the ends of the bars and wrap toward the center, and cut the ends on a long taper. After all is dried, excess glue can be scraped off easily, and the edges of the leather at the stem end can be carefully beveled with a dremel tool and a small sanding drum.

I finish the leather with Obenauf's. Proofhide would be OK too I think. After a year my leather bars match my old Brooks Honey B-17.

Bob Brophy

Hamilton

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