Re: [CR]stitched leather bar covering/brake lever hoods

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 12:11:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: Raymond Dobbins <raydobbins2003@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]stitched leather bar covering/brake lever hoods
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <434D5019.8080609@new.rr.com>


Erik Olsson wrote:

Can anyone tell me how to replace stitched leather bar covering?

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the only thing i recall hearing from a friend who did it is that the leather had to be soaked wet so that when it dried it would snug up nicely around the bars.

i think there must also be some sort of slow set, water based, adhesive to prevent the leather from shifting. the leather on the factory done bars does not budge one centimenter, and i don't think that can be accomplished simply by a tight fit between the leather and otherwise smooth aluminum.

the stich pattern used on the cinelli and almarc bars i've seen is definitely something for a pro to figure out! it may require use of two needles, and special needles probably (heavy duty, curved?).

and the stiching should not be visible. it should be under the tops and on the inside of the drops. i've seen a couple of home jobs where the position of the stitching ruined the look.

and of course, don't forget to intall the brake clips before the leather.

good luck!

ray dobbins
miami florida