In particular with Campy clamp on bits, they are designed to work in a certain way with the frame and paint. I use all Campy clamp on bits the way they come out of the box. Some have little "prongs" or "out of rounds" that make them imbed a little into the paint so they stay where they are put.
That, as far as I can tell, is intended to make the bike work better. Tape can make the parts, which are supposed to be fixed in one position, squirm. There are different kinds of OCD. There are various mentalities as to what a bicycle is, especially a restored bicycle. If it is an ornament to be hung on the wall, tape may make sense. If it is a bicycle in the fullest sense of the word, the parts that shouldn't move, shouldn't move. As for an accurate restoration (not usually my quest), tape would not be "correct".
Please understand that my form of OCD is bent toward making the bike so it works as well as possible. And a bike that works well, can look as good as any wall hanger display restoration.
I hope that doesn't sound harsh. It is only one bike mechanic's view.
Chuck Hoefer
Vista, California USA
From: Christian M missionary <hdarr@embarqmail.com> Subject: Re: [CR] Need help: protecting frame from clamp-on parts and brake cable clips To: "Mark Lawrence" <mark.lawrence@firstreadthis.com> Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Date: Friday, October 2, 2009, 7:49 AM
Greetings,and question at the end
This indeed was discussed and I just happened to be putting bits on a Zeus at the time. Use 3M packing tape with the adheasive toward the clamp(s) then use an exacto knife to trim. I used a neele point double blade. Looks neat and no black adheasive muck from friction tape and no water retention from cotton. handlebar tape.
Now to my question. I have Campagnolo brake clips that I am going to put on. The clips have a stamping roll or burr on the inside edge. Has anyone deburred these first? I have been a little hesitant because they are thin and it would be easy to twist them. On the other hand the burrs may dig into the paint even with 3m packing tape.
Howard Darr
Kinsman OH USA