ReUse Bar Tape?
 

I took some Brooks leather bar tape off some handlebars I'm can't use. I was going to discard it, but I saw this stuff is pretty expensive. Is there a way to flatten it out so it can be reused? It looks nice with my Brooks B17 Honey saddle.

You can definitely reuse bar tape. The bars on the Trek I once ownes were wrapped 3x with the same tape.

I always reuse it. I usually just lightly roll it up. not lay it flat. and store it cool...it works!

Why not?

I wouldn't pay that much for it if it only lasted a season. Of course you can reuse it.

bar tape on my diamondback came from a different bike :D

I had some odd pattern factory original bar tape that I wanted to save and re-use . . . I had it dry cleaned. . . lol.

I've wrapped all my tool handles (rakes, shovels, pick, etc.) with old tape. my sickle looks badass in celeste.

Pics!

Yes it's possible. The old stuff might look crinkly when you take it off, but once wrapped tightly again it's fine. Even the cinelli cork type - I just reused some on my fixed gear, switching over from drops to bullhorns. Too cheap to buy new.

I wonder if you can soak it in water, then roll it up tightly so it straightens and evens out. Maybe you can even compress it together with a big hose clamp, let it dry then treat it with neetsfoot oil or Proofide, then reinstall after it takes up the oils and is dry enough to the touch.

Chombi

This thread might get silly.

My Specialized Junker II, "as found" and with original bar tape...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...ndleBars_1.jpg

And "as uglied up" but still with original reused bar tape...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...ndleBars_1.jpg

I made a wheel bench yesterday, used some tape which I didnt plan to use on any of my bikes on the handles.

http://www.prettyshady.com/2010/up/wb_(3).JPG

I reuse everything, tape, tyres, tubes, chains but the bad stuff gets thrown out. If a see an old cheap bike with new tubular tyres and bar tape its cheaper to buy the bike then to go to the bike shop and buy 2 tubular tyres and bar tape.

I thoght this was particularly about the OP's old/used Brooks leather bar tape??.....

Chombi

Hardcore!

J

Yes as long as it is not too grungy and or torn/damaged. Leather tape in particular I always try and reuse.

I've used the same leather tape on 3 or 4 bikes. No need to flatten it. Just reuse it.

That was going to be my next question: Is Proofide good for leather bar tape. I ordered some so I guess that's another place for it to go.

Yes, use Proofide after wrapping it. You shouldn't need more for a good while.

A friend of mine has reused his brooks tape several times. He takes it off once a year or so, washes it with mild soap, and reinstalls it.

Cheers,
Chris