Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,507
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
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The reason for replacing bar tape is less about looks or just someone's DNA being in it or being dirty but about safety. Sweat can be somewhat corrosive and over time of it soaking in to bar tape and sitting there on top of the bars which can cause actual damage to the bars. Yes bar tape is gross and new tape will look a treat but really I would rather see what is going on underneath it.
In terms of other replacements usually normal stuff, cables, housing, rubber parts if worn out or hardened, chain and cassette (if worn out). What I probably would do most importantly is a good full overhaul and make sure everything is pulled and regressed and bearings are replaced as needed and of course everything is cleaned as well.