How to Tape Aerobars

An aerobar is a design of handlebar commonly used on triathlon and time trial bicycles. Each bar end extends forward over the front wheel, forcing the cyclist to stretch the arms, keep the back low, and maintain an aerodynamic position. The ends of an aerobar, where the hands are placed, are sometimes taped. Designated bicycle handlebar tape lessens vibrations from the road by cushioning the hands. A standard package of bicycle handlebar tape includes two roles of tape, one for each bar, and a pair of bar-end plugs to secure the tape.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle handlebar tape
  • Scissors
  • Electrical tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the first roll of handlebar tape over and locate the protective plastic strip on the back. The plastic strip protects the tape's adhesive. Remove the protective strip.

    • 2

      Place the tip of the roll perpendicular to the end of the first bar and with the adhesive side down. If there is a gear shifter at the end of the bar, place the tape so that it first contacts the bar just short of the base of the shifter. If there is not a gear shifter at the end of the bar, lay the tape on the bar so that two-thirds of the width of the first tape wrap overlaps the bar end.

    • 3

      Wrap the tape over the handlebar, carefully working down toward the bicycle. Overlap each wrap by one-third to one-half the width of the tape. Maintain tension on the tape as it is wrapped.

    • 4

      Stop wrapping midway down the bar or at the point where the bar curves down, depending on the design of the aerobar. Use scissors to cut the tape here. Cut the tape at an angle, so that the end finishes in a sharp point.

    • 5

      Wrap a layer of black electrical tape around the end of the handlebar tape nearest the bike, securing this end of the handlebar tape to the aerobar. Cut the electrical tape.

    • 6

      Use electrical tape to secure the other end of the handlebar tape to the aerobar if the bar includes a gear shifter at the end. If there is no gear shifter at the end of the bar, push the overlapped tape into the hollow end of the bar and stuff the bar plug included with the roll of tape into the hollow.

    • 7

      Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for the second aerobar handle.