How to Wrap a Road Bike's Handle Bars

Handlebar wrap materials

Handle bar wrap is like anything used on a bicycle. It wears out and needs to be replaced. This is a fairly easy process, but one that requires some patience and precision to make sure it is done correctly. This article will explain the process of removing old tape and putting new tape on. You'll then be able to wrap a road bike's handle bars in the right way.

Things You'll Need

• Handlebar Tape
• Electrical Tape
• Handle Bar Ends

Instructions

1. 

   Remove any existing tape. Notice, in the picture, that there is electrical tape underneath the bar tape to hold the cables in place. You shouldn't have to replace that.

2. 

   Start wrapping the bars from the end and work toward the stem. You should leave a 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch excess off the end of the bar. This will be tucked in with the bar plug. Wrap in a tight spiral with the tap overlapping the turn before, but leaving a even flat surface. Some tape is cut thiner on the ends and wider in the middle to facilitate its fit.

3. 

   Wrap the end firmly with electrical tape about an inch to inch and a half wide. You need to make sure the end won't peel up in time.

4. 

   Tuck in the other end of the tape with a plug or vibration damping plug. Take the excess tape you left off the end when you started, and tuck it inside the handlebar tube. Next push the plug in after that to secure the tape inside the handlebar tube. Make sure there are no edges to peel away once the plug is in place. Notice how even the layers of the wrap are from the picture.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient when wrapping the handlebars, otherwise it will look sloppy and not feel right when you grip it.

• Make sure you smoothly wrap the electrical tape on the ends to avoid tearing or peeling off.

• Be careful if you use scissors or anything sharp to start removing the tape. You might cut or damage the controller cables.