Changing bar tape...

[PpPete]

I always used to got from the middle to the outside because it's a neater job over all (you don't need any finishing tape), but it's a right PITA if you find you've not left uncovered bar in the middle to mount your new light, computer, handlebar bag bracket or whatever.

 

[PpPete]

Hi Maz, with patience yes it is. Have a look on youtube for some videos first so you get an idea of what you are doing. This is my favourite at the moment http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24159&gclid=CMrOpLb6tLICFUQLfAod6GMAaA

That's a good price. How stetchy is it ? Adhesive backed or not ?
Personally I prefer the non-adhesive stretchy kind, I've been known to break the "cork" kind while fitting it.

 

[Maz]

Do bar end caps normally come with the tape?
I have one end cap missing on my bike at the moment.

 

[ianrauk]

Do bar end caps normally come with the tape?
I have one end cap missing on my bike at the moment.

yes

 

[BSRU]

Do bar end caps normally come with the tape?
I have one end cap missing on my bike at the moment.

Yes but they are for oversized(standard these days) bars, not 26mm like mine.

 

[4F]

That's a good price. How stetchy is it ? Adhesive backed or not ?
Personally I prefer the non-adhesive stretchy kind, I've been known to break the "cork" kind while fitting it.

really stretch and a decent length. There is a small adhesive strip but this is not hugely sticky. I took it off and had 4 goes on one side before I was happy with my work.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I use these 2 videos everytime I tape bars. On the odd occasion I've done it without watching them I've never been happy with the result, so I now except my limitations and watch the vids


View: http://youtu.be/psmxYxmE3T8


View: http://youtu.be/P7KwGCDWlUk

 

[youngoldbloke]

I find the Park Tool pages really helpful - to remind me which way to start, and different routes around the levers.

 

[Maz]

So, I bought this bar tape, but I don't know what the 2 red pieces on the right are used for (approx 9cm long).
There were no instructions with the tape. What are they used for?
Thanks.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

the two small red strips go around the brake lever mounting (where the brake levers attach to the bars) as depending upon how you apply the tape you can end up with a gap, which the small strips hide. I use the figure eight technique which means you do not require the small strips.

Have a look on youtube for videos on both techniques.

 

[smokeysmoo]

^this.

Although I use the same technique I do still use the strips, go figure

 

[Maz]

Thanks. Here's me thinking they were for extra padding on the drops.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Thanks. Here's me thinking they were for extra padding on the drops.

If you want extra padding, simply wrap over the top of your old bar tape.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Thanks. Here's me thinking they were for extra padding on the drops.

I think the reason I use the strips and use the figure 8 technique is I like the chunky feel it gives me at the hoods, but it's not something I'd want to feel on the bars TBH.

If you want extra padding, simply wrap over the top of your old bar tape.

Yuuuuup, although I like my bars to feel like bars, too much padding and I don't feel like I'm connected properly, if that makes sense.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Yuuuuup, although I like my bars to feel like bars, too much padding and I don't feel like I'm connected properly, if that makes sense.

I know exacly what you mean, I wrap my bars quite thinly and prefer to use gell padded gloves for comfort for the same reason