1980s Somec Special (Finished 2)
- Thread starter escuta
- Start date
dirttorpedo
Senior Retro Guru
The blue looks nice. Maybe do a test with a scrap of tape before you commit to the bars unless you are using blond shellack.
escuta
Dirt Disciple
Thanks @dirttorpedo. I wasn't aware of any distinction between blonde and clear shellac and read that the blonde variety is more resistant than the bleached clear shellac. I've decided not to touch the tape as I've grown to like the shade a lot. May try using shellac in the future if the tape gets too grimy too quickly. All the best.
dirttorpedo
Senior Retro Guru
I used blond on some red newbaums tape and it toned the colour down a bit, but didn't make it look brown / orange like the darker shellacks. What I like about the shellack is that it keeps the tape from getting dirty and dingy. It also makes the bars a bit grippier - the formulation I made feels gritty when dry.
Jonny69
Senior Retro Guru
Cotton tape starts to look proper when it gets grubby. It’ll look fine.
I’ve generally felt that shellac looks fine on white or black tape on earlier bikes (50s and earlier) but it looks out of place on later steel bikes. It’s a traditional looking finish but this is a very contemporary (and sophisticated) looking bike. The other thing is the shellac would probably darken the blue and add a browny-green tint to it.
I’ve generally felt that shellac looks fine on white or black tape on earlier bikes (50s and earlier) but it looks out of place on later steel bikes. It’s a traditional looking finish but this is a very contemporary (and sophisticated) looking bike. The other thing is the shellac would probably darken the blue and add a browny-green tint to it.
escuta
Dirt Disciple
Edit: Now roadworthy - photos updated
Edit: Spec sheet
Frame: 1980s Somec Special size 59 - Gipiemme dropouts. Columbus Aelle tubing
Fork: Somec - Gipiemme dropouts
Headset: Gipiemme Strada
Stem: Cinelli 1a
Handlebar: Cinelli Campione del Mondo
Bar Tape: Cotton - no-name
Brake Levers/Brifters: Gipiemme Crono Sprint drilled
Brake Calipers: Gipiemme Crono Sprint
Brake Pads: Gipiemme
Brake Cables: No-name stainless steel cables - Jagwire casing
Shifters: Campagnolo (type?)
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo 980
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo 980
Derailleur Cables: no-name stainless
Cassette: Regina Oro freewheel 14-24t 5s (should be 6s)
Chain: KMC X8 gold
Cranks: Gipiemme Crono Sprint
Chainrings: Gipiemme 52 & 42
Bottom Bracket: Gipiemme Strada
Pedals: Gipiemme sprint
Rims: Campagnolo Lambda Strada (tubular)
Hubs: Gipiemme Sprint
Hub Skewers: Gipiemme
Nipples:
Spokes: Stainless steel straight
Tyres: Vittoria Rally tubular
Tubes:
Saddle: Iscaselle Record World Champion
Seatpost: Selcof 27mm
Seatpost Binder:
Bottle Cage:
Extras: Zefal/Christophe toeclips/straps
Weight: 9.5kg (21lbs) without pedals
Edit: Spec sheet
Frame: 1980s Somec Special size 59 - Gipiemme dropouts. Columbus Aelle tubing
Fork: Somec - Gipiemme dropouts
Headset: Gipiemme Strada
Stem: Cinelli 1a
Handlebar: Cinelli Campione del Mondo
Bar Tape: Cotton - no-name
Brake Levers/Brifters: Gipiemme Crono Sprint drilled
Brake Calipers: Gipiemme Crono Sprint
Brake Pads: Gipiemme
Brake Cables: No-name stainless steel cables - Jagwire casing
Shifters: Campagnolo (type?)
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo 980
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo 980
Derailleur Cables: no-name stainless
Cassette: Regina Oro freewheel 14-24t 5s (should be 6s)
Chain: KMC X8 gold
Cranks: Gipiemme Crono Sprint
Chainrings: Gipiemme 52 & 42
Bottom Bracket: Gipiemme Strada
Pedals: Gipiemme sprint
Rims: Campagnolo Lambda Strada (tubular)
Hubs: Gipiemme Sprint
Hub Skewers: Gipiemme
Nipples:
Spokes: Stainless steel straight
Tyres: Vittoria Rally tubular
Tubes:
Saddle: Iscaselle Record World Champion
Seatpost: Selcof 27mm
Seatpost Binder:
Bottle Cage:
Extras: Zefal/Christophe toeclips/straps
Weight: 9.5kg (21lbs) without pedals
Last edited:
