How to Wrap Handlebar Tape
& Our Bar Tape Buying Recommendations
Searching for the best handlebar tape for your bike? We explain how to wrap bar tape and point you in the right direction of some of the top handlebar tapes on the market, focusing on grip, comfort, and durability.
Choosing the Right Handlebar Tape
Choosing a quality bar tape is crucial for enhancing your cycling experience. The right tape perfectly balances grip, comfort, and style. Selecting handlebar tape involves considering factors like material, thickness, and the final look.
Finding the Best Value Handlebar Tape
A quality bar tape will make all the difference to your cycling and the best value handlebar tape is simply the one that ticks all the boxes for your needs.
Material is a key consideration. Different materials, such as cork, leather, and synthetic options, affect the grip and comfort level of the handlebar tape. For instance, synthetic materials are commonly used for their durability and performance. The texture also plays a significant role in how the tape feels and performs.
Another important factor is thickness. The thickness of handlebar tape impacts shock absorption and overall comfort. Thicker tapes generally provide better cushioning, while thinner tapes offer more direct feedback from the road. Finding the right balance is essential for your riding style.
Handlebar tapes come in a wide array of colours and patterns, allowing cyclists to personalise their bikes. Whether you want to match your tape with other bike components or make a bold statement, there’s a tape out there for you.
Bar Tape Material/Texture
Synthetic materials, such as polyurethane and Microtex, are popular bar tape choices due to their durability and grip. These advanced materials provide a tacky texture that enhances control, especially in wet conditions.
Cork-infused foam has traditionally been used for handlebar tapes and cork tape, offering a comfortable and natural feel. Modern designs, however, have incorporated gel pads and inserts to add comfort without adding excessive weight.
Thickness/Cushioning
Handlebar tapes, ranging from 1.5mm to 5mm in thickness, allow cyclists to select their preferred level of cushioning and shock absorption. Thicker tapes generally provide better cushioning and shock absorption over rough surfaces. However, they can also increase the effective diameter of the handlebars, which might not be preferable for all riders.
The choice of handlebar tape thickness ultimately depends on personal preference and riding style. Thicker tapes are generally favoured for endurance rides on rough terrains, while thinner tapes might be preferred for racing or smoother surfaces. Finding just the right amount of cushioning with thick tape is key to enhancing your comfort and control.
Consider your typical riding conditions and cushioning preferences when selecting a tape surface. Whether opting for a thicker tape for rough surfaces or a thinner tape for a more direct feel, it’s about finding what works best for you.
Style: Colours and Patterns
The best handlebar tapes are functional and deliver a style statement. Available in various colours, they allow you to personalise your bike to reflect your personality. Whether you prefer the classic black and white or the boldness of bright colours, there’s handlebar tape to match your aesthetic.
Changing your handlebar tape is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your bike’s appearance. You can match the tape to other components like the saddle or even switch up the colours to keep things interesting. It’s an easy way to give your bike a new look without breaking the bank.
How to Wrap Bar Tape
Dirty, smelly handlebar tape is never a pleasant sight and is definitely not pro. Putting on new handlebar tape is a relatively simple job, which when done correctly can give that perfect finishing touch to your bike.
Below is our guide on how to correctly apply tape to your handlebars.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Handlebar Tape
- A pair of scissors
- Narrow tape (optional)
- Electrical tape
- An alcohol-based cleaning product (should the handlebar need cleaning)
1. Start With a Blank Canvas
The first thing to consider before you put your new fresh handlebar tape on is whether the old tape has left its mark on the bars. Excessive residue can make putting your new bar tape on a tricky task. If this is the case use a brake cleaning fluid or alcohol-based cleaning product to remove any signs of the previous bar tape.
Pro tip: Use a screwdriver to carefully prise the old bar end plugs out of the bars.
2. Tape the Cables
To keep the gear and brake cables in place, use electrical tape to wrap them tightly against the handlebars, this allows the tape to sit flush against the bar. If there are grooves on the handlebars, the cables should sit in these.
Tape up to the area you want it to finish at. Usually the handlebar has a natural taper where the bar tape is intended to finish. Use your fingers or a ruler to measure the distance from the end of the tape to the stem to ensure an even wrapping on both sides.
3. START AT THE BAR END
This is personal preference but we would suggest starting by applying the tape at the bar ends. Take a centimetre or two of tape and place it in the bar end.
Start wrapping the tape around the bar, don’t worry about excess bar tape overhanging the bar ends, this will be folded in at the end and held in place with the bar end plugs.
4. START WRAPPING
We would recommend working from inside to outside to get the best finish. Keep the tension tight on the tape, using your thumb and pulling it tight. A handy tip is to make sure the adhesive strip touches the handlebar rather than the tape.
5. FIGURE OF 8 AROUND THE LEVERS
Getting around the gear levers requires a figure-of-eight motion. Start by lifting the rubber shifter hoods up. Your tape may come with additional strips to fit under your brake hoods. Feed the tape under and across the top of the handlebar. Next feed the tape under and behind the gear lever. From there you can move onto the top section of the handlebar.
6. CUT THE TAPE
Continue wrapping. Using the electrical taped handlebar as a guide, wrap up to the end of the electrical tape. Using your scissors cut the tape, in a 45-degree angle, towards the centre of the bars. This is important to ensure you have a clean finish.
7. TAPE UP
Take your narrow or electrical tape and line it up with the end of the bar tape. Simply start running it around the bar, cutting the excess off. If the bar tape comes with finishing tape add that to give your bike that pro touch.
8. PLUG THE BAR ENDS
All bar tape comes with bar end plugs. Wrap the excess tape into the end of the bar and push the bar end plugs firmly in. Bar taped wrapped, you are ready to rack up the miles!
Benefits of Re-Wrapping Your Handlebar Tape
Handlebar tape is crucial for grip and comfort, serving as the vital connection between you and your bike. Over time, even the best tapes can wear out, diminishing their effectiveness. To ensure optimal performance, it’s essential to wrap bar tape properly.
Replacing worn handlebar tape can instantly improve your bike’s grip, enhancing control during rides. Re-wrapping also significantly reduces hand fatigue. New tape improves comfort, making long rides less taxing on your bare hands for those who cycle without gloves. Plus, thick and tacky tapes are ideal for all-day comfort, ensuring your hands stay comfortable and secure throughout your journey.
Re-wrapping your handlebar tape is also a cost-effective way to customise your bike. It gives your bike a new look and allows you to change up your style without a significant investment.
Best Handlebar Tape for Specific Needs
Whether you’re a road cyclist, gravel rider, or face varying weather conditions, there’s a perfect tape for you. Let’s explore some top recommendations based on different cycling styles and things to look out for.
Bar Tape for Road Bikes
For road bikes, handlebar tape should prioritise grip and responsiveness. Quality road bar tape is crucial for improving control and comfort on road bikes. Imagine speeding down a hill or navigating tight corners; having the right tape can make all the difference.
Most road bike handlebar tapes are a thinner bar tape designed to balance grip and vibration dampening for an enhanced riding experience.
Bar Tape for Gravel Bikes
Vibration dampening in gravel bike handlebar tape improves rider comfort on rough surfaces. Effectively absorbing shocks, this tape is suitable for rough terrains, keeping your hands comfortable even on the bumpiest paths.
Gravel bars need a tape that is robust and comfortable to absorb vibrations from uneven surfaces. Riders on gravel bikes typically look for tapes that offer a significant level of grip to handle variable weather conditions.
Summary
When selecting handlebar tape, consider the material and texture, as they impact both grip and durability. Thickness plays a crucial role in shock absorption and overall comfort, while style allows you to personalize your bike. Re-wrapping your handlebar tape not only improves grip and comfort but also refreshes your bike’s appearance.
Ultimately, the best handlebar tape is one that meets your specific needs and preferences, enhancing your comfort, control, and overall cycling experience. So go ahead, choose the right tape, and enjoy a ride like never before.
