How to use Twine & Shellac. The classic way to finish taped bicycle handlebars. French Randonneur. 

Great to see and learn how that was done, thankyou!

Thanks. I had never heard of shellac for cloth tape. Like most old-timers, I thought I knew it all. I used to just replace the tape regularly until plastic then cork came out. I love the look on my Masi.

Going too do my pump on my Raleigh wayfarer and do it on the lower bit on the stem and down the mettle bits on the mud guards that attache too the frame can not wait too put this new / old school skill too use :D Ty soo much xd

Some interesting ideas, I seem to remember using similar techniques on fishing and sailing knots to hide loose ends ,another great video.

Going to have to do this on my race bike!

Riv has a video on wrapping that is helpful, but I appreciate seeing this outside of Rivendell's direct sphere. Especially so when you consider that they don't appear to have a video on the coatings. I've got one of their Albatross bars on order, I'll be wrapping it with brown and clear shellacing it. Hopefully that will nicely match my Brooks seat. One thing I'm curious about is tidying up the shellac at the end. I want to be sure it looks nice and clean - how would you suggest taking care of anything that goes outside the lines?

Very informative and looks good too.

Wow, this was exactly what I needed to learn, thank you! I just ordered some tape and twine from Neubaum’s. I do NOT plan on using shellac - you mentioned the twine didn't need to be too tight since you were using shellac. So without shellac, how tight would you suggest? Thanks!

This is called 'serving' in nautical circles, where literally miles of cordage/rope is served then tarred for weather protection. A 'serving tool' is used; a sort of bobbin device. My question....where there are ends of the string are protruding....shellac dries hard, so I imagine those raised bits are quite sharp to the hands. That doesn't seem comfortable?

Very useful video.

I was en-wrapped! :-)

Use pigmented shellac on white tape for a creamy look. Then finish off with clear. I don't use twine to finish, I just glue the end with carpenter's glue.

Hi Velocipedium - thanks for this great video. I wonder if you could add a link to the best shellac product available in uk to do a clear-ish job on some bright blue newbaums? I’m new to this, and the jars in the hardware shop have left me scratching my head, lots of different variations. It would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Looks good. Do you use cotton bar tape? I guess so.

wow... very noiiice

That looked like cotton string. But how about using nylon? And did you ever try c.a. glue instead of shellac?