Bought a bike. Now what colour handle bar tape?

[doctornige]

Black.
Velominati rule 8.

Mine's white.

Ah, but Rule 8 would dictate white because of the saddle ... wouldn't it?

 

[Hitchington]

Black of course

 

[Kestevan]

Black...... always black.

Life is too short to spend time cleaning white bar tape.

 

[RegG]

a good tip for cleaning white bar tape it is clear spray lubricant on a white cloth. spray the lubricant on the cloth (check it's clear, i had one that had a yellow tinge to it)

What sort/brand of clear spray lubricant do you use? I need to clean the tape on my bike and wasn't sure what to try.

 

[rockyraccoon]

What sort/brand of clear spray lubricant do you use? I need to clean the tape on my bike and wasn't sure what to try.

I've removed chain oil from a carpet using wd-40. You could try that.

I usually clean my white leather type tape using those magic eraser sponge thing and water only then finish off with baby wipes.

 

[Bianchi boy]

Black as it will not get grotty so easily, the other colour you will spend a long amount of time cleaning, baby wipes are good for this.
Some of the pro teams which use light coloured bar tape or white tape have been know to rewrap before each stage.

Would not do Celeste tape though as its too much, black or white should be the options

this would/could have been my post word for word definitely black

 

[ChrisEyles]

White if you can be bothered to clean it would look ace - otherwise black also looks good, and is a solid low-maintenance option. I'm not too crazy about the celeste, blends in too much with the frame, you want a bit of contrast IMO

 

[kiriyama]

Black always black

 

[buggi]

What sort/brand of clear spray lubricant do you use? I need to clean the tape on my bike and wasn't sure what to try.

I honestly can't remember coz it's ages since I had white bar tape but I've just tested the three in my box and these are the results. I would say go with Universal not TF2. Spray it on a white cloth, placed the cloth around the bar tape, and use your hand clasped over it to work it back and forth (as if you're revving a motorbike).

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

Black tape, though I have yellow on my Defy 3

 

[Hyslop]

Black.

 

[dickyknees]

Black

 

[Saluki]

I vote Celeste. Looks nice.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Leather.

 

[slowmotion]

^^^^^ OOOOOOOOOOH, get him!

White of course. You just use Cif bathroom cleaner and a nail brush to restore it to its original glory............if you can be bothered.
Mine's a dark shade of grey.