General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape Rss Feed  
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2009-09-23 3:49 PM

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Subject: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
Okay, so wrapping tape around a handle bar is not exactly rocket science. But I have found that wrapping it well might as well be.  I butchered the first job I did - sure it worked, sure it covered the appropriate spots ... but it covered it ugly!

Post here your tips and tricks to doing a professional job in changing out your bar tape.  Also post your thoughts on what type to use. 

To start off the discussion, Park Tools has a semi-decent write up here (note: covers drop bars only).



2009-09-23 3:53 PM
in reply to: #2422769

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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape

There are a couple of excellent videos on Youtube.

2009-09-23 3:56 PM
in reply to: #2422769

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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
I can do an awesome bar wrap job. Looks beautiful til I do about 4-5 rides, then it seems like it always spreads apart at the bend on the horns. I better do a youtube search too!!
2009-10-23 11:05 AM
in reply to: #2422769

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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
For drop bars, start at the bottom and go to the top.  Slowly peel off the backing as you go.  Don't try to take it all off at once.  If you need to, practice wrapping it before you take it off.  I usually end up putting a single layer of electrical tape (black) over the end and the top to hold it in place.  Solid colors seem to last longer.  I don't put the two extra strips on (they're for, I believe, extra padding around the brake/shifter levers).  I do put a tiny bit in the bar end to help hold it in place, but that's never been enough for me (that's why I add the electrical tape).  If you start at the top, you'll end up rolling the tape up on itself.  My tape jobs usually last a year or so and then i get tired of the color or they look too dirty and I replace them.  Always make sure that, when you replace them, you take the time to clean your handlebars and get the excess junk (I believe that's the technical term) off of them.  I usually use a fairly thick bar tape.  Right now, I have black and red because the red on one side had gotten torn up a bit from a minor crash-looks pretty cool having the two different colors- goes well with my different style brake lever shifters (sorry for the off topic there...).  Good luck!
2009-10-23 11:28 AM
in reply to: #2422769

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
Wrap tightly and use double sided tape, the small pieces are to cover the gap when you change direction while wrapping around the hoods. 
2009-10-30 6:40 PM
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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape

roll the tape in a direction where it tightens naturally with the normal lay of your hands.



2009-11-01 7:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
This my friend is THE BEST wrap guide on the net, period! I've been doing it this way for the last two years and my tape is yet to come undone (always will if you wrap it backwards). You wont get any lumps either, especially and the end of the bars (which looks damn ugly).

http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-handlebar-tape.html

Scroll down the guide for pics
2010-01-07 1:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
brian - 2009-09-23 4:49 PM Okay, so wrapping tape around a handle bar is not exactly rocket science.


Tell that to my local bike shop.
2010-03-25 11:59 AM
in reply to: #2492377

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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
IndependentMind - 2009-11-01 7:24 PM This my friend is THE BEST wrap guide on the net, period! I've been doing it this way for the last two years and my tape is yet to come undone (always will if you wrap it backwards). You wont get any lumps either, especially and the end of the bars (which looks damn ugly).

http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-handlebar-tape.html

Scroll down the guide for pics


thanks for that link!!!! i've always wondered about the little tricks of wrapping bars. now i feel i can wrap my own! thanks.
2010-03-25 12:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
swimbikeandrun - 2010-01-07 2:37 PM
brian - 2009-09-23 4:49 PM Okay, so wrapping tape around a handle bar is not exactly rocket science.


Tell that to my local bike shop.


amen.
2010-03-25 7:34 PM
in reply to: #2422769

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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not wrapping it tight enough.  You need to stretch the tape onto the bar a bit. 

I like fizik, both Microtex & Dual Tape, and their Bar Gel - it's not too thick, and very durable.  Arundel Gecko tape is great if you want
 want something thin & grippy, but it is not very durable.


Cheers,
Karl
http://www.svcyclingcenter.com?
?



Edited by KarlEtzel 2010-03-25 7:35 PM


2010-07-10 9:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
swimbikeandrun - 2010-01-07 1:37 PM

brian - 2009-09-23 4:49 PM Okay, so wrapping tape around a handle bar is not exactly rocket science.


Tell that to my local bike shop.


When I took my tri bike to my LBS for a tune up and asked him to change the bar tape, he wrapped the tape on the aerobars all the way down to the base bar.
2013-12-15 5:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
When you do change tape, wrap the old stuff on your lawn mower or snowblower handles. It's a huge help.
2014-02-04 8:53 AM
in reply to: jmk-brooklyn

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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
Originally posted by jmk-brooklyn

swimbikeandrun - 2010-01-07 1:37 PM

brian - 2009-09-23 4:49 PM Okay, so wrapping tape around a handle bar is not exactly rocket science.


Tell that to my local bike shop.


When I took my tri bike to my LBS for a tune up and asked him to change the bar tape, he wrapped the tape on the aerobars all the way down to the base bar.



That is quite hilarious.....that they wrapped the aero bars. But you didn't say if they did it on their own or you asked. I can only assume they did it on their own.

Also a good idea to wrap the lawn mower handle. I also have a REEL mower, and those hand grips are just painful. Think I'll wrap that one first. And that'll be good practice. I've attempted to wrap mine once after looking at directions, and it was 'ok', but I ended up paying my LBS about $5 to do my bars and they look great.
2014-10-01 9:58 AM
in reply to: jjupiter100


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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
Some great YouTube videos out there but personally I have found that keeping a constant amount of pressure on the tape during application and maintaining roughly the same spacing between each pass does the most to help it look and work well
2015-08-24 10:31 AM
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Subject: RE: Beginner bike mechanic: tips for changing bar tape
I watched this video a lot and eventually learned; https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1rlveAo7EcE


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