acape

Well I tried rewrapping my bars last night for the first time, putting a layer over the current tape to give myself a little extra padding. I could not get it right for the life of me! I followed some tips I got here, but never could get it right. I actually had no trouble navigating the brake hoods, but every time I finally got it on good, I couldn't get it neatly groomed into the end of the bar with the cap. I eventually just lost it, got all pissed off, and ripped the tape to pieces in a flurry of obscenities. It felt good just to let it all out, although if that wasn't a waste of $12 I don't know what is!

Kingofbeers

I've done the exact same thing more than once - especially if the job lasted longer than two beers. The best taping instructions (with great pics) I've come across is on parktool.com - especially the photos of how to wrap both ends neatly.

Good luck with your next attempt -

DXchulo

Getting the bar plugs in there is the hardest part. It sure can be a pain in the ass sometimes.

I'm no good at making the ends all nice and pretty up by the stem, so I just do it good enough so it doesn't fall off and forget about it.

DieselDan

I've has success using bar plugs with a slot. I insert the tape into the slot, give it a twist, then insert the plug into the bar.

hmai18

I totally pimped out my bars with white cork tape last night as well. For my first time, it actually went pretty well.

I agree that the stuffing of the excess under the end cap was the most frustrating part of the job.

acape

Aha.....BEERS! That's the part I overlooked!

SaddleBags

LOL! Sounds like me whenever I attempt wrenching. Thank goodness my garage is somewhat soundproof.

Kabloink

I just tape the beginning of the bar tape to the bar with electrical tape and wrap over it instead of trying to stuff the tape into the bar ends.

jdevi

I was wondering approximately how much the LBS charges to re-wrap the bars, assuming you buy the wrap from them. I will need this done in the spring, I was considering ordering some tape online and attempting it myself but now I am having second thoughts!

acape

You're a frickin' genius. Now I wish I hadn't already wasted the whole roll.

A serious question now: I thought two layers of tape would provide good padding, but after I felt it (before I got pissed and ripped it off), it didn't seem to be much softer, it just made the bar fatter, which I didn't really like. This was just standard cork tape. Do you think some gel tape might provide more padding and prove to be more comfortable?

hmai18

Probably $5 - 10. Honestly, just take your old tape off and pay attention to how it was done. Then use the old tape to practice wrapping a few times before trying it with your new tape. That' what I did, and although it took me a while to do it, I got it done and it looks fine.

Refer to the parktools website that has instructions on how to do it and you should be fine.

roadfix

That is pretty much standard practice.....

CPcyclist

Use the Electric tape at the stem to finish as well (comes in many colors). The tape in the box is worthless.

jitteringjr

You are asking for trouble trying to stick 2 layers of cork in the bar ends. One layer is just fine.

Highlander

I too have screwed this up a few times. I had my LBS put the tape on for me last night. It looked professionally done for once. It was a mere $5.00. Well worth it in my opinion. I then went home drank some cold beer and admired the LBS's good work. Pedal on...................

jdtschida

I've always done it this way as well. Just seemed like the right way to do it. Was kinda suprised when my GF got her new bike and the shop did the stuff method. Plus the parktool guide says to stuff it. I don't like that method though, the plug eventually works free.

sTalking_Goat

Excuse me while I hijack another thread.

Anyone know of any cool looking/unusual bar tape. Something other than the usual solid or splatter paint colors everyone has.

Thanks.

DocRay

I'd like to see silver cork tape.

Has anyone tried those gel inserts under the tape?

jbonus

acape, I tip my hat to you for trying!

bbattle

Man, from reading all these posts I thought I was the only one that starts at the bar ends and works to the middle, cutting the excess tape and then using some electrical tape to finish it off.

bbattle

Have you tried using two colors of tape to get a striped effect like a candy cane?

hmai18

My R700 came with some thin Fizik gel pads under the tape. It's pretty comfy without being overly squishy and it's not too bulky either.

timwat

Am I the only one who prefers thinner tape layer = thinner bar? I've gone thinner in the drops and a bit thicker (i.e., more overlap) nearer the stem, and with decent gloves seems to give appropriate padding when I want it.

BTW, could never get the bar end thing down either, went to electrical tape at the stem ever since.

ViperZ

My Cinelli bar came with these foam pads. I really like them for the feel and the shape it gives the bar.



Unfortunately the 2 sided tape on the underside of the bar tape will rip the foam to shreds when it comes time to replace the tape.

I don't understand the problem with stuffing the end. You start at the end of the bar with about 2-3 inches extra, and wrap towards the stem. After you just stuff the extra tape in the bar end...

Must have been the the extra tape thickness that was causing you the greif.

sTalking_Goat

Thats an intersting idea. I was actually wanted like black wrap that fades to red as it goes down the bar. But I can't figure out a way to pull it off without dyeing the wrap.