The tape on your handlebars will eventually become worn a will need to be replaced. New handlebar tape can be purchased at most bicycle shops or online, and comes in a variety of styles and colors to suit the rider's needs. Although non-adhesive tapes are available, handlebar tape with an adhesive backing ensures that the tape will remain in place while riding. Putting the tape on your handlebars is relatively simple and will usually takes less than an hour to perform.
Step 1
Flip back the hoods on both brake levers. Remove any old tape by unwinding it from the handlebars. If the tape is difficult to remove, carefully cut the tape from the handlebars with the razor knife. Clean the handlebars thoroughly.
Step 2
Ensure that the brake handles are tight and in the correct position. Connect the brake cables to the handlebars with strips of electrical tape.
Step 3
Peel off the backing from the adhesive on one of the protective strips that came with your set of handlebar tape. Stick the protective strip around the back of the clamp on the brake handles.
Step 4
Start to wrap one side of the handlebars at its end. Unpeel some of the backing from the adhesive at the end of one of the handlebar tapes. Stick the adhesive onto the end of the handlebar on the inside bottom with about a half inch hanging over the end of the bar.
Step 5
Begin wrapping the tape around the handlebar. Overlap the tape by about one-third on each full rotation. Ensure that the adhesive on the back of the tape is sticking to the handlebar and not the tape that was previously laid down.
Step 6
Continue wrapping the tape up the handlebar, pulling off the backing from the adhesive as you wrap. Put constant tension on the tape to ensure a good fit, but not so much that the tape tears.
Step 7
Wrap the tape up to the brake handle, then around the inside of the handle. Ensure that the tape is as close to the handle as possible so as not to leave any gaps.
Step 8
Continue to wrap the tape around the handlebars toward the steering stem, covering the brake cables as you go. Stop wrapping the handlebars when you are about an inch from the stem or where the handlebar meets the clamping ferule.
Step 9
Cut the remaining portion away from the tape around the handlebar to ensure a clean cut. Secure the end of the tape with several turns of electrical tape.
Step 10
Tuck the other end of the tape into the end of the handlebar and insert the handlebar plug. If necessary, use a rubber mallet to ensure the plug fits snugly into the end of the handlebar.
Step 11
Repeat Steps 3 through 10 on the other handlebar. Flip the brake hoods back into position.
Things You'll Need
- Set of handlebar tape
- Bar plugs
- Razor knife
- Electrical tape
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