I have a set of track drops that I would like to completely wrap. Is there a way in which to wrap them so that they don't loosen when up when you are pulling on the tops vs. in the drops or vice versa? On roadie bars I know you can reverse the wrap around the hoods, so I was wonder if there is any good way to reverse the wrap on track bars. I will be using cork. Harlequin wrap is out of the question.

ive never had this problem, im rolling with b123s wrapped in cloth. I just made sure i stretched the tape straight hardcore.

Wrap them the same way you wrap normal drop bars. Here's a nice how-to if you've never done it before: https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=71

He's asking if there's anyway to reverse the wrapping direction halfway down... so that it's wrapped correctly to self-tighten on both the tops and the drops...

BTW, I don't know the answer

If the bars are wrapped correctly they won't loosen or unwind. I've used Benotto tape, cork, and fabric with out ever experiencing any issues. If that answer isn't good enough, wrap them all the way and add some rubber keirin grips on the lower part.

Use Velox tape with the adhesive strip on the back of it...nice and tight.

Yeah, I don't really understand the question... I've never had any experience with my bartape unravelling on me.. Are you using bar tape that isn't self ashesive?

just make it really tight.

You guys do know that wrapping your bars is supposed to be done in a certain direction, right? That's what he's talking about.. if you think about it, the direction your hands pull on the tape is different on the top of the bars, than it is on the bottom... on road bars, there is a way to change the direction of the wrap when you go around the brake hoods, so that it's the correct direction on top, and in the drops... on a bike without brake hoods though, changing the direction is a completely different story.

Yes, I think we all know that. I think what maybe you're missing is that, it doesn't matter. I'm basing this on my experience riding on the street and on the track with a variety of bar covering materials. I would encourage OP to wrap his bars and see what everyone else is saying for him or herself.

I get ya, but it seems like he's asking "is this possible" and instead he's getting people saying "you don't need to do that"... it's like, ok, but is it possible?

Yeah, probably. I'm sure there is a man out there who has some advanced fabric folding skills that has the answer to this perplexing bar wrap question. Unfortunately, he does not appear to ride a fixed gear bike or be a member on these forums. And so we ride...

Some oragami styles, for sure.

probably if you started in the middle of the drop bend and wrapped toward the top, you could then start in the middle again, wrap around once to cover the end and then wrap the bottom. that way you could wrap to self tighten both ways and not have a flap of material to unravel. It would probably get pretty bulky in that one area though, but how often are your hands in the middle of the bend anyhow?

...I sure hope that didn't sound too confusing. I'll draw a picture in paint later if you need it.

Ya, I know about the direction to wrap bars. I guess I didn't understand why the OP would switch directions if there wasn't a prob. Sorry! I don't know how to do the crazy changing direction stuff.. Plus, wouldn't cork tape would break if you folded it? I've know it to be pretty delicate when you are stretching it too far or dropping your bike.. Folding seems like a no-no.

DererkRI had the question correct, I was wondering if it is "possible" or if anyone had some secret to do it. Ya know, to try something different. I think that the Harlequin wrap would probably be the closest, but like I said it is not for me.

I always switch directions mid wrap to make both the top and bottom wrapped areas self-tightening on my road bike. I have had problems with the wrap coming loose on the top of my bars before, when I didn't reverse the wrap. I guess I pull hard on the bars. That is where this line of thinking came from.

Anyways, I wrapped the bars last night all in one directions as tight as I could. I will see how well this last. From all of the responses, I am assuming everything will be fine.

Do you have anything that is wrapped the way you have been wrapping? I am curious to see it. Thanks!

No close ups. It doesn't really look any different when it is finished. It is explained here under advance tips. https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=71

Oh oh oooooooh, I see.. I use an inline brake lever so I was picturing that. I wasn't picturing that type of brake lever ish being used. I now see what you are speaking of. Thank you for the schoolin'. It's much appreciated.

It is a sneaky little trick that works well to allow the bar tape to be self tightening in both directions on the bars. That is why I was wondering if there was any tricks to do the same on track bars without brake hoods.

I see, I see... Sorry for the misunderstanding, and thanks again.

No need for apologizes Red! Cheers!

For me, Park has that as backwards as they could have it. They start at the wrong place, and they go the wrong way. Start in the middle, near the clamp, with the tape going forward over the bars to the front of the bike. One full wrap that way, then start to work away from it. No finishing tape needed, the direction your hands (well at least my hands) twist the tape only tightens it - perfect.

how do you pull on the tape in different directions when your hands are in different positions....when I am on the tops of my bars I'm pulling downwards on my bars (pushing my hands on them), and when I'm in the drops, I'm certainly not pulling forwards....I don't get it...why would you pull on your bars in any other way than the way in which the contour curves (toward the end of the drops)?

yes, but the pressure of your hands also will curl the exposed edges of the tape.
that's why you start wrapping from the drops.