Handlebar Tape Installation

Handlebar tape, sometimes called cork, serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. The cork absorbs shocks and moisture from rain or sweat. This reduces slipping on the bars and relieves stress to the palms and wrist. Handlebar tape wears out over time. Wrapping your bars with tape is easily done in a home workshop with a few spare moments.

Things You'll Need

  • Glue remover and rags
  • Handlebar tape in the color or material of your choice
  • Black bar tape
  • Utility knife or scissors
  • Clear liquid adhesive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bicycle against a wall or post. Use the utility knife to slice the old tape off the handlebars. Slice lengthwise up the bars and then peel the old tape off like an orange peel.

    • 2

      Pour the glue remover (or rubbing alcohol) onto a rag and wipe off the area the old tape was removed to rid the bars of old glue or sediment. Let the bars dry.

    • 3

      Peel the end off the roll of wrapping tape. Place it firmly on the end of the handlebar. Begin wrapping it around the handlebar, going toward the middle of the handlebars, making sure to overlap each successive wrap of the tape by 1/2 inch. Pull each wrap as tight as possible against the handlebar.

    • 4

      Go in on the handlebar to the center of the handlebar where it meets the handlebar stem in the center. Hold one end of the tape and cut it off from the roll. Hold the end firmly against the handlebar and wrap one strip of black bar tape around the end of the tape to secure it to the bars.

    • 5

      Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the opposite side of the handlebars.

    • 6

      Apply a thin coat of the clear liquid adhesive over the surface of the newly wrapped tape. Let it dry. This gives one more layer of protection to the tape against moisture.