Biking is a great way to get fit, lose weight, and have fun. But it can also be quite dangerous if you don’t have the right grip on the handlebars. That’s why it is important to protect your hands and make the ride as comfortable as possible. If you’re looking for a way to increase your comfort and grip while cycling, wrap your handlebars with grip tape.
This simple tactic can make a big difference in how well you ride, and it’s easy to do. Here we will teach you how to wrap your handlebars with grip tape for added comfort and grip. We will also discuss the different types of grip tape available on the market, how to prepare the handlebars for grip tape, and how to apply grip tape to your handlebars. Finally, we will give you some tips for keeping grip tape on your handlebars so that you can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride.
How To Wrap Your Handlebars With Grip Tape For Added Comfort And Grip
This easy grip tape method will help to secure your handlebar while riding, and it’s a great way to customize your handlebar feel and look. Start by wrapping the bar from the bottom up, leaving about 1/3 of the width of the tape off the edge. Wrap the bar so that your hands will tighten the tape as you ride. Then, circle the handlebar in bar tape from the outside of the bar to the downward toward your frame.
Use a strong sticky tape such as carpet tape or turn some electrician’s tape inside out for the lower few inches of the bar to protect against damage from falls and abrasion. Pre-cut the finishing tape about 8 to 10″ long and stick the ends to the top tube before beginning the wrap. Here are the process to wrap your handlebars with grip tape for added comfort and grip.
Choosing The Right Grip Tape
When wrapping your handlebars with grip tape, it is important to consider the type of handlebar tape for your bike and the tensile strength of the tape. Some of the most common types of tape include: cloth, cork, padded vinyl or synthetic materials. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your bike. To ensure a tight seal and long-lasting grip, it is recommended that you wrap the tape around the handlebar in a circular pattern. Make sure to leave 1/3 of the width of the tape off the edge to avoid any adhesive excess.
When wrapping your handlebar tape, it’s also a good idea to consider the color of the tape. White grip tape is a popular choice because it blends in with most bike colors and is easy to clean. Finally, make sure to practice on an inconspicuous part of your bike before wrapping the handlebar tape completely. Once you have mastered the art of wrapping handlebar tape, you can move on to more challenging parts of your bike!
Preparing The Handlebars For Grip Tape
Wrapping your handlebars with grip tape can make biking more comfortable and help you to maintain a good grip on the bike. Before starting, clean and prep the handlebars with a degreaser or bar soap.
Consider where to end the tape, as some handlebars are made with an obvious sleeve in the middle and some bars have a long taper with no clear place to end. Start wrapping the tape from the bottom of the drop and leave about one-third of the width of the tape off the edge.
Wrap the bar so your hands will tighten the tape while you’re riding, circling your handlebar in bar tape from the outside of the bar, downward toward your frame. Grip tape is a great way to customize and personalize your bike, so be sure to experiment with different styles and brands to find what works best for you!
Securing The Grip Tape To The Handlebars
Bike handlebars can be a dangerous place to be if they’re not securely wrapped in grip tape. By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your handlebars are securely wrapped and won’t end up costing you an injury. First, clean and prepped your handlebars so that the grip tape will stick to them properly.
Next, have sharp scissors and electrical tape on hand. Wrap the tape from the outside in, keeping tension on the tape while applying. To create a secure finish, use double-sided sticky tape or bar end plugs.
How To Apply Grip Tape To Your Handlebars
Wrapping your handlebars with grip tape is a great way to keep them in good condition and looking great. Start by pre-cutting the finishing tape to 8-10” (20-25 cm) long and sticking the ends to the top tube. Wrap the tape starting at the end of the handlebars and working upward.
Consider where to end the tape, as some handlebars have a long taper and lack a clear place to end. Make sure to clean off any sticky residue left from the old tape and securely tape any cables and hoses. Finally, use electrical tape to replace the finishing strips from the box.
Tips For Keeping Grip Tape On Your Handlebars
– Use handlebar tape with a tacky finish to maintain grip in wet conditions
– Add padding to reduce vibrations transmitted to your body
– Consider wrapping your handlebars with two layers of tape for extra protection
– MicroTex Tacky bar tape offers a sticky sensation without leaving a residue
– Bontrager Grippytack is 1.6mm thick and made with shock-absorbing foam
If you are wrapping your handlebar tape, consider using bar tape that offers extra protection such as bar tape made of foam or bar tape with adhesive backing. Bar tape made of foam provides more shock absorption than bar tape made of the traditional adhesive material, which can help prevent handlebar bends.
Plus, it has a tacky surface that increases the surface area of the bar tape, making it more likely to stay on the handlebar despite the vibration. Bar tape made of adhesive material is thinner and can leave residue on the handlebar when removed. Also, consider wrapping handlebar tape around the end of the handlebar rather than wrapping it around the entire diameter of the handlebar. This way, you’ll be able to easily remove and replace the handlebar tape without damaging the bar tape’s adhesive surface or thickness.
Bar tape offers many benefits to cyclists, but it also comes with its fair share of downsides. If you’re looking for a way to increase your grip on your handlebars while keeping you safe, bar tape is a great option.
Benefits Of Using Grip Tape On Your Handlebars
– Grip tape provides increased traction and a sticky sensation without leaving a residue.
– It’s an easy and affordable way to add padding to handlebar tape, helping to reduce vibration and fatigue on long rides over rough roads.
– handlebar tape can be used to expand the bar end plugs, creating a cleaner tape wrapping. This helps prevent bar tape from sliding around the bar end plugs, which can cause dirt and debris to accumulate.
– You can use handlebar tape in a variety of colors to match your bike or kit. Super Stik Kush tape is available in a wide range of colors and is easy to apply. This makes it a great option for beginners and casual users of handlebar tape.
– Adjustable bar plugs come with Supercush tape, making it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your handlebar tape wrapping.
Overall, handlebar tape is versatile and easy way to add padding and grip to handlebars, providing comfort and durability for your ride.
Conclusion
Grip tape is a great way to add extra comfort and grip to your handlebars. Bike handlebars can be a pain to handle, especially if you are not used to wrapping them with grip tape. Wearing a grip tape can help you stay more comfortable while cycling, as it can increase your grip and reduce the chances of falls.
By wrapping your handlebars with grip tape, you can create a custom fit that is sure to improve your comfort level while cycling. The grip tape will also help you stay more securely in the saddle, preventing falls. If you’re looking to increase your grip and comfort while cycling, be sure to wrap your handlebars with grip tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How Do You Wrap Handlebar Grip Tape?
Ans: To wrap handlebar tape, you first need to clean and prepare the handlebars. Make sure to remove all dust, debris, and oils from the bar surface. Next, prepare the tape by cutting it to the desired length and width. Finally, apply the tape from the outside-in, keeping tension on the tape so it does not unravel.
Once the handlebar is fully covered, use additional techniques such as using double-sided sticky tape or expanding bar end plugs to make a cleaner start.
2.Can You Double Layer Handlebar Tape?
Ans: Yes, you can double layer handlebar tape by using advanced techniques.
To do this, you’ll need to use either electrician’s tape or sticky tape. Electrician’s tape is specially designed for handlebar tape and comes in two thicknesses: thin and thick.
3.Should I Double Wrap My Handlebar Tape?
Ans: Yes, wrapping handlebar tape correctly can improve the comfort and performance of your bike. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Clean and prep your bars first by removing any dirt, dust, or debris.
- Start the wrapping process from the bottom of the drop and wrap from the outside in.
- Make sure to keep tension on the tape while wrapping and pre-cut the finishing tape before applying.
- Consider where to end the tape based on how much tape you need for comfort and the look of the finished result.
4.Which Direction Do You Wrap Handlebar Tape?
Ans: When wrapping handlebar tape, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- First, wrap the tape so that your hands tighten the tape as you ride, circling the bar from the outside of the bar, downward towards the frame.
- Wrap the tape in a clockwise direction for drops and counter-clockwise for tops of bars.
- Start the tape by looking for an obvious sleeve – this will guide you in where to end the tape.
- Secure the tape with electrical tape, which should replace the finishing strips from the box.
5.Which Type Of Grip Tape Is Best: Sticky Or Tacky?
Ans: For a secure grip, bar tape with a tacky finish is best. This type of tape has adhesive on the back and is designed to stick to the handlebar so that you have a better grip while riding.
Additionally, padding will ensure that your handlebar tape doesn’t rub against the bar in uncomfortable ways or wear away quickly. Wrapping bars with two layers of tape will provide the most protection against vibration and shock.
