How to handle bar tape across the brakes.

[smavter]

I've track cycled for a while now and because im sick of being indoors all the time i've purchased a trek 1.5 secondhand. Since it's second hand ive bought a new specialized saddle and some new bar tape. I started cycling track when i was sixteen and although i watched the tour the france with a passion i never felt the need to cycle sportively on the road.

Anyway putting on the new saddle and adjusting everything according to my height and size wasn't a problem. I got in trouble trying to weave the handlebar tape around the brakes.

I would really appreciate some tips

 

[gavintc]

When you wrap the tape over the STI, it always leaves a gap. on the inside. Most people cut a short 2-3 inch piece of tape and put this into the gap, wrapping the tape over it as you go. It just makes it neater. Have a look at Sheldon Brown's website for more info.

 

[ianrauk]

This video from Bike Tutor should help you

 

[John the Monkey]

Depends on the tape.

With the Pro Race stuff, because it's so nice and stretchy (and wayyyyy long) I usually forego the short bit of tape and just figure 8 around the lever clamps. Gives a bit of a cushy bit over the clamp, but I quite like that....

 

[smavter]

cheers for the responses, i guess i just find it scary unrolling stuff unless i get it perfectly right. It just seems to me that when you have to go around the levers there's a whole new skill to it eventhough ive been putting it on my dropbars for years.

 

[John the Monkey]

Park Tool have a really good guide to different ways of taping bars, well worth looking at.

 

[smavter]

its prorace gel and cork tape btw

 

[smavter]

thanks ianrauk, i got it done, and i did need a sharp knife because it was too long, john the monkey, thanks everyone

 

[John the Monkey]

its prorace gel and cork tape btw

I have that on my tourer - it's REALLY stretchy, so quite easy to wrap without making gaps. The finishing tape is rubbish though, electrical tape will do the job better if you have it.

 

[smavter]

I have that on my tourer - it's REALLY stretchy, so quite easy to wrap without making gaps. The finishing tape is rubbish though, electrical tape will do the job better if you have it.

Yeah i dont think there are any gaps, i finished the job with some electrical insulation tape, only thing i had in the house, and it looks nice to me at
least,

thanks dude.

 

[Arch]

I have that on my tourer - it's REALLY stretchy, so quite easy to wrap without making gaps. The finishing tape is rubbish though, electrical tape will do the job better if you have it.

A tip seen in Cycle magazine, courtesy of Mike Burrows: To finish the inside edge, instead of the tape provided or electrical tape, which eventually can get gungy, cut a couple of inch length of old inner tube (the right diameter to fit snugly), and put it on before you tape the bars. Then when done, roll it over the end of the bar tape to seal them.

Never done it yet, but will be giving it a try when I tape the Galaxy bars.

 

[Headgardener]

Arch thats a brilliant idea I will give a go when I come to redo the bars on the Horizon.

 

[Arch]

I hope it works well for you - I can't see Mike giving duff advice, I'm going to try it when I get my bars sorted.