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Old 07-20-19 | 06:09 PM
  #42  
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canklecat
Me duelen las nalgas
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
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From: Texas

Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel

Much as I appreciate the Park Tool videos, they tend to be longer than necessary. Here's the most succinct bar wrapping demo I've found. Peter Sagan's tech needs a whopping 2 minutes from start to finish for both sides.

Note that this demo shows wrapping around the brake hoods to cover it, rather than using short strips and wrapping over those. But the basic technique is the same.

The easiest bar wrap I've found is Arundel Synth Gecko. It's 100% silicone, thick, soft, grippy, durable and can be washed and rewrapped many times -- but be careful to avoid cuts and tears against sharp edges around the brake hoods and bar ends. No adhesive backing, the rubbery material sticks to itself about like a Post-It Note. It resists taking a set or permanent curl, so it can be reused without duplicating the previous wrap. When first removed after use it will appear to have taken a set, but it will straighten out within a day or so.

The only downsides are the bulk and weight. It can't be wrapped flat like cloth, cello or some foam/cork tapes, including Arundel's own. Synth Gecko resembles a gooseneck lamp neck or flexible conduit, a bit chunky and sausage-like. But it's so comfy and grippy I prefer it for long rides on rural chipseal and rough pavement. Really tames the road buzz. I use it on my early '90s Trekenstein 5900. The Ironman is already so forgiving I just use regular foam/cork tape -- Arundel, Eclypse, whatever I have in the bin.

Synth Gecko is pricey at $30-$35, but actually a good value because it can be rewrapped. No worries if you need a few tries to get the wrap to your liking.

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