How to wrap handlebar tape
I recently brought my new road bike in for a few adjustments to Mark Purdy of Ifixbyx, which is up and running in its new location in Manhattan.
Mark’s a well-known bike mechanic among competitive cyclists in New York City, and I can say my bikes have never ridden better than after Mark’s tuned them up.
He’s got a great way of explaining things, and he knows exactly what bike racers in particular need their machines to do. He’s even traveled as far as China as a team wrench, so he’s got experience in the shop and out in the trenches.
Perhaps best of all, Mark’s a good listener.
While I was at Ifixbyx, I asked Mark to wrap my bars up nice and pro to ensure that I’ll win a lot of races this year.
Well, at least so that my bars look like winners.
Putting on new bar tape is an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up your rig for the start of the new season. And in this how-to video Mark makes a pro wrap look easy, but don’t be fooled. This man has probably done thousands of wraps.
Note the seamless wrapping he does around the brakes and the nice touches he uses to finish the wrap on the tops. The colored tape finishes the job real pro.
Ron, the “finishing tape” is in fact electrical tape. There are several different types of tape; I suggest 3M, but others work as well. But basically, get the most expensive stuff the Hardware store has. The other key element to it is in the technique. You will wrap the tape around 3 times. The first lap, you should stretch the tape well as you apply. The second lap, pull it tight, but don’t stretch it much. And the final lap should be applied with no pull or stretching of the tape at all. Let it be completely limp as you apply. That will keep the end from pulling back later and leaving that ugly residue. Also, get a pair of scissors and cut the tape. Don’t just yank on it and tear it. That’s what I do!
In the video of Mark wrapping bar tape, he uses rolls of “Finishing Tape.” Where is that sold? What kind of tape is it? I’ve tried electrical tape and it is terrible. Thanks for your help, Ron