I assumed that shellacked tape- like vinyl tape- was for people who always ride gloved and for whom the slicker, unabsorbent tactile feel isn't an issue. I only ride gloved in cold weather, but many (most?) cyclists ride gloved all the time. I do know that for me the first time I rode cotton tape as opposed to slippery, sweaty vinyl tape that I'd grown accustomed to on Schwinns in hot Davis CA, I could never go back. Shellacked cotton at least retains some of the original woven texture.
Kurt Sperry Bellingham, Washington USA
2009/3/11 Daniel Artley <dartley@baltimorecountymd.gov>:
> Tom's post brought back a question I've never had answered. When (and
> why) did people start shellacking their cotton handlebar wrap? I'd nev
er
> heard of it until I was introduced to the Bob-ish Grant Peterson's essays
> on the subject, shellac tape finished off with fine twine.
>
> I can be as anal as the next guy (or girl), but it's never made sense to
> me as the fresher the tape, the better the grip, the better it soaks up
> sweat. Shellacked tape is slippery, or sticky on a hot muggy ride (the
> summer weather we have here in Baltimore), and doesn't cushion in the
> least. I see it as a style thing that can extend the life of your tape
> and be repaired. I've heard the stories of fireplace ashes or artifici
al
> coloring to match paint, or many layers to match the natural saddle and
> gum hoods color. My wife restores oak furniture and shellac is the one
> surface she say's is easy to touch up. I only think of what a PITA it'
s
> got to be to do all that stuff with the fine twine, etc.
>
> I think a bike looks right when it's as well set up for riding as it can
> be, and shellac & cotton just don't do it for me. It's gotta be easier
to
> re-tape a bar than to go through all that trouble with Shellac. And ev
en
> cork loses its cushion after many miles. Please! Someone tell me wh
at's
> so great about the shellac obsession and why I might actually want to do
> it for a bike I'd like to ride.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Dan Artley in Parkton, Maryland USA