do i have to take off my bar tape to install a brake lever? im trying to put on a Paul E-Lever on my 08 bianchi pista stock handle bars btw. thanks

probably, unless the e-lever is hinged. i don;t remember if it is.

edit- yes, you do. are you sure you want to do this on your own if you need to ask?

Yea. That's one of the things that suck about that thing, it does not have a hinged clamp.
That and it's way too expensive for what it is.

The Diateck Goldfinger has a hinge, it's $20 and it's sweet.

Are you using straight bars or risers? If not, and if your bar clamp isn't exactly 23.8, it's going to be a ***** to get on. I put one on 24 mm bullhorns, and while it fits it was really difficult to get on. Took some of the black anodizing off em too.