The metal handlebars on bikes oftentimes become uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time. Because metal is such an effective conductor of heat, your hands may become excessively hot or cold. Many lower-end bikes feature foam padding, which provides cushioning for the hand and a sweat-wicking grip. But foam handlebars can become worn, torn and come off the bike. They also don't protect the metal from wearing down by exposure to the elements, including your own sweat. An alternative form of protection is taping the handlebars, which reduces heat conductivity while protecting the metal of the handlebars.
Step 1
Remove the old grip tape, if applicable. You will have to pull off the tape and wipe down the handlebars with a wet cleaning cloth to remove the adhesive. You should also remove the handlebar plug at the end of this, if you haven't already removed it when taking off the old grip tape.
Step 2
Position the brake levers so they are firmly held to the handlebars and positioning the same on each side. This will make it easier to apply the tape and work around the levers when the time comes.
Step 3
Cut off 4 cm sections of tape. If you have adhesive tape, BikeWebSite.com recommends covering the gap on the underside of the handlebars where the levers are attached, providing covering to an area that will be missed when the tape is wound around the handlebars. Since nonadhesive tape won't stick to the handlebars, you will have to set aside the four strips of tape until later in the taping process.
Step 4
Start winding the tape around the handlebars near the stem, choosing one side of the handlebars and applying tape roughly 5 cm out from the handlebar stem. Begin wrapping by bringing the tape over the top of the handlebars and toward the bike saddle. Adhesive tape will stick right away, but nonadhesive tape needs to be pulled taut at all times to avoid any loose loops or wrinkles in the tape.
Step 5
Continue wrapping the tape down the handlebars toward the brake lever. Make sure to keep the tape taut and minimize overlap since most tape manufacturers give the minimum about of tape needed for your handlebars--try not to overlap by more than 1/8 inch. When you get to the handlebars with nonadhesive tape, position the tape strips under the brake levers in their proper location and wrap the tape over the strips to hold them in place.
Step 6
Loop the tape around the brake lever once, if you prefer--the only advantage to this is the tape will hold the brake mounting in place if it becomes loose. Otherwise, continue wrapping past the brake levers to the end of the handlebar. When you get to the end, pull the tape hard and cut it with a pair of scissors, leaving 5 cm of extra tape hanging at the end. Tuck the tape into the handlebar and replace the handlebar plug.
Step 7
Repeat this process on the other side of the handlebars.
