REPLACE YOUR BAR TAPE

Retaping your handlebar is an essential skill if you want to keep your bike from looking grubby

OUT WITH THE OLD 1

Take out the bar end plugs and roll forward the rubber housings on your shifter levers to reveal the tape beneath, then peel off the finishing tape near the stem and unravel the tape from your bar.

MIND THE GAP 3

Most bar tape comes with two small sections of tape designed to make it easier to hide the small gap left when you wrap around the brake levers. Hold these in place behind the levers and wrap over the top.

SECURE IN PLACE 5

Use some electrical tape to secure the bar tape in place so that it can’t come loose. Often bar tape will come with some extra finishing tape, which is always nice to use for a clean and tidy look.

ON WITH THE NEW 2

Start at the bottom of the bar keeping tension on the tape and wrap moving out from the bar. The tension will ensure an even thickness all the way up, around the brake lever to the top of the bar.

CUTTING EDGE 4

Make sure that you always cut the end of the tape into a point, so that when you wrap the final piece over the top of the bar you will achieve a nice, smooth edge.

FINISHING TOUCHES 6

Pop the lever covers back and fit the new bar-end plugs that will have come with your new tape and you’re good to go. If you like white bar tape, get used to performing this task!