If you ride hard and often, eventually your handlebar tape will show signs of wear. Replacing the tape will improve your grip on the handlebars as well as keeping your bike looking sharp. Wrapping tape takes some skill and patience since you must stretch the tape as you apply it. Whether you use adhesive or non-adhesive tape, keep in mind that while the tape should overlap as you wrap it, most manufacturers provide just enough tape to cover the handlebars. Resist the temptation to create large overlapping areas.
Step 1
Remove the old, worn tape by unwrapping it. If you experience difficultly removing it, you might use a razor blade to cut it off, but try not score the metal handlebars or cut the brake cables under the tape.
Step 2
Wash your hands or don a pair of mechanic's gloves, if you have them. Dirt or debris on your hands can leave the newly applied tape looking dirty, or worse, it can affect how well adhesive tape sticks to the handlebars.
Step 3
Secure the brake cables to the handlebars with electrical tape.
Step 4
Mark both handlebars with a marker where you want the tape to end, usually just before the clamping ferule.
Step 5
Remove the handlebar plugs at the end of each bar and set aside.
Step 6
Wrap the short strips that came with your tape around the bottom of the brake clamps on each handlebar.
Step 7
Start wrapping the end of the handlebar and allow for about half the width of the tape to overhang past the end of the bar. When looking at the handlebars from the cyclist's point-of-view, you should feed the tape under, around and then over the handlebar, pulling it toward yourself.
Step 8
Overlap each rotation by one third the width of the tape. Pull the tape taut as you wrap, but take care not to pull so hard that the tape breaks. Inspect your work as you go to ensure each rotation lays nicely on the bar.
Step 9
Reduce the overlap to approximate 1/8 inch when you wrap the curves of the handlebars.
Step 10
Continue to wrap the tape around the brake lever. The small pieces of tape you applied earlier will hide any gaps.
Step 11
Wrap the top of the handlebars until you just pass your mark for the end of the tape.
Step 12
Cut the tape along your ending line using a razor blade or sharp knife, but try not to score the handlebar.
Step 13
Unwrap the last two rotations of the tape and use scissors to cut through the tape completely. Follow the cut made by your razor blade and keep the final cut clean.
Step 14
Re-wrap the tape and trim it so it ends at the bottom of the handlebar.
Step 15
Wrap the end with a piece of electrical tape, ending at the bottom of the bar.
Step 16
Tuck the excess tape at the outside end of the handlebar into the end of the bar and replace the handlebar plug to secure the tape.
Step 17
Repeat the process for the other handlebar.
Things You'll Need
- Electrical tape
- Marker
- Roll of handlebar tape
- Razor blade or sharp knife
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