Replacing your handlebar tape can refresh the feel of your bike, making it feel almost new again. Wrapping bar tape effectively is a skill that takes practice, and this guide will help you master it.
You might want to change your bar tape if it’s scuffed, you want a new color or style, or if it simply looks worn out. No matter the reason, knowing how to wrap it properly is an essential skill for any cyclist.
There’s a lot of debate among mechanics about the best method to wrap bar tape, but two things are universally agreed upon: the tape must be snug with no gaps revealing the handlebars underneath.
If you ride frequently, aim to replace your handlebar tape once or twice a year. If you often use your bike on a turbo trainer, check the condition of your tape regularly; sweat and spilled energy drinks can lead to corrosion, which is a common oversight in bike maintenance.
If you’re unsure what type of tape to choose, we’ve compiled a list of the best handlebar tapes available. Additionally, since the cables are exposed when the tape is removed, consider timing the tape replacement with your bike’s gear and brake cable changes for a more efficient maintenance routine.
Table of Contents
Tools needed to replace handlebar tape
- New handlebar tape
- Scissors
- Electrical tape
- Solvent to clean bar
- Hex key or rubber mallet to secure bar plug (optional but not essential)
- Pin spanner or pliers to hold tape (optional but not essential)
When wrapping handlebar tape, it’s best to avoid wearing gloves. However, ensure your hands are clean before starting the installation to prevent any greasy smudges or marks, especially if you’re using white tape. This small step helps keep your bike looking sharp and fresh.
How to wrap handlebar tape in 6 steps
1. Out with the old
To start replacing your handlebar tape, first pull back the hood covers of the shifters and remove the electrical or finishing tape that secures the existing tape on top of the handlebars. Carefully take off the old tape and clean any sticky residue with a light solvent like isopropyl alcohol.
After removing the tape, inspect the handlebars for any damage, especially around the shifter clamps. Additionally, check the condition of the electrical or fiber tape that holds your cables in place to ensure everything is secure.
2. To cheat or not to cheat
Most bar tape kits come with two small sections of tape, often called “cheater strips,” which help cover the gap created when wrapping around the shifters. While experienced mechanics take pride in wrapping bars neatly without these strips, using them is perfectly acceptable if you prefer.
If you decide to use the cheater strips, cut them to the right size before you begin wrapping the bar tape. Place the strip behind the shifter lever so that it covers just the clamp without extending onto the lever body. Measure carefully and cut it to length.
Keep these shortened strips nearby during the wrapping process; a good tip is to stick them loosely on the top tube of your bike for easy access when you need them.
3. On with the new
When wrapping new handlebar tape, follow these important tips to ensure a strong and clean finish.
- Wrapping Direction: Start wrapping from the drops to the hoods. If you wrap the other way, the tape will loosen as you ride, leading to durability issues.
- Orientation: For the drive side, wrap the tape clockwise; for the non-drive side, wrap it counter-clockwise. This orientation helps naturally tighten the tape as you grip the drops.
- Initial Steps: Begin at the bottom of the drops, maintaining firm tension on the tape while wrapping outward. If your bar-end plug is designed to push in, insert a small piece of tape at the bottom of the bar before starting your main wrap. This helps secure the plug.
- Consistent Gaps: Ensure the gaps between wraps are even. If one side is already wrapped, refer to it for consistency. Most tape has chamfered edges that allow for overlap without adding bulk, but be mindful of thicker areas at sharper bends.
- Securing the Tape: After wrapping three or four turns, secure the tape and install the bar-end plug. It’s best to do this now rather than at the end to avoid unwrapping your work later. Use a pin spanner, pliers, or a toe strap to help with the installation.
- Continuing the Wrap: Once the bar plug is securely in place, continue wrapping until you reach the shifters.
Following these steps will help you achieve a professional finish while maintaining the functionality and durability of your handlebar tape.
4. Make your choice
When you reach the lever area while wrapping handlebar tape, you have a couple of options to ensure a neat finish.
One approach is to simply extend the wrap over the shifter. However, this can create a gap, especially if you’re not using a cheater strip. Another method involves wrapping the tape around the shifter in a figure-eight pattern for full coverage, but this may add unnecessary bulk.
We recommend wrapping the tape so it covers the underside of the shifter first. Then, swing it around the inside curve of the bar and up over the top of the lever hood. Continue wrapping the tape towards the tops, ensuring a smooth and tidy finish without gaps or excessive bulk.
5. Cutting edge
Determine where you want the wrap to end, considering any logos or markings on the handlebars. Wrapping too close to the stem can create an unattractive look and lead to poor cable routing.
For aero handlebars, there’s often a designated finishing point for the tape.
Once you’ve marked your finishing point, cut the end of the tape to a point. This allows for a smooth, clean edge when you wrap the final piece over the top of the handlebar.
6. Secure in place
To secure your newly wrapped bar tape, use electrical tape or the finishing strip that comes with the tape. This will ensure that the tape stays in place and doesn’t come loose over time. While many bar tapes have their own finishing pieces, it’s a good practice to apply electrical tape first, and then place the finishing piece over it for added security and a neat finish.
Through my blog, I aim to share insights on the dedication, care, and attention cycling demands, whether you’re tackling a mountain pass, speeding along a smooth road, or refining your bike’s setup. My mission is to provide well-researched, practical guidance that makes cycling more enjoyable, safer, and accessible for everyone with a passion for two wheels.
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