Bike Handle Tape for Helm

[jbox84126]

Hey folks,

Has anyone tried bike handle bar tape as an alternative to more expensive leather covers for a wheel helm?

Jon

[Franziska]

We use it on our tiller.
Works fine, provided you get good quality.
The very cheap ones tend to fade in color.

[jbox84126]

Originally Posted by Franziska

We use it on our tiller.
Works fine, provided you get good quality.
The very cheap ones tend to fade in color.

Any particular brands you've had success with?

[Franziska]

Unfortunately not.

The ones which are slightly harder, more leather like seem to last better then the ones which are more foamy.

[Bill O]

Could always try the faux leather car steering wheel covers. Did this a couple of boats ago and it lasted many years baking in the sun. Not as nice as leather, but worked well.

Obviously the individual faux covers are not long enough and you will need to sew 2 of them together to get the proper circumference. We used the lashing that came with the covers, but paracord could also be used.

Have also seen people make good looking paracord covers on wheels.

[CrispyCringle]

Handlebar tape has a good feel. But I would be concerned with UV damage and how long it would last. Also, it would have a somewhat directional feel to it with the spiral wrap. Different grip going one way or the other. Maybe not a factor, but something to think about.
Hard to go wrong with leather. It just works.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by CrispyCringle

Hard to go wrong with leather. It just works.

And feels nice with cold hands.

[Windpilot]

The leather wrap kit, a couple days sewing it on after saving up about $300 for it will leave you with a comfortable wheel that looks good and lasts. So worth it.

[Off Trail]

Used standard foam bar tape in black. "SRAM supercork" brand, which isnt actually cork.

5 years on, no issues or noticeable degradation.

[gonesail]

i just ripped the leather off my wheel. it only lasts a while until soaked and sticky with sweat and salt. something you could wipe off would be good. but i prefer the stainless steel.

[Scubaseas]

I put an elk hide cover on my wheel 25+ years ago. Still in like new shape. Tedious to install but good grip & nice to the touch.

[wholybee]

I did a french spiral wrap. It looks great, although after a few years has faded from black to gray in direct sun exposure. It has a great feel. And it only cost less than $20.
https://youtu.be/ZJxZpYLyHAY

[CrispyCringle]

Originally Posted by wholybee

I did a french spiral wrap. It looks great, although after a few years has faded from black to gray in direct sun exposure. It has a great feel. And it only cost less than $20.
https://youtu.be/ZJxZpYLyHAY

Good price, good feel (I would imagine) and it looks "nauty". I like it.