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Wrapping Aerobars

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Old 03-11-07 | 07:01 PM
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Wrapping Aerobars

Any tips for a first-timer wrapping some aerobars? I don't have removeable end plugs where I can poke the extra tape in, so I want to avoid a big bulb of bar tape at the end of the aerobar. FWIW, I've never wrapped drop bars either, but I know there are plenty of online helps for dong those.
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Old 03-11-07 | 07:06 PM
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Most people don't wrap aero bars, but if you want to, just angle the cut on each end to avoid a bulge.
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Old 03-11-07 | 07:09 PM
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Is there a reason not to wrap them? I was only going to because I'm about to do a sprint triathlon (no cycling gloves) and wondered if the hands might get a little slippery. Is this a non-issue?
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Old 03-11-07 | 07:19 PM
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Totally personal preference to wrap or not wrap but at most of the short triathlons I've been to seems most everybody's bars are wrapped. I recommend the thinner cotton style bar tape for aero bars and base bars.

Last edited by jimbud; 03-11-07 at 07:36 PM.
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Old 03-11-07 | 07:33 PM
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I always had mine wrapped and everyone I knew had them wrapped.
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Old 03-11-07 | 07:35 PM
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Clip on aero bars on your drop bars? I wouldn't. Full on TT set-up? yes I would

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Old 03-11-07 | 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by dekalbSTEEL
Clip on aero bars on your drop bars? I wouldn't. Full on TT set-up? yes I would


Yes, clip-on's on my drop bars. I'm just curious, why yes to wrap on a TT but no for clip-ons? I don't know if it makes a difference, but I'll be in the aero bars for about 95% of the time.
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Old 03-11-07 | 08:34 PM
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I prefered my clip ons wrapped when I used them. People claim it looks odd, that it feels odd, whatever. I find that it works much better and doesn't take long to do. Think of it this way: would you want your aluminum handlebars to be untaped?
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Old 03-12-07 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Plainsman
Is there a reason not to wrap them? I was only going to because I'm about to do a sprint triathlon (no cycling gloves) and wondered if the hands might get a little slippery. Is this a non-issue?
No it can be an issue. No gloves and wet hands on metal can be a problem. I'd wrap them, but just wrap where you'll hold the bars. No reason to wrap the whole length.

As for wrapping, start at the inside edge of the bar. Wrap just beyond the end of the bar, trim it flush and tape it off.

Last edited by trin2du; 03-12-07 at 12:48 PM.
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Old 03-12-07 | 11:40 AM
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I never wrapped mine and never really had a problem racing duathlons. Eighty percent of your weight should be on the saddle, the weight in the front is mostly on the forearm pads and the hands are more for guiding.

A buddy of mine just gave me his extra pair of Syntace clip-ons and he had just a section wrapped, where the hands fall on the bar, maybe about 5 inches. Black tape secured both ends. I'll take a pic of it when I get home...
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Old 03-12-07 | 12:29 PM
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I wrap mine, just more comfortable that way. I wrap them from the end, wrapping toward the outside.
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Old 03-12-07 | 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by trin2du
No it can be an issue. No gloves and wet hands on metal can be a problem. I'd wrap them, but just wrap where you'll hold the bars. No reason to wrap the whole length.

As for wrapping, start at the inside edge of the tape. Wrap just beyond the end of the bar, trim it flush and tape it off.
+1 . that's how mine are done.
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