Changing the handlebar tape on your road or gravel bike is one of those tasks that may seem complicated at first, but is actually much simpler and requires fewer tools than fixing or changing a tire. All you need is a couple of rolls of handlebar tape, just like the ones you can find in the Siroko store, a pair of good scissors and some insulating tape.
If you are doing it for the first time, take it easy, don’t rush and follow the instructions in the videos, as well as the following recommendations:
- Keep the bike steady so that it doesn’t move. A bike repair stand would be ideal, but you can also use your indoor bike trainer or place and secure the bike between two chairs.
- When removing the old tape, check the condition of the insulating tape holding loose cables in place. If it is in bad condition, replace it. And if it is missing, put it on to make the wrapping process easier.
- Clean the area well if the old tape was attached with some kind of adhesive. You can do this with a cloth and a little rubbing alcohol or with a wet wipe.
- Check your handlebars, cables and handlebar clamps. If you see any signs of corrosion, breakage or wear, inspect and replace as necessary.
- If you want to wrap the handlebar tape in the exact same way as the previous one, cut the new tape to the same size as the old one.
- Now watch the two video tutorials and choose whether you want to start at the top or bottom end of the handlebars. Pay special attention to the technique when taping the handlebars.
- If it is your first time wrapping a handlebar, we recommend that you do it without using any adhesive as it is easier to start over if you make a mistake.
- In both methods you may choose whether or not to use the adhesive. If you are going to use it, do not take off all the paper covering it at once. Remove it gradually to prevent the tape from sticking to your hands or getting stuck together.
- The adhesive backing makes the tape firmer without having to put a lot of tension when applying it, but it also leaves residue on the handlebars. If you do not use any adhesive, you must wrap the tape tightly to keep it in place, but it leaves no residue and is much easier to remove if you want to change the handlebars or modify the position of the levers.
- Keep an even distance between each turn and make sure the tape is tightly stretched and wrinkle-free.
- Place the handlebar end plugs correctly. If you feel that they are loose, try wrapping insulating tape around the plug to get a tighter fit.
You can see the classic way of tape wrapping in this video, from bottom to top, finishing off with black vinyl insulating tape:
Here is the alternative version, from top to bottom, without the insulating tape.
Doesn’t seem so difficult, right? It really isn’t, but be careful, don’t get too confident, especially if you’re a beginner. Remember to do it without any adhesive and practice first. Try wrapping it at least two or three times, applying tension, but don’t overdo it. When you feel confident, use the adhesive. Don’t worry if you feel a little clumsy at first, we’ve all been there. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be surprised how easy it can be to give your bike a new look and enjoy the feel and comfort of a new handlebar tape.
