Originally Posted by
grnsky
are there any tricks to getting the handlebar tape neatly tucked into the holes at the end of the bar with the plug and everything? are there superior plugs that make the difference or is there some trick where you wrap masking tape around the grip just as its at the end and then use both hand to finish it neatly. then take the tape off.
If I understand your post, it sounds like you are finishing your wraps at the handlebar ends. Traditional practice is to
begin at the bar-end. The Park Tool website has a
pretty good tutorial on wrapping tape.
For bar-plugs, I use Velox expandable plugs...but some guys use wine corks. There are lots of options available. As another poster mentioned, you can cut the tape flush with the bar end (this is what I do)...or, when you start your wrap, leave a half inch or so of tape hanging off the edge, and stuff it in.
The first time I wrapped my bars, I did a practice wrap with the tape backing still on. You can't pull it tight enough, but it gives you a good idea of how things will go.