Peter Schwar wrote:
> Hello George and everybody,
>
> To give my 2 cents worth I am aware of the thin Benotto "Cello"
> tape and there was a much thicker version called "Professional".
> The Professional is also all vinyl. Although it's thicker it's
> doesn't give anything more in the way of vibration dampening but
> may just allow for a larger grip for larger hands. It's also a pain
> to wrap around the brake levers. I think the Cello bar wrap is what
> is appropriate for an early 80's Italian bike. Btw, I also have new-
> old-stock Cello tape available in white, silver, and dark grey but
> many many more colours and colour combinations were available and
> still can be found on ebay. My price is $2.50 a package plus $2
> shipping :o)
>
> Regards,
> Peter Schwar
> Montreal Canada
I remember the thin, shiny Benotto (Mexico) Cello tape being a big deal here on the West Coast (USA) around 1977/78 and then later, the thick, padded Bike Ribbon Pro (Italy) being the only thing to use (mid 80s, anyone?) which was I believe the first PVC padded tape with chamfered edges. Between these two came the Cinelli cork padded tape, but only in natural cork color and kind of a flop (early 80s, anyone?); later (mid 90s, anyone?) Cinelli came out with all the colors and then of course, the only thing to use was Cinelli cork tape.
Anyone else better on the intro dates?
I think the choice of brand and color of tape makes or breaks a bike; individual decision of course, but modern style padded tape on a vintage bike looks silly to my eye.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, Southern California
United States of America
http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, t-shirts & timelines)