Originally Posted by
2manybikes
I find that the unbranded electrical tape does not stay in place. I have a few bikes with 3M electrical tape and they vary around 6-10 years on the tape. No problems.
Do not pull it tight by stretching it hard. Especially the last wrap, just enough to fit in place. Then it is not trying to shrink back to size. My bikes with the 3M have thousands of miles on them.
Tried to count them without looking, at least 10 bikes with the 3m tape for years.
My technique for finishing bar tape is to loop twice with 3m tape, the first loop pulled tight which cause the tape to be a bit more narrow and a second loop around with the tape slack which causes it to be a bit wider, which lets it neatly cover the first loop of 3m tape.