LuckySailor

Getting ready to change out brake handles, and new cables for shifting and brakes. I have been warned that I will need to replace my bar tape, as it won't come off easily, most likely. The Brooks leather bar tape is 6-7,000 miles old nearly 3 years of riding. It has a great patina and if I can save it I would like to. Is there a way to carefully remove or forget about it? Of course I realize that if I can get it off, it won't go back on the same way that it looks now. Thanks

nfmisso

Is there adhesive holding the tape to the bars? If yes, you will likely rip the bar tape.

The adhesive can be dissolved with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. But that will also change the patina of the bar tape.

TallRider

If you are changing the brake levers, you could maybe get by with unwrapping the bar tape above the levers but not all the way down. This probably depends on whether the bar tape includes or was applied with adhesive, or on how easily the adhesive peels off the bar anyway.

jj1091

Just a thought, but would the new levers possibly fit the old lever clamps? I've had cases where I changed levers and didn't need to remove/replace the bar tape.

wschruba

The suggestion above to try unwrapping to the lever may work best. Most brake levers use a split band clamp that is tightened into the lever body; removing the clamp entirely (back the nut out all the way from the lever) will allow you to spread the clamp around the bar without removing the tape all the way.

I would plan to be pleasantly surprised if the take comes off without being mangled by the adhesive. The glue Brooks uses has a tendency to tear the smooth face of the leather off. Gently lifting the tape as close to the handlebar may help, but it may not. That may still work for you, if you re-wrap over the torn up face.