Just putting in some insight.
I have lots of experience with the tape; I've always cleaned my bars, even new, with alcohol and let it fully evaporate after drying in preparation for the tape.
When it comes to wrapping, even though the package says not to stretch the tape, it can and has to be stretched slightly in order for the tape to not start unraveling (that's what happened to you I presume?). The trick with stretching it is to regulate the force you use to stretch the tape while wrapping so the tape does not outstretch and become thin while still being able to sufficiently cling itself via the underside adhesive contacting itself with the bar and the cling from the stretch.
Upon finishing, you should use the larger than usual provided adhesive strip to wrap the entirety of it's width on the tape itself at the top with even pressure (consult above so you do not compress the underlying tape as well; ~~the adhesive strip does not need to make contact with the bar to ensure maximum hold on the tape.

Leuky's got it. Also, make sure at least a little bit of the adhesive strip on the backside of the tape is making contact with the bars and not just sticking to the tape.

I have no idea what you're talking about mucky, but I've been wondering where TT has been too.

Tubes are tubes. If you're using a good tire, you don't need a puncture-resistant tube. However, latex tubes suck because air leaks through them much too fast.

Click 'reply with quote', copy the quote and paste it into the 'edit signature' tab in your settings.

Help me out here c - what should we unsticky (besides this thread)?

I have a brake-line routing question. I am trying out using a cross lever for the first time and I would prefer to use it on the right hand. But the place where the cable goes in the caliper brake is also on the right side and I can't figure out what the best way to route the cable is.

I have a very old and nasty brake with the pull on the left side but I can't seem to find a new one. Do they make them anymore?

I could mount the left brake lever backwards on the right hand side but this will get rid of some of the hand space on the tops. I am using 31.8mm bullhorns with an aero top so there actually isn't much room to move the brake levers around.

Should I just try to route the cable going left back to the right side or should I just resign myself to using a left hand brake?

Dude, my head is spinning. Stop overthinking it and run the cable from the lever to the caliper. Regardless of what side your lever is on and what side the brake pulls from, it will work fine.

Okay, thanks Scrod.

No prob.

BTW - I unstuck this thread. I'm sure it won't be hard to find. :D

Unstick mine, too if you want.

Ok. I think yours will most likely be on the first page all the time anyway.

Dear Scrod,

What's the secret to becoming a good wrench? I have heard everything from "it's all about experience" to "it's all about the tools." What's your opinion? Any tips?

It's a lot of both. The best mechanic can only do so much with crappy tools, just as someone without much experience won't know what they're doing just because they have every tool imaginable in front of them.

A lot of lbs "mechanics" are like that ****ty bar band we've all seen that can barely get through a few cover songs - but they all have pro gear like they're ****ing Aerosmith. Or the overweight choadie with the full-carbon race bike and shaved legs who can't keep up an 18 mph pace on a 10 mile ride.

My dad - who was a lifelong gearhead and car mechainic - taught me early on that you're never going to learn anything without getting some dirt under your fingernails.

I couldn't agree more. Thanks!

Some of the best advice right there. GET YOUR HANDS DURTY!!!!!

Scrod, if I wanted to work in a bike shop, is there any sort of 'requirement' that I need to have? Like in an auto shop, you generally have to be a certified mechanic, is it the same thing for bike wrenching?

Find a shop where the owner isn't a jerk and the employees are cool (which may be the hardest part). Start hanging out a bit, explain that you want to learn how to work on bikes and ask for an internship. Chances are you'll be the guy who fixes flats and takes out the garbage for a while but if the shop is cool and you're into learning things, you'll gain some experience and maybe even make a bit of money.

Sure, you can go to school and become certified - which may help you land a job at shops where it's a requirement - but I know more than a few techs who have completed school and like to talk a good game but are total idiots when it comes to actually working on bicycles.

That's what I'm planning on doing; there is a great shop in our area that sponsors out cycling team and I'm hoping for an internship soon. Paid or not it will be an awesome experience.

When I started at the shop where I still occasionally do some work, I literally went in to buy a tube or something and the owner (whom I had never met before) said, "Do you know how to install a headset?" and the next thing I knew, I was behind the counter with a headset press in my hand.

Wow. That's really cool! The shop in my area has a great (paid) service program where you can learn how to do everything from routing cables to building wheels but I'd rather just get an internship and be done with it.

as an auto tech, i'll co-sign this. 100%.

i think another requirement that a lot of people overlook in a technical career is the desire to learn about the newest tech and the understanding that you cant 'know everything'. dont be afraid to **** up, always progress.

this is a pretty cool story and a perfect example that not fearing failure is a good attribute employers look for.

wow that's a cool shop for sure. I thought about volunteering at the one near me just so I could get comfortable with things I'm no good at (wheels) or have next to no experience with (gears).

I learned what little I know just from buying a tool and trial and error. The more and more I did something the better I got, just like with anything. I'm still fairly ******** in some areas, but I do well enough not to kill myself.

Scrod, are you still riding clipless?

Answers perfectly. Thanks man. I have actually been talking to the guys at my LBS (here at school anyway) a little, and they've done a few small favors for me when I lack the tools necessary, and in return I usually donate to their beer-fund. Workin pretty well so far.

not trying to thread jack, but i wanted to share my amateur tattoo as well :)

http://i.imgur.com/V41h9h.jpg

hahaha...that rules.

I saw "What's the secret to becoming a good wench?"

Of course, Scrod would be the perfect one to ask :D