Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 76
From: San Luis Obispo, CA
Bikes: 1988 Bottecchia Professional (for Eroica), 2011 Ridley Noah ISP (retired), 2020 Soma Fog Cutter (daily commuter), 2021 Ridley Kanzo Adventure (gravel), 2022 Tideace Aero (main road bike).
Handlebar tape is a very low maintenance item and only needs to be replaced if there is a problem (i.e. damaged in a crash, coming unwound, etc.). I've only ever replaced handlebar tape in the following situtations:
1. Changing handlebars.
2. Changing shifters or shifter position.
3. Desire for a different color.