On 2/5/07, GCJ <p2vp26na@intergate.com> wrote:
>
> I recently saw a Schwinn Paramount on which the handlebars were
> coachwhipped with twine in a basket weave pattern instead of regular
> tape. A personal touch that looked really nice. I've seen
> coachwhipping on ship's wheels and railings but never before on bikes.
> Searched the web and couldn't find any bike pictures, but found photos
> of that work on a ships wheel. Any of you old sailors ever coachwhipped
> your handlebars? I'm wondering how practical it is on a bike. Here are
> photos of the type I saw on the Schwinn.
>
> http://ericsonyachts.org/
>
> George Jones Dallas, TX
>
That looks like a simple braid with three strands acting as one. I can't imagine it would be that difficult to do if you had enough rope to do it. The yellow braid on the stem would keep the rope on the bars from moving outwards.
Eric Phillips
Southfield, MI USA