Grips for old roadsters

[il padrone]

My WW2 roadster has the standard plastic grips ( the Raleigh pattern) that have been used on these bikes for many years, but not, I think, back before the 50s. I don't think plastics were very common. Does anyone know what was used as handlebar grips in the 30s? And even better, does anyone have a source to buy such grips or replicas of them?

I don't think Brooks made their very nice leather grips back then and anyway, they would not have been fitted to a German bike

[edit] Ahh, should have gone to some favourite sites first. Found some here at Velo-Orange that could fit the requirement .

[Cranky Jim]

Rubber and cork seem to be most common on pre war bicycles.
I can only find overseas suppliers though. Not sure you want to pay 15 quid for a pair of rubber grips (plus postage). If you do, http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk

[sharktamin]

+1 rubber (latex) was the material of choice for all things flexible

[il padrone]

Thanks. Yes I'm thinking rubber will be the go. Currently the VO Kraton "basket-weave" grips for $US7 look to be my best option. The colour will match the roadster's saddle colour too.

[cludence]

I must confess, I have not looked at the velo website until now.

All I can say is THANK YOU! They had the two tools I have been looking for.

Bike shopping fix is sorted so I am happy, thanks il padrone!

[WyvernRH]

[edit] Ahh, should have gone to some favourite sites first. Found some here at Velo-Orange that could fit the requirement .

Oh you are so gonna be in strife with my wife for letting me know about this website....
Cheers
Richard

[ValleyForge]

[edit] Ahh, should have gone to some favourite sites first. Found some here at Velo-Orange that could fit the requirement .

Oh you are so gonna be in strife with my wife for letting me know about this website....
Cheers
Richard

So you are going to put basket weave grips on her bike as a birthday present?

[Cranky Jim]

Yeah, I am a VO convert too. Working up an order as we speak. I want this...

[cludence]

amrjon, where are you based? I have placed an order but awaiting a response from the regarding shipping. I could put yours in with mine.

Karen.

[munga]

Yeah, I am a VO convert too. Working up an order as we speak. I want this...

CJ, i have two of those, and they're pretty good, but can be a worry (wobble wobble) if you have cabling running under the bb, so they're not perfect.
cheap tho!

Edit: do we need a sticky of the retro stockists? V-O, yellow jersey etc? ie il_padrone, can you link us to your browsers favourites list please?

[il padrone]

Edit: do we need a sticky of the retro stockists? V-O, yellow jersey etc? ie il_padrone, can you link us to your browsers favourites list please?

Would love to. I had an extensive favourites list of various bicycle suppliers, many of them with retro & touring gear, but I lost the lot in my most recent computer upgrade

Here's a few good ones:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hub.html also have some good older stock
http://www.thethirdhand.com Loose Screws - good for older small bits
http://www.thetouringstore.com
http://www.wallbike.com
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com
http://www.ahearnecycles.com/
http://www.renehersebicycles.com/ReneHerseHome.htm (to drool over)
http://www.llewellynbikes.com/main.htm (also to drool and dream)

These are not really true vintage suppliers, but just sell a range of less common gear (not racing, alloy and carbon). For older vintage stuff ebay is probably the best start. Some other posters may know of special vintage bike sites (??)

[spirito]

Edit: do we need a sticky of the retro stockists? V-O, yellow jersey etc? ie il_padrone, can you link us to your browsers favourites list please?

Would love to. I had an extensive favourites list of various bicycle suppliers, many of them with retro & touring gear, but I lost the lot in my most recent computer upgrade

Here's a few good ones:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hub.html also have some good older stock
http://www.thethirdhand.com Loose Screws - good for older small bits
http://www.thetouringstore.com
http://www.wallbike.com
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com
http://www.ahearnecycles.com/
http://www.renehersebicycles.com/ReneHerseHome.htm (to drool over)
http://www.llewellynbikes.com/main.htm (also to drool and dream)

These are not really true vintage suppliers, but just sell a range of less common gear (not racing, alloy and carbon). For older vintage stuff ebay is probably the best start. Some other posters may know of special vintage bike sites (??)

some more good places to damage the credit card for the truly obsessed

http://www.americancyclery.com/
http://www.speedbicycles.ch/
http://www.cerchiinlegnoghisallo.com/homeeng.php
http://www.a-dugast.com/dugasteng.html
http://www.hlloydcycles.com/
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Cyclomondo__W0QQ_armrsZ1
http://www.vintagevelos.com/
http://www.velostuf.com/
http://www.cafedevelo.com/
http://www.levelodansleretro.com/
http://sdbicyclegarage.com/
http://www.businesscycles.com/
http://www.bikeville.com/forsale.html
http://www.bicycleclassics.com/
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/
http://www.campyoldy.co.uk/
http://www.jitensha.com/

I feel evil ... there's is no cure