Wrap Bar Tape Like a Pro

F Exactly which direction to wrap your handlebar tape is sometimes a point of contention among cyclists and mechanics. Many tend to follow the ‘wrap towards the bike’ rule of thumb, but the best direction for you can depend on your preferred hand placement.

“If your thumbs sit more towards the top of the bar, it means your hands roll more to the outside,” explains barwrapping expert Mike Spilker, head mechanic of the former Navigators Insurance Pro Cycling Team. “That means you want to wrap away from you.” (That’s clockwise on the right, counterclockwise on the left, so that the natural roll of your hands goes with the tape instead of pulling it loose.) “If your hands roll more to the inside, wrap towards you,” Spilker says. (Or, counterclockwise on the right, clockwise on the left.) Take a test spin with your hands on the base of the drops to figure out which direction is right for you. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• When the bars are unwrapped, inspect the condition of your handlebar to see if you need a new one. Note that an aluminium handlebar has a fatigue life. If you ride often and it’s been a few years, it’s probably a good idea to replace your aluminium handlebar. You might also discover corrosion, and if that’s the case, it’s best to replace it. • If you’ve had trouble with handlebar tape slipping around in the past, double-check how you’re wrapping the tape and make sure the tape’s adhesive is actually being applied to the handlebar (and not to the section of tape next to it). Also, take care to clean the handlebar well beforehand.