Handlebar Grip tape

[CycleVan]

Hi guys,

First post. Was looking for a bit of advice. I have a basic fixie bike which I'm doing up a little bit (buying parts from eBay). I've just bought some great FSA Wing Drop Handlebars to replace the standard ones my bike came with but I'm wondering if I have to wrap them in grip tape? I've never seen one without but I'm wondering if that's just a preference thing for cyclists or if you have to have them?

Also attached is a picture of my brakes. These will fit onto a my new handlebars right? Can anyone recommend a place to get covers for them?

Thanks everyone

Van

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Drop bars need different brake to straight bars so the will need changing (unless you attack them to the flats???). Bar tape is for comfort and grip. Holding onto bare metal would not be pleasant at all.

 

[gaz]

You will want specific brake leavers if you want to use that style on a drop bar. Also they my not fit due to different bar diameters. You have to fit them by the stem.

You don't have to use tape but your hands will slip if they get wet. So it's a very good idea to use tape!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

You will want specific brake leavers if you want to use that style on a drop bar. Also they my not fit due to different bar diameters. You have to fit them by the stem.

You don't have to use tape but your hands will slip if they get wet. So it's a very good idea to use tape!

Gaz that's what I stated / asked by "on the flats" Would that actually work assuming bar diameter is ok?

 

[gaz]

Gaz that's what I stated / asked by "on the flats" Would that actually work assuming bar diameter is ok?

It will work and lots do it provided they are the right diameter. I'm not sure how ever if you can just use the same brake leavers, I think you need shorter ones due to the different angles involved.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

It will work and lots do it provided they are the right diameter. I'm not sure how ever if you can just use the same brake leavers, I think you need shorter ones due to the different angles involved.

That makes sense. Would look bloody awful as well IMHO

 

[gaz]

That makes sense. Would look bloody awful as well IMHO

People do it because they want the track look and/or they only want to run a front brake and don't want hoods.
So they put a single brake like this by the stem.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

People do it because they want the track look and/or they only want to run a front brake and don't want hoods.
So they put a single brake like this by the stem.

Ah yes I remember a courier that did the Nat Standards course with me. His bike was like that. Looked very odd but worked well.

 

[LosingFocus]

That makes sense. Would look bloody awful as well IMHO

Something like cross brake levers?

http://www.simpsoncy...ake_levers_23_8

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Something like cross brake levers?

http://www.simpsoncy...ake_levers_23_8

I take back what I said. I like this idea

 

[LosingFocus]

I take back what I said. I like this idea

I can defo see a use for it. If I was planning a long tour on a drop, I would fit something like this.

 

[CycleVan]

Wow!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! I was thinking of attaching them to flat part and then investing in some better handles a bit further down the line. I won't need to change my whole brake right? Just the levers?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I can defo see a use for it. If I was planning a long tour on a drop, I would fit something like this.

Ditto. A great rice as well. Anyone know how they integrate with the existing brakes?

 

[Rob3rt]

You will either need track grips or tape yes. You might also need some brake levers that fit the different diameter bar if your current ones do not, these can be cross top levers or drop levers. You wont need a new brake caliper.

 

[Rob3rt]

I take back what I said. I like this idea

I swear we told you about these in chat just the other day