Having limited funds for bike stuff this month, I had to decide where my money would be best spent. I ended up buying a set of Schwalbe Marathon 27" 1 1/4 tires, replacing the old original tires that were looking a little sketchy.
Since I used my bike money for tires, I wasn't able to buy new handlebar tape. I had considered wrapping the bars with strips of paper cut from grocery bags and then shellacking it. I've seen it done before. The paper ends up looking like leather. I decided to take an easier route and wrapped the bars with a couple of used inner tubes. I think it actually looks halfway decent. Well, it looks better than the worn out bar tape that was originally on the bars.
This was my first ride in quite a while and the first cool weather ride of the fall season for me. I actually had to wear a jacket. We received lots of rain over the last couple of days. The crossing over the Trinity River was flooded.
I like Schwalbe tires; my studded winter tires are Schwalbe's and I love 'em. That tube wrap looks fantastic! I may do that on my Trek 520 build, funds for tape or not.
ReplyDeleteHey Rantwick. If you do use some old tubes, I found that the 19-23c tubes looked and worked better than wider tubes from my touring tires. I cut them open on one side and washed them to get rid of the talcum powder and the rubbery smell.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think the tubes look just fine. I imagine it's not perfectly comfortable if you get sweaty or if it's raining, but hey, it's a basically free way of wrapping your bars. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteThe bike looks really nice in general. Actually it's a little surprising how much it resembles a Long Haul Trucker, like you used to have. They even made them in a red color just like that, for a while.
If you decide to rewrap later, consider using the tube wrap as a base layer. I discovered on the Tricross that double-wrapped tape is very nice.
ReplyDeleteI bet you'll really like your new tires. I put a set of Marathons on my bike this spring and love them. I've only had 1 flat since May.
ReplyDeleteYou're bike is looking great!
I use old inner-tubes to to "flatten" the handlebar in my most common hand positions. It works well for me to have a wider surface for my hands on longer rides.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Steve, don't remove the old tape, just wrap over it. I once had eight layers of tape on my bars! (Not really, but the thought made me laugh! Two has been the max.)
That entire spiffy ride is a testament to your creativity and resourcefulness. I'm looking forward to what ever is next.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever try fabric rim strip material for bar tape?It's very durable and looks nice with amber schellac as long as you don't mind little blue words scrolling around your bar, I kinda like it.
ReplyDeleteIt's AMAZING what you learn on the Internet. I'd hav never thought of using rim strip tape for bars. Logged & noted...
ReplyDeleteApertome-I think the LHT had a more solid feel to it, maybe because the LHT has larger diameter tubing on the fork and chainstays.
ReplyDeleteSteve A-I'll probably take your advice and wrap over the inner tubes. I could use some shock absorption.
Big Oak-I've only ever read positive reviews on the Marathon series tires so I'm sure I'll get my moneys worth. I think that they are the best 27" touring tire thats still available.
ChipSeal-I'd like to see some pictures of your bars. I think the tubes would be ideal for long distance rides.
Christopher-You are too kind. Oh, thanks for your contribution to the group. Long live BABBLE.
frankenbiker-Great idea! I've got some leftover brown water based screen printing ink. I may pick up some tape, dye it brown (to match my Brooks) and see how it looks.
wow. I read all your posts, but If I was to just look at the pictures, I would have never guessed that the handlebar tape was inner tubes.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, very awesome :D
Meligrosa-Thanks Meli. It turned out better than I expected and the price was right.
ReplyDelete