tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post4323230033117648696..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: DIY Two-Tone? Long-Term Impressions of Brooks Leather Handlebar Tape Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42457689476410390932016-12-05T12:47:36.796-05:002016-12-05T12:47:36.796-05:00No, it feels just like the leather. It's real...No, it feels just like the leather. It's really a nice product.Dave Henrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00196484436129649526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8395992982950685492016-12-05T12:31:52.848-05:002016-12-05T12:31:52.848-05:00About cloth tape without shellac - Until quite rec...About cloth tape without shellac - Until quite recently cloth tape had adhesive the entire width of the tape. It was good adhesive. This discouraged curling. It barely mattered which direction the tape was applied. Riders had preferences and preferences is all they were. And cloth tape was cheap. It was purchased in boxes of ten rolls. Most used white tape, because the pros did and because it was thought to photograph better. White tape does get dirty. So it was replaced frequently. Replacing white tape was just part of cleaning the bike. A few liked colored tape and there were a lot of colors to choose from. Only those who were very cheap used black tape. Those skinflints were the only ones who paid any attention to how long tape lasted. It did last a reasonable amount of time as it was woven tighter and was thicker than any tape you can buy now. I have a few rolls of fifty year old handlebar tape reserved for such things as protecting frame tubes from accessories and it Is not what you buy now at all. No one but old Frenchmen with Gauloisies hanging from their lip bothered with shellac until maybe ten years ago. Asterix only bothered with the shellac when he was dressing up an old velo to sell to young fashionistas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19916229437982481232016-12-04T20:41:27.041-05:002016-12-04T20:41:27.041-05:00Wonderfully written.
-Anne K. Wonderfully written. <br />-Anne K. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75950013862717365732016-12-03T16:26:30.052-05:002016-12-03T16:26:30.052-05:00Once upon a time, long ago in a far distant land s...Once upon a time, long ago in a far distant land settled the by Angles, there were industries run by adults. They were so grown up that other grown ups working the BBC with very grown-up voices would make documentaries about them (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USHsFv8nNSA). Adults are mature people who use their brains, learn through trial and error and work things out, so when they make stuff, it works.<br /><br />In the Angles Land there was a company called Brooks, started by John, a saddle maker who named the company after his last name. It is said that after his horse died, Brooks bought a bicycle, but found the wooden seat so uncomfortable that he made a bicycle saddle out of leather, because he understood leather. He had been working with leather all his life, and no doubt had originally had learned his trade as an apprentice, with wisdom passed down through the ages.<br /><br />John's business grew, and eventually he hired other leathermen - there were few leather women in those days - who also devoted their lives to learning and mastery of their trade. In working with leather, those men were imbued with knowledge that began the first time a human became a hunter and worked out that the skin of the prey was useful. By the time of the Romans almost everything that could be understood about leather was known. By the time of John and his leathermen, the life of leather was understood in terms of how to make it last for decades or sometimes even centuries - keep the skin fed and it will remain supple. Know how to tan the leather, and the different techniques that produce different leathers.<br /><br />But then everything changed. A new form of home sapiens began to flourish on this earth... The college graduate.<br /><br />The college graduate comes in several different varieties including the scientist & engineer, the accountant and the marketer.<br /><br />The scientist has no use for timeless wisdom - new is good, old is... well old and dusty. New is plastic, chemicals, bright shiny stuff made in a factory. The scientist and his subspecies, the engineer invent things that use this bright shiny stuff, and as long as it looks good in the shop front, it is good.<br /><br />The accountant loves the new shiny things because they do not last. It means the customer has to come in and buy the same thing every year. The old worn out things in the landfill do not bother the accountant because his company does not pay for disposal.<br /><br />The marketer then promotes the new things earning lots of money from his company selling these things that do not last. Everyone is happy... the scientists and engineers, the accountant, the marketer and of course the shop selling the things and the investors who get rich. Well, the customers are not happy and neither is mother Earth, but they don't matter because the ones who make the money are happy.<br /><br />'And such is life' as the old gaffers say. 'The adults are gone, the world is run by post-pubescent children.'<br /><br />But then something else changes.<br /><br />A rider of bicycles discovers, by accident it seems, that John and his merry leathermen never went away. Quietly turning their leather stock into handlebar tape and saddles, they don't tell anyone about their millennia of knowledge, they just keep selling their products. And lo and behold, one of those riders - who happens to be a modern bard who tells stories to listeners far and wide - discovers something that only comes with the passage of time... John's product works. It lasts. It changes with time, but in a good way.<br /><br />So she sings its song and others hear. And the old wisdom once again comes to light.<br /><br />What goes around, comes around and there is hope for the planet after all.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06458386943967212303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-62075933598524810632016-12-03T09:44:36.183-05:002016-12-03T09:44:36.183-05:00I have found that there is little purpose in chang...I have found that there is little purpose in changing out the housing under your tape. The short section at the rear derailleur, sure, as it gets more wear with its tight loop, and collects road dirt, but the vast majority of riders are not going to wear through the housing liner, which is the only thing that is going to affect shifting performance. If you use Shimano shifters, you should change the inner wires annually, as they tend to break cables right bdhind the head. Always use "slick" inner cables, as these are drawn through a die to make them smoother, which reduces friction and liner wear. Put a bit of oil or light grease on the inner wire before threading it into the housing.Steve Barnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05141738452735566462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22958927449873078632016-12-02T16:59:32.953-05:002016-12-02T16:59:32.953-05:00When I worked at a bike shop in the 70's we al...When I worked at a bike shop in the 70's we always started from the top down when setting up bikes from the box. As Spindizzy said, it's faster and easier and we always were looking to get as many bikes built during the day as possible. One of our major brands was Schwinn and most of the tape was a stretchy plastic which came in all sorts of colors and never had the rolling issue when done properly. I now go from the bottom up because it's the easiest way to avoid that potential problem with the tapes I use today.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-88026102713706233372016-12-02T15:33:58.548-05:002016-12-02T15:33:58.548-05:00Sorry, I know no such technique. I've only don...Sorry, I know no such technique. I've only done it from the bottom up, and spiralling from the inside out, IYSWIM. Tucking the bottom end into the barend and sticking the top end with electrical tape (the Fizik tape I like comes with a section of sticky tape cut to size, but it's the same stuff). And I'm not very good at it either. :( I was only thinking that however its wrapped, there's an overlap and if your hands don't go against the grain in this direction they will in the opposite. However, I have heard it said that back in the day when cloth tape was standard, it was usual to wrap from the top down; I presume this was using shellac but I don't know. As it happens, my newest bike has cloth tape – came like that – and it's wrapped bottom up. No shellac. Don't know about adhesive but it has electrical tape. (And it's comfy but I have doubts about how it's wearing.)Bmblbzzznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-267021406358447402016-12-02T13:43:34.101-05:002016-12-02T13:43:34.101-05:00Tape wrapped from the top very often rolls from ha...Tape wrapped from the top very often rolls from hands pushing against the edges, counter-intuitive or not. <br /><br />It's unfortunate because it's by far the easiest way to apply tape since you simply start wrapping at the top and tuck the other end in the end of the handlebar and secure it with the endplug. You'd never see anyone go to the trouble of starting at the bottom with the extra messing around required to avoid a hump or the added hassle of how to secure it at the top without wrapping it with electrical tape, twine, or glue if there was a better alternative. I've never had any luck wrapping cork tape, stretchy rubber or cloth from the top without it rolling at the edges and only do it now when using cotton tape and shellac. If Bmblbzzz knows a technique that allows wrapping from the top that doesn't require shellac or contact adhesive I hope they'll share it with us because it would sure be great to be able to eliminate the tape/twine/glue at the top without having to put up with the edges rolling up and making a mess. <br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37707650684380871532016-12-02T04:36:03.780-05:002016-12-02T04:36:03.780-05:00Surely that's true (theoretically true; I'...Surely that's true (theoretically true; I'm not sure it ever happens in practice unless the tape's wrapped too slack) whichever way you wrap it. Unless you only ever move your hands in one direction, in which case they won't be moving much cos soon they'll reach the ends of the bars! Bmblbzzznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-20820575962892621752016-12-02T04:24:38.632-05:002016-12-02T04:24:38.632-05:00Why not go all custom and get a leather vest or sk...Why not go all custom and get a leather vest or skirt from an second hand shop. Cut into strips and thin the overlapping half out with a sharp (very sharp)knife. I use kickwax for skiing to prevent it from sliding on the handlebars. Important to use some force and stretch it when you do the wrapping. Next step; grow a beard, get a fixie and learn how to strangle a cow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-48469648282652606952016-12-01T13:14:31.369-05:002016-12-01T13:14:31.369-05:00When I worked in a bike shop I probably changed ha...When I worked in a bike shop I probably changed handlebar tape every few weeks b/c it was simple and cheap and I could indulge my whims. Now the prices have gone crazy high and I no longer have whims, especially aesthetic wise, so I'm glad that the Cinelli tape has lasted so long. I don't know how one can destroy it (I've even had a couple crashes and the result is a minor tear) but maybe it's that my rides only last a couple hours at a time? Like you I'm very easy on the bike and with regard to daily use some things will always wear out, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18010210910391484262016-12-01T11:32:06.632-05:002016-12-01T11:32:06.632-05:00Thank you for your reply. It seems like the intent...Thank you for your reply. It seems like the intentional act of splicing would infer they deem that acceptable, so I wouldn't expect any action. I'm not trying to be argumentative, just pointing out that it would be nice if we all had the same standards of functional quality. It's easier just to move on to the next product. But people should know what they're paying for.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11997642450998452461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-86544558773572211752016-12-01T10:34:00.052-05:002016-12-01T10:34:00.052-05:00If you hands move around much on the tape it's...If you hands move around much on the tape it's possible to curl the overlapping edges since they're going against the overlap, but maybe Brooks holds up differently.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14030535331811055162016-12-01T09:39:26.700-05:002016-12-01T09:39:26.700-05:00Most perplexing. It sounds as if you have a layer ...Most perplexing. It sounds as if you have a layer of shellac on top of a layer of cloth and the two are not bonded. When I do it every fiber of cotton is completely immersed and embedded in shellac. Ordinary pre-mixed shellac should do the job without any fuss, but it does sound like you could use it thinned with more alcohol. Shop around a bit and you can find cotton 3/4" tape for as little as $0.10/yd.<br /><br />But then in my experience the only way to wear out Cinelli cork was getting it dirty. Used the stuff for decades it seemed and had no problems. Always bare handed in fair weather.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63486808114393473602016-12-01T06:14:41.972-05:002016-12-01T06:14:41.972-05:00Or possibly Swedish accents.Or possibly <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/bikes/brooks-organic-leather-bicycle-saddles-go-the-distance.html" rel="nofollow">Swedish accents</a>. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1152989293449933062016-12-01T06:11:11.699-05:002016-12-01T06:11:11.699-05:00Great idea. They may be able to vegetable-dye it a...Great idea. They may be able to vegetable-dye it a custom colour as well. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-66544596710300371602016-12-01T06:09:19.399-05:002016-12-01T06:09:19.399-05:00I was testing the first iteration of Rivet's h...I was testing the first iteration of Rivet's handlebar tape (not the same as their current tape). It was leather with a sleek waterproof toplayer (which began to sort of scuff and wear off after some time). The surface texture always felt a bit too slippery to me, but this is a matter of taste. I still have the tape (in used & scuffed, but intact condition); if anyone wants it within reasonable postage distance send me an email. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11685742350037378712016-12-01T06:01:54.116-05:002016-12-01T06:01:54.116-05:00Yes, from the top in the latest wrapping. I do not...Yes, from the top in the latest wrapping. I do not have a preference, it depends on the bike and on how the mood strikes : )Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30806940989597183182016-12-01T06:00:37.042-05:002016-12-01T06:00:37.042-05:00Yes to the first question. It's a little compl...Yes to the first question. It's a little complicated at the moment. If I keep the demo Seven I designed (and it's starting to look that way), my original Seven will go to a new home. <br /><br />Family portrait - good idea. The bikes have some commonalities even though they are quite different. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91896652990623960502016-12-01T05:55:14.585-05:002016-12-01T05:55:14.585-05:00Yup - the housing was kept in place. I did not do ...Yup - the housing was kept in place. I did not do it myself, so don't ask me how!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16855502360899150712016-12-01T05:47:52.840-05:002016-12-01T05:47:52.840-05:00Bar tape should not have splices IMO. I'd have...Bar tape should not have splices IMO. I'd have inquired about returning it. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-83482121399101518272016-12-01T05:45:46.812-05:002016-12-01T05:45:46.812-05:00What I meant was, if the layer was too thin it wou...What I meant was, if the layer was too thin it would quickly wear down to the naked cloth (from excessive hand friction in the same spots?) and then the cloth would quickly wear as well. If I shellacked thicker, it would crack if I knocked the bike against something, or sometimes even for no reason at all - maybe from rapid temperature changes. <br /><br />I *am* going to give cloth + shellac another try at some point; especially if I get into fiddling with vintage roadbikes again. Aside form the cost factor, it appeals to me because I prefer minimal padding. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67181723577238978842016-12-01T05:35:49.113-05:002016-12-01T05:35:49.113-05:00As I understand it: The quality of the hides used ...As I understand it: The quality of the hides used to make leather Brooks saddles changed some time in the late 2000's (something to do with cows' diets?). So if you have a saddle from before this period, it will be less sag-prone than one made after. And some retailers do still carry the earlier made saddles, or at least did as of several years ago. This might account for the discrepancy you've experienced.<br /> <br />Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30550301536893337372016-12-01T05:28:07.242-05:002016-12-01T05:28:07.242-05:00I hope you find the original tape, Spin. I hope you find the original tape, Spin. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1300691099875208352016-12-01T05:25:17.292-05:002016-12-01T05:25:17.292-05:0010 years! That is good to know.
Does the rubber ...10 years! That is good to know. <br /><br />Does the rubber of the Cambium feel strange to the touch?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com