How to Install a New Handlebar Tape

Every once in a while it becomes necessary to change your handlebar tape. This is one of the most basic aspects of bicycle maintenance and one almost anybody can do with few tools and little training.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement handlebar grip tape
• Handlebars
• Soapy water and a rag
• Electrical tape
• Knife to cut old tape off

Removing the old and applying the new

1. 

   Unwrap the old grip. For very old grip you may have to cut it away with a knife. Try to get the adhesive residue to leave with the old grip instead of sticking on the handlebars. Remove the bar-ends.

2. 

   With soapy water and a rag, wipe down every part of the handlebar that you intend to put grip on. Rub any old adhesive residue off. Don't worry about especially stubborn residue, you're just going to cover it up anyway. You can dry the handlebars with a paper towel, hand dryer, or just let it air dry.

3. 

   Make sure the handlebars are clear of moisture, which will keep the new adhesive from sticking. If you have cables coming out of the back of your brake hoods, tape them to the handlebars with electrical tape. Your new tape package should come with two 3-inch long segments of handlebar grip. Use these to cover the back part of your brake hood, where the brake mechanism meets the handlebars.

4. 

   Begin wrapping at the end of your handlebars and work your way towards the stem. You want the wrapping to work so that as your hands roll forward while your riding, the grip gets tighter. That means the right side should be wrapped counter-clockwise while the left side is wrapped clockwise. Wrap as tight as you can without damaging the grip. Leave a little bit of grip hanging over the edge of the handlebar, you'll tuck this in to the bar end later.

5. 

   While working your way around the handlebars, make sure that half of the grip is on bare handlebar while the other half is laid over the preceding layer of grip. Wrap as tight as you can without damaging the grip. When you get to the brake/shifter, wrap one extra time around its base, then wrap up as usual, making sure you're still wrapping counter-clockwise if on the right or clockwise if on the left.

6. 

   Once you either run out of grip or get to the stem, tape the end of the grip down by wrapping the extra piece of regular tape provided in the grip package, or electrical tape, around the loose end of grip. Look over the handlebars to make sure there are no wrinkles or spots where handlebar shows through. If you see a wrinkle, re-wrap that area tighter than before. Make sure the spiral of grip is even and consistent.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a stand or some way to elevate the handlebars, do so. It will make it easier to see what you're doing.
• If you have to use a knife, use a small one and remember to cut away from your body.

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