Vintage Bar Tape Colour Scheme

[Gandromedus]

I know this has been discussed before but I wondered if anyone had any opinions on my colour scheme for my 1974 REW Reynolds rebuild.

Frame is a metallic emerald green with white head tube, and seat tube stripes. All components are nice shiny alloy apart from black saddle. I'm planning to put all black 27x1 1/8 tyres on. I have gum/brown brake hoods.

Originally the bar tape was black cloth (about 6 layers in all I think although one layer was darkish red).

I don't really like the black and brown combination so I was thinking of white bar tape, but would like a retro look. Is white a period colour, and should I go for a shiny plastic type or thicker cork or foam type?

Or do you think I should just stick to black...

 

[cycletothesea]

White bar tape, gum wall tyres and white saddle works well I think.

My Shorter has similar colour scheme and looks like thus. I changed the retro white shiny bar tape for 2mm Fizik and the saddle for a San Marco Regal, but still looks very similar.

 

[Gandromedus]

Ah, brilliant, that's a lovely looking bike. It really helps to envision what the finished article might look like, thanks.

I had thought that gumwall tyres might be better but I haven't found any in the narrower size.

Does the fizik tape stay reasonably clean?

 

[cycletothesea]

Ah, brilliant, that's a lovely looking bike. It really helps to envision what the finished article might look like, thanks.
Does the fizik tape stay reasonably clean?

Don't know yet, first bike I've used white bar tape on, I guess it will clean up with a bit of spit and polish if necessary, and if it gets too grubby, it can always be replaced cheaply enough.

 

[lewisfoto]

White or black is always safe, but I have had success pulling a color from a decal in this case red? Or a contrasting color like yellow.

 

[Gandromedus]

Whit or black is always safe, but I have had success pulling a color from a decal in this case red? Or a contrasting color like yellow.

I hadn't considered that, I think red could be good. I personally don't particularly like yellow but I see what you mean about a contrasting colour.

I think the choice is between red and white for me at the moment...

As you say though cycletothesea it is relatively cheap and easy to change.

 

[PANZR]

I think white would be very complimentary to the frame

I use either white (sort of pearl-white) glossy ribbon or glossy Fizik Mictrotex stuff as it's doesn't dirty easily and is easy to clean if it does get dirty...I like the perforated surface too

I put white foam tape on my son's bike and it was grimey after ten minutes of riding...gloves carry all sorts of filth, especially when they belong to a teenager

 

[Spokesmann]

White cloth bar tape would compliment this build beautifully.

 

[bugloss]

White cloth bar tape would compliment this build beautifully.

+1, good choice.

Or if you can get it, that lovely white/pearl Benotto tape. Personally I wouldn't put the foamy tapes on a classic bike, as I think it looks so wrong.
I bought some Specialised foam tape the other day for my 86 De Rosa and put it on.........ugh!, that tape is now heading for the bin when I get hold of some Benotto tape for it. I think its much nicer and keeps the bars looking sleek, plus the Benotto colours are glorious. Mmmmmmm....Nice Betty!

 

[Gandromedus]

Thanks for all the input guys. White is the winner, now I just have to find some... and preferably thin and shiny not thick and foamy!