So I got a Robin Mather...

Rubbish^^ White Fizik stays white.

^If you want to publicly discuss the minutiae of choosing bar tape, expect suggestions. White tape trumps all other options, IMO, and leather tape or wraps usually is rubbish IME - I think the factory fitted leather wrapped bars you see with the lever brackets already fitted is good, most diy leather wrapping sucks.

^^^ No, it'd look like a Charge with matching saddle, tape, rims and crankset. Matching saddle/tape always looks better. I've seen bikes that look good with mismatched saddle/tape, but imo I'm yet to see a bike that's improved by it. Same goes for seatpost/stem*.

And I thought it was white tape from San Remo to Lombardi?

*Exception made for unpainted Ti frames that have a Ti post to match the frame and a black stem to match the carbon fork.

Edit: I actually agree with the white suggestion though, it is my colour of preference, which is why when I agreed with the brown leather, it was with the qualifier "if the saddle is staying". Purely for looks, I'd have a silver inline post, that VO stem, lose the spacers, white perforated tape and a white Regal. But having a saddle that suits your arse and a bar height that you can use comfortably are going to be more important than looks. And given my hang-up on matching tape, the only other option would be a white B17 and I think all white Brooks saddle look like shit. Better to go with brown tape.

white brooks tape, simples

skully, i am dzapoynt, leather tape can be wrapped well, it just takes a little time and patience, but it actually stretches to fit around levers etc quite nicely

£10 on tape, scrape tape, replace.
£40 on tape, scrape tape, shout fuuuuuuuuuu

I do appreciate the comments and suggestions guys, thanks.

Just not sure on white tape personally. The saddle is definitely staying! I'll just have to keep an eye out for some suitable bar tape.

I've ordered an in-line silver Thomson post (personal chioce - I like them). I will be changing the current (yes, cheap) stem and spacers etc. at some point but first want to ride it to see how it feels so I can make the right decision on stem. Might even end up being a silver Thomson X2 to go with the post I've ordered....

Wise. The VO stem is a bit prettier than the Thomson, but better to have the matching set since you're going with the Thomson post.

^^^
*Exception made for unpainted Ti frames that have a Ti post to match the frame and a black stem to match the carbon fork.
.

been perving my bike, mofo?

*gets bike burka back out of cupboard

First ride today. Amazing!

Still waiting for seatpost, then soon a new stem.

Fast build! Looking sweet. Black saddle? maybe?

Yep, black swift or honey tape..... You have done the frame proud though!

Cheers.

Keeping the honey saddle though.

Silver seatpost?

keep up Alex, he is getting a silver thomson

see post 55

Phew

wipes brow

clean your glasses!

Now with silver seatpost.

Stem next...

Oof Oof that is the sex! Very lovely build, just needs matching tape/saddle to make it perfect.

Bravo!

That's a bloody handsome bike, nice one gridds!

Not sure on the tape myself, matching brooks honey could be nice. I think i'd be tempted to go with white though, especially as how we are hitting the summer months, supposedly.

Lovely! I think white tape would work as well.
Are you going to schlam the new stem? Loads of spacers right now...

+1. It'll mean cutting your steerer but it's a very high front end at the moment.

I'd use a Thomson x2 stem in silver. It'll match the post and it has an abnormally low stack height so can look quite elegant.

Your saddle is tilted forward a bit?

Really nice bike BTW. Probably a good investment too!

^ Good shout on a silver X2, nice stems.

+1 For brooks honey bartape

Thanks for the comments chaps. 'Tis rather lovely I must say!

I'd only just fitted the seatpost so saddle ange is slightly out (down), will tweak to comfortable angle.

Will be experimenting with stem slammage etc over the coming days and weeks before ordering a Thomson X2 and I might need a slightly longer one than the current.

Still not keen/undecided on white bar tape. I'll mull it over some more...

Can definitely go lower and 10mm longer with the stem.

Been looking for a silver 100mm X2 in +-17deg but can't find one anywhere. Want a +-17 deg one to make it virtually horizontal (72.5* HA). A 10 deg one would look a bit unsatisfactory with a slight rise to it, no?

Love riding this bike! So fast, so smooth, so light, so nice!

Go for the angle that puts the bars where you need them. 10* won't look odd. -17* and a stack of spacers might but others may disagree.

Aspirevelotech have good stocks of Thomson (usually).