Tips on Handlebar Tape Installation?

In article <[email hidden]>,

Roger Zoul said:

This statement gives me pause: "Handlebar wrapping is a skill that takes
practice and patience. "

Okay, I'm a noob at this and I'd like to get it right the first time. I
assume I can undo it all if it somehow doesn't go right, right?

With most tapes, you can redo it (within a few minutes at least, then the
glue starts to bind). I think the best wrapping style depends on your
riding style. If you are a powerful rider with a low handlebar, then
you are probably pulling up on the outsides of the drops and you should
wrap your tape so that direction tightens the tape (not loosen). On the
other hand, slower cyclists usually rest their palms on the inside of
the top part of the handlebar, so they should wrap their tape in the
opposite direction.

Make sure you wrap the tape tight enough so that you don't run out of
tape before you finish the bar. On the other hand, don't wrap it so
tight that you compress all the padding. Overlap each wrap by about
one-third; maybe a little more on the inside of bends.

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 17:56:41 -0400, "Roger Zoul" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

My handlebar tape on my Specialized Sequoia Expert has sticky goo oozing
out. I bought some replacement tape at the LBS that has the gel padding.
I'm going to install it tonight or tomorrow. Obviously, I don't wish to
mess it up. I've been reading instructions here:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=71

This statement gives me pause: "Handlebar wrapping is a skill that takes
practice and patience. "

Okay, I'm a noob at this and I'd like to get it right the first time. I
assume I can undo it all if it somehow doesn't go right, right? My tape is
this stuff:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=10018

in 4.5 mm thickness.

Tips/comments/warning?

Thanks.

I don't know about other shops, but my Trek came with bar tape that isn't
sticky on the backside. It just wraps and then stays put and you tape the
very ends twice - once with clear very sticky tape - a thin strip, about 5
revolutions, and over that black (or colored) shiny electrical (plastic)
tape.

The stuff might have had backing and something sticky under it, I forget,
but it definitely wasn't stuck down. I was a bit surprised, but the wrench
said no big deal.

-jj

Roger Zoul said:

My handlebar tape on my Specialized Sequoia Expert has sticky goo oozing
out. I bought some replacement tape at the LBS that has the gel padding.
I'm going to install it tonight or tomorrow. Obviously, I don't wish to
mess it up. I've been reading instructions here:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=71

This statement gives me pause: "Handlebar wrapping is a skill that takes
practice and patience. "

Okay, I'm a noob at this and I'd like to get it right the first time. I
assume I can undo it all if it somehow doesn't go right, right? My tape is
this stuff:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=10018

in 4.5 mm thickness.

Tips/comments/warning?

Thanks.

Hi Roger, I've used the Specialized Bar Phat. follow the diagrams on
the box for direction.

Remember to fold back the rubber brake hoods, where they come in
contact with the bar.

I prefer using electrical tape at the ends, rather than the strips
that are supplied.

Last time I used the gel packs and I wrapped with a different brand of
tape. That was because the Bar Phat only comes in black. The Profile
Design brand of tape is longer than the Ciclolinea brand.

Just take your time, maybe use less overlap on the bottom bars and
more overlap in the area of the top of the hoods. If you don't make
it, or have gaps, redo it. Just be sure to check it, before taping the
ends.

Another little trick, that I do, is I put some two sided [like scotch]
tape, on the ends, it helps hold it, while starting out. You want to
leave a little over the edge, but not any where the tape thickens in
the center.

Take a good look at how the tape you are removing, is wrapped around
the brake levers, spacing, and ends. It's not hard, you'll do fine.

Life is Good!
Jeff

I once bought a brand-new Cannondale and after a month I had
two-foot-long strips of loose bar tape waving from the ends.
It was fixed under warranty, but now when I install my own bar tape I
wrap most of the bar with double-stick tape before installing the bar
tape over it.

On 1 Sep 2005 13:37:01 -0700, "[email hidden]" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I once bought a brand-new Cannondale and after a month I had
two-foot-long strips of loose bar tape waving from the ends.
It was fixed under warranty, but now when I install my own bar tape I
wrap most of the bar with double-stick tape before installing the bar
tape over it.

I don't think that is necessary. even what I do isn't necessary to
secure it. it just makes it a little easier, when starting to do the
wrap, and with the thicker tapes used today, it is harder to put any
amount inside the tube.

I remember using fabric tape, in the '70s, where I would start at the
top of the bar and finish at the plugs. No adhesive tape was needed,
you overlapped to start, and stuffed a good amount inside the tube,
securing with the plugs.

Life is Good!
Jeff