Discussion
The original tape on my road bike has disintegrated and has some temporary Duck tape additions I am ashamed to say, now its not 1983 and its not a Raleigh Arena so not going to use Black Electricians tape.
So any tips on what make to buy ? and how to put it on so it sticks and looks good, preferably one that has more and half a mm spare.
So any tips on what make to buy ? and how to put it on so it sticks and looks good, preferably one that has more and half a mm spare.
I use Lizard skins, it’s nice with or without gloves. You’ll get a million recommendations but in all honesty, gloves and your bars play a role in comfort just as much as the bar tape itself.
My method is to start where the bars reduce in diameter, usually an inch or two from the stem. Start the tape at the rear of the bars, over lap completely once then work forwards and don’t over lap by much, a third to a quarter width is about right. Keep it tight but don’t stretch it. The sticky bit isn’t to hold it down, it’s not strong enough, it’s really just to ease fitting, the over lap holds it in place. When you are at the end, cut an inch from the end at 45 degrees, tuck that into the bars, fit plug. I use the expansion plugs and they are brilliant, not too tight to stress carbon bars but hold everything in place.
I’m sure there’s a good GCN bar tape video too....
My method is to start where the bars reduce in diameter, usually an inch or two from the stem. Start the tape at the rear of the bars, over lap completely once then work forwards and don’t over lap by much, a third to a quarter width is about right. Keep it tight but don’t stretch it. The sticky bit isn’t to hold it down, it’s not strong enough, it’s really just to ease fitting, the over lap holds it in place. When you are at the end, cut an inch from the end at 45 degrees, tuck that into the bars, fit plug. I use the expansion plugs and they are brilliant, not too tight to stress carbon bars but hold everything in place.
I’m sure there’s a good GCN bar tape video too....
Wrapping bar tape is one of the most satisfying things, when you've done it right. It's also a f
king nightmare when you don't quite get it right and you have to redo one side several times.
Watch the YouTube vids, read up and then have a go. When you manage to master the direction change and not have to use the cheat strips on the back of the shifter clamps you know you've cracked it.
king nightmare when you don't quite get it right and you have to redo one side several times. Watch the YouTube vids, read up and then have a go. When you manage to master the direction change and not have to use the cheat strips on the back of the shifter clamps you know you've cracked it.
My choice is Tortec Super Comfort
https://road.cc/content/review/137334-tortec-super...
As mentioned, GCN on YouTube have a couple of good videos to walk you through it.
https://road.cc/content/review/137334-tortec-super...
As mentioned, GCN on YouTube have a couple of good videos to walk you through it.
I've tried quite a few over the years and I've yet to find anything I prefer more than this:
https://www.cycletecheastbourne.com/m2b0s170p1563/...
Looks great on my Wilier and I've covered many, many thousands of miles with no tape induced discomfort.
This guide by Condor is super easy to follow:
https://www.condorcycles.com/blogs/journal/3961593...
https://www.cycletecheastbourne.com/m2b0s170p1563/...
Looks great on my Wilier and I've covered many, many thousands of miles with no tape induced discomfort.
This guide by Condor is super easy to follow:
https://www.condorcycles.com/blogs/journal/3961593...
Follow the guides on YouTube, it’ll take a few attempts but it’s not that difficult and make sure you wrap it the right way so that it doesn’t loosen off 
I’m using a few different tapes at the moment, a roubaix type foam one on my commuter, Rapha Pro Team on one bike and Specialized HD on another, all are quite nice.
Others of note are Lizard Skins DSP, Arundel Gecko.
Personal opinion but avoid leatherette type ones, I had some Cinelli with a multi coloured under section but the leatherette was really hard and not comfy.
I’m using a few different tapes at the moment, a roubaix type foam one on my commuter, Rapha Pro Team on one bike and Specialized HD on another, all are quite nice.
Others of note are Lizard Skins DSP, Arundel Gecko.
Personal opinion but avoid leatherette type ones, I had some Cinelli with a multi coloured under section but the leatherette was really hard and not comfy.
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