Bicycle Handlebar Tape

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Using a bicycle handlebar tape is a great way to increase the grip on your bicycle handlebars, and help you stay in control. Bicycle grips are sometimes the only standing between the cold steel of the bicycle handles and the relatively delicate human hands.

Bicycle Handlebar Tape Materials

Gel

Tip: Buy the best tape you can afford

EVA foam bicycle handlebar tape is great at enhancing your grip on the handlebars and retains its padding over an extended period of time. It is also known to tear less easily.

Gel inserts are usually included in some handlebar tapes to provide the best comfort when riding. The gel can assume the rider’s grip for a better fit.

Microfiber

This material breathes better under sweaty hands as compared to other tape materials as well as providing for a firm grip. It is mainly used on top of EVA foam.

EVA foam

This material is also used on running shoes for its comfort enhancement capabilities. it is durable and comfy.

Wrapping Bicycle Handlebar Tape

(In Three Easy steps)

Handle bar tape comes in two varieties: Adhesive and Non-adhesive. Adhesive bicycle handlebar tape is relatively easy to wrap around your handlebar. Non-adhesive tape, however, is someone more difficult to work with.

First of all, the tape must be used sparingly since it comes only in a fixed length. In this case, it is important to prevent excessive overlap. Also, the handlebar tape must be stretched as it is being wrapped around the handlebar to avoid any potential wrinkles.

Step #1 - Preparations

Clean handlebar thoroughly and ensure both brake levers or gear cables are properly adjusted and out of the way.

If you have old tape, remove it first, and make sure there is no left over residue or dirt:

Adhesive Tape: Cut four sections (if you have two rolls, then two from each roll) measuring 4 cm, and wrap it on the bottom of the side of your brake levers.

Non-Adhesive tape: Cut the sections but keep but do not apply them until you start wrapping the tape.

Step #2 - Start Wrapping

Whichever variety you have, keep in mind that tape it is best to start wrapping from the center of the handlebar and work your way towards the edge. Moreover, it is recommended that you wrap the tape from the seat-post toward the wheel. In other words, if the standing by the side of your bicycle and if the handlebar is facing east (right-hand), then you need to wrap the tape in a clockwise motion. This is to ensure that your natural grip will work to keep the tape in place. Furthermore, take care not to overlap more than 3mm because you might easily run out of tape.

Step #3 - The Finish Line

Adhesive tape: continue wrapping until you pass the brake levers while ensuring that they are stretched and overlap properly. Once you reach the end of the handlebar, cut about 5cm from the end of the handlebar tape, push it into the handlebar. Finally close it in with the handlebar plug.

Tip: For a vintage look, use cotton handlebar tape.

Cyclists in the 60s and 70s relied almost exclusively on handlebar tape.

Vintage bicycles and bicycle outfits have been in fashion lately, so if you want to jump on the vintage bandwagon, cotton handlebar tape is a great way to do it.

Non-adhesive tape: Continue wrapping until you reach the brake levers. Once you are there apply the sections you cut out earlier and then continue wrapping around the handlebar.

You could also loop the tape around brake lever to help further secure it in place. However, if you are running out of handlebar tape, the simply proceed as normal.
Once you reach the end of the handlebar, cut about 5cm from the end of the handlebar tape, push it into the handlebar. Finally, close it in with the handlebar plug.