Installing new bar tape

[plastic_cyclist]

Is it wise to take this task on oneself or would it be better served to take it to a LBS ?

I was going to follow this tutorial....

Tape Guide

Also is it a good time to replace hood covers as these are looking a bit faded ?
Any other tasks which are common to do whilst doing this?

 

[figbat]

I was hesitant but had a go - turned out really well. It’s easy to undo and redo if you need to, but with a bit of patience it should go fine.

 

[ianrauk]

Just have a go and learn.

 

[slowmotion]

I watched dozens of clips on YouTube. All the hipsters from US bike shops talked at lightning speed and were hard to follow. In the end I found a UK one and set my laptop next to the bike playing the tricky bit (round the hoods) in slowmotion. I made a hash of it but they lasted a few years.
You can always peel the stuff off and have another stab at it. Good luck.

 

[TissoT]

Have a go yourself.

Practice makes Perfect.

 

[biggs682]

Is it wise to take this task on oneself or would it be better served to take it to a LBS ?

I was going to follow this tutorial....

Tape Guide

Also is it a good time to replace hood covers as these are looking a bit faded ?
Any other tasks which are common to do whilst doing this?

Have a go just don't ask the question about do you start at the end ie drops or in the middle as that always ends in people getting angry

 

[Broadside]

If you’ve got under tape gear or brake cables then check or replace them at the same time but it’s not something that needs to be done often.

Definitely have a go yourself, the first couple of times may not be perfect but it is really satisfying when you get the knack. I always buy my kids second hand bikes and replacing the bar tape is often one of the first things I change. I’ve saved a small fortune learning to do it myself!

 

[Brandane]

It's an easy enough job to do, but as with most things - when buying bar tape, you get what you pay for. Cheap tape means it might be easy to tear when fitting, and if you do make a hash of it then undoing the bit you messed up and re-doing it might not be pretty. I've settled on using Cinelli cork tape on all my bikes. It's easy to fit and very comfortable on the hands once fitted. If you do need to un-roll it after fitting (changing cables etc.) then it can be done easily without ruining the tape.

 

[further]

Have a go just don't ask the question about do you start at the end ie drops or in the middle as that always ends in people getting angry

Middle every time

 

[figbat]

Middle every time

 

[rovers1875]

Just have a go, it's not difficult. Take your time and try to keep the wrap even. If not confident get a cheap roll of insulating tape and a bit of tubing and practice, so becomes second nature.

 

[biggs682]

Middle every time

Same even if just to avoid a bit of insulation tape

 

[MichaelW2]

Getting the overlap right takes a bit of practice, as does the wrap around the levers but it isn't rocket surgery and you (by which I mean me) can always unwrap and try again.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

You won’t get it perfect first time but you’ll learn and get there.

 

[rogerzilla]

Reminds me, I need to do the yellow Harry Quinn. I found some NOS Cateye shiny tape that just about matches the paint. It'll look sick, as the kids say.