How to Put Tape on Handlebars

Road bicycles use handlebar tape.

Road bicycles use tape for the grip surface next to the brake and gear shifting mechanisms. This tape absorbs sweat and moisture, thus providing a solid grip and slip-free platform to hold. Over time, the tape wears out necessitating the need to change it. When changing it out, you will need to wrap the new tape onto the handlebars.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife or razor
• Flathead screwdriver
• Electrical tape
• Surface cleanser
• scrub pad
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Pry the caps off the end of the handlebars and set them aside. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry them off.

2. Slice the old wrapping tape down the middle, lengthwise, with the razor or utility knife. Pry the tape apart and remove it from the handlebars.

3. Scrub down the handlebars to get rid of old glue from the previous tape. Dry off the handlebars.

4. Pull the brake levers and gear shifters into the bike as far as possible and wrap a small piece of electrical tape around them to keep them in position and out of the way during the handlebar taping.

5. Cut two pieces from the handlebar tape, approximately 4 inches long. Wrap these onto the top section of the handlebar where it meets the brake levers. Wrap them fully around the handlebar twice. Put one small piece of electrical tape around the bar tape to hold it in place.

6. Begin to wrap the handlebar, starting at the end of the drop curl. Wrap so it overlaps each previous wrap by 1/4 inch. Move the wrap up the handlebar until it reaches the brake/shift lever. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the end of the handlebar tape to secure it in place.

7. Wrap the other side of the handlebar the same way as Step 6. Push the handlebar end caps back into the end of the handlebar.

Tips & Warnings

• Break in your new tape by taking a few small rides on the bike, gripping the tape in your natural position. This helps set the tape to your hands' shape and size.

References

• Bike Website: Handlebar Grips and Wrapping Tape
• Park Tool: Handlebar Tape Wrapping