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Beginner's Guide: 8 Steps to Wrap the Perfect Bar Tape

by Martin 18 Dec 2024
Beginner's Guide: 8 Steps to Wrap the Perfect Bar Tape

 

Bar tape needs to be replaced regularly, and with just a small investment, you can make your bike look brand new. Wrapping bar tape properly requires some skills, and different technicians have their own methods. Today, we’ll share the 8 simplest steps to wrap perfect bar tape.

Tools Needed for Replacing Bar Tape:

  • New bar tape
  • Bar plugs
  • Scissors
  • Electrical tape or the finishing tape included in the bar tape kit

Remove the Old Bar Tape

Find the beginning and end of the bar tape, tear off the tape binding it, and then cut off the old bar tape. It's a good idea to use some isopropyl alcohol to clean the handlebars once it's taken off. This is also an ideal moment to check the handlebars, particularly with regard to the shifters' locati0n. If you have external cable routing, you can also find out whether the bar tape holding the cable housing is efficient.

Remove the Old Bar Tape

Find the beginning and end of the bar tape, tear off the tape binding it, and then cut off the old bar tape. It's a good idea to use some isopropyl alcohol to clean the handlebars once it's taken off. This is also an ideal moment to check the handlebars, particularly with regard to shifters' locati0n. If you have external cable routing, you can also find out whether the bar tape holding the cable housing is efficient.

 

Start Wrapping the New Bar Tape

As you wrap the fresh bar tape, consider a few things: Starting from the handlebars' bottom, wrap upward towards the interior. If you wrap in the opposite direction, the tape will loosen, and the durability will be much decreased from the direction of force from your palms. Stated otherwise, for the right hand, wrap clockwise; for the left hand, wrap counterclockwise. This will help, particularly when descending a hill, to naturally tighten the tape.

As you wrap, check that the tape's gaps are even. The other side can be consulted to guarantee consistent thickness and a tidy look. Change the overlapping gaps in your wrapping around the handlebar bends to reduce the thickness difference between the inner and outer surfaces.

 

 

Install the Bar Plugs

After wrapping 3 to 4 turns, you can temporarily secure the bar tape and then install the bar plugs. This is the best time to install the plugs, rather than waiting until the tape is fully wrapped. This way, you'll still have the chance to make adjustments if needed.

A little trick is to use clips to secure the unfinished tape at this stage. If you don’t have clips, you can also use pliers or electrical tape to hold it in place. Once the bar plugs are installed, you can release the clips and continue wrapping the remaining tape.

 

 

 

Wrapping to the Shifter

Now we’ve reached the shifter area, and there are a few different ways to handle this spot: one method is to simply continue wrapping, but this may leave gaps, especially if you’re not using a cover strip, which can make the gaps quite noticeable. Some people prefer the figure-eight wrap method to fully cover it, but this can make it look a bit bulky.

We recommend wrapping the tape around the underside of the shifter, then wrapping it around the inside of the handlebar, and continuing upwards to wrap over the shifter. This way, it ensures complete coverage without affecting the appearance.

Wrapping the Top Handlebar Area

After wrapping the bar area, continue wrapping the bar tape along the top of the handlebar.

Cut the End of the Bar Tape

Ensure that the ends of the bar tape on both sides are equally distanced from the stem, and make sure not to cover the logo on the drop bars. Then, use scissors to cut the ends at an angle, creating a clean, straight edge.

Secure in Place

Use electrical tape or the decorative strip that comes with the bar tape to secure it in place so it won’t loosen.

Many bar tapes come with specific decorative pieces, but we still recommend using electrical tape first, and then adding the decorative pieces on top for extra security.

How Often Should You Replace Bar Tape?

Riding regularly calls for replacing your bar tape once or twice a year.

If you typically work out on a trainer, you should routinely check your bar tape. Energy drinks spilled and sweated are more likely to seep into the tape and damage the handlebars.

Can Bar Tape Be Reused?

Indeed, most bar tapes are reusable, and to cut waste, you might wash them in the washing machine.

Most bar tapes, however, feature a sticky backing, which with time may lose its stickiness. It's advisable to replace your bar tape should its adhesive quality have deteriorated.

Should the bar tape be damaged, worn, or infected, we advise substituting new tape rather than reusing it.

 

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Image source: biketo

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