1980s Somec Special (Finished 2)

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.
 
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.
 
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.
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.
 
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.
 
Edit: Now roadworthy - photos updated

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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
 
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