Guest poster Don Blount has some suggestions about changing your bar tape.
Changing bar tape is an inexpensive way to give your bike a different look, from black to red, white or blue, you can accessorize your ride.
I stick with black tape. It matches my bike and doesn’t show dirt easily.
For some, taping handlebars can be frustrating. But with a little practice just about anyone can handle this job.
Here are a few quick tips I received from a bike mechanic to get a clean, professional-looking job:
Many handlebar tapes come with a sticky backing, which helps it stay in place. If it does not have this backing, you can use a small piece of electrical tape to hold it in place. This will be out of view when the bar is wrapped. You can also wrap pieces of electrical tape around the inside of the plug, the part that goes inside the bar, to help it stay in place.
And, with a few exceptions, remember to wrap over the bar and away from the frame, this tightens the tape naturally as you ride. Look at how you twist your hands in the drops and this will help you determine how to wrap the bar. If you turn you hands in, wrap in that direction and vice versa.
Also, use the small rectangular piece that comes with the tape to cover the bottom of the brake levers. Finally be sure to stretch the tape as you wrap but not as if you’re playing tug of war, and check your work so you don’t leave gaps.
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