Otis Singleton
Wrapping your bike's handlebars can make it look and feel brand new. While electrical tape is commonly used to secure the finishing tape, there are several alternatives to consider. These include self-fusing silicone tape, clamps, expander plugs, and silicone bands. Additionally, the direction of the wrap is important, with many cyclists and mechanics recommending wrapping towards the bike. However, the best direction depends on your preferred hand placement.
Characteristics and their values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Direction of wrapping | Towards the bike or towards the rider, depending on their preferred hand placement |
| Starting point | Bottom of the bar |
| Overlap | Quarter to a third of the tape width |
| Tension | Even |
| Finishing | Secure with a strip of electrical tape or finishing tape, or use self-amalgamating silicone tape, expander plugs, or silicone bands |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use silicone tape, which is self-amalgamating
Wrapping your bike's handlebars can be frustrating, but it's a simple task if you follow the right steps. While electrical tape is a common choice for securing handlebar wraps, silicone tape is a great alternative that is self-amalgamating and provides a clean, neat finish. Here's how you can use silicone tape to wrap your handlebars:
First, decide on your finishing point. This is a matter of personal preference. Mark the finish point by wrapping two or three turns beyond this spot, then unwrap and cut the tape at an angle. Re-wrap it so that the cut end is at the bottom of the bar, ensuring a neat finish.
When using silicone tape, it's important to stretch it and then securely press it onto itself. As it relaxes, it will adhere to itself, creating a tight and waterproof seal. You can purchase silicone tape in various colours from eBay or Amazon for a reasonable price.
Before starting to wrap, ensure that any brake or gear housing is firmly taped to the handlebar with PVC tape, and your bar is free of sticky residue. It's also recommended to prepare your finishing strips or cut slim PVC tape into two 5cm pieces. Keep these within arm's reach during the wrapping process.
Now, start wrapping the bar from the bottom, maintaining even tension on the tape. Overlap the tape by a quarter to a third, keeping it as even as possible. Wrap in a clockwise orientation for the right-hand drop. This will ensure that the grip of your hands tightens the tape.
Finally, secure the tape and install the bar-end plug. You can use a pin spanner or pliers to hold the tape while inserting the bar-end plug. With silicone tape, there's no need for additional finishing tape, leaving you with a clean and tidy wrap.
Electric Scooters: Fire Hazards and Causes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Try finishing strips or PVC tape
Finishing strips and PVC tape are a great alternative to electrical tape when wrapping handlebars. While electrical tape is very common and works well, finishing strips and PVC tape can be used to achieve a neat finish.
When using finishing strips, it is important to cut the strips to size before starting to wrap the handlebars. Place the strip behind the lever to ensure it covers the clamp without extending onto the body of the lever. Keep the shortened strips within reach during the wrapping process. Start wrapping the handlebars from the bottom, maintaining even tension on the tape. Overlap the tape by a quarter to a third, and wrap in a clockwise orientation to ensure durability.
PVC tape can also be used to wrap handlebars. Before starting, cut slim PVC tape into two 5 cm pieces. Start wrapping at the bottom of the bar on the right-hand drop, overlapping half the width of the tape from the end. This extra tape will be stuffed into the end of the bar and finished with a bar plug. Wrap from the inside out in a clockwise fashion to ensure that the tape is tightened by the grip of your hands.
Finishing strips and PVC tape can be used in combination with other types of tape, such as electrical tape, to secure the handlebars and provide a neat finish. For example, after wrapping the handlebars with PVC tape, you can use a strip of electrical tape to secure the end and prevent it from coming loose.
Overall, finishing strips and PVC tape offer a durable and secure option for wrapping handlebars, providing a comfortable grip and a stylish look for your bike.
Creative Ways to Reuse Old Electric Toothbrushes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Start wrapping at the bottom of the bar
When wrapping your handlebars, it is recommended to start at the bottom of the bar and work upwards. This is because starting at the top and working downwards can result in the edge of the tape rolling down as you press on it while riding.
Before you start wrapping, decide on your finishing point and cut the tape to a point, rather than a square, so that it lines up with the handlebar. You can then wrap two or three rotations, secure the tape, and install the bar-end plug.
When wrapping, it is important to keep an even tension on the tape, pulling with enough force to stretch it, but not so hard that you break it. You can rub some tapes between your fingers as you wrap to warm them and get them to relax and lay flat.
For the right-hand drop, you should wrap from the inside out in a clockwise fashion. Overlap the tape by a quarter to a third, keeping it as even as possible. This will ensure that the tape is tightened by the grip of your hands. If you wrap anti-clockwise, you will naturally loosen or unravel the tape as you twist your wrists and hands.
If you are using cheater strips, check that they are cut to size before you start wrapping the bar tape. Place the strip behind the lever and ensure that it covers the clamp without extending onto the body of the lever.
Smart Bulb Pairing: Feit Electric Setup Simplified
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid gaps by keeping an even tension
When wrapping handlebar tape, it is important to keep an even tension to avoid gaps in the wrapping. Gaps can occur when the tape is not pulled tightly enough, especially at the bends. This can cause the tape to roll up at the edges. To avoid this, start by wrapping the tape from the bottom of the bar with tension, pulling as you wrap. It is important to not pull too hard, however, as this can cause the tape to break. Cloth tape, in particular, may need to be worked smooth by pulling and backing up until it lies flat on the bar, especially at the corners.
When wrapping the driveside of the bar, the tape should be wrapped in a clockwise orientation. This is because, if you wrap anti-clockwise, you will naturally twist your wrists and hands, which will loosen or unravel the tape. The direction of wrapping should also correspond to the direction of stress by the rider. Additionally, when wrapping, it is important to keep referring to the other side to ensure that the tension and the amount of overlap remain consistent.
To ensure a neat finish, it is recommended to use finishing tape, such as electrical tape, to secure the tape in place. However, electrical tape has a tendency to come unstuck and unroll. As an alternative, self-fusing silicone tape can be used, as it fuses to itself for a more permanent bond.
The Biotech Revolution: Androids, Dreams, and Electric Sheep
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a pin spanner to hold the tape
While wrapping your handlebars, you can use a pin spanner to hold the tape in place. This is especially useful when you're inserting the bar-end plug. If you don't have a pin spanner, a pair of pliers can also do the trick.
Now, if you want to avoid using electrical tape, there are a few alternatives. One option is to use expander plugs, such as those made by Pro and Supacaz. These can help secure the tape without the need for electrical tape. Another option is to wrap the tape backwards, from the tops to the drops. However, this method might not last as long and can be a bit tricky.
Silicone tape is another popular alternative to electrical tape. It is self-amalgamating, meaning it fuses to itself and provides a much more secure bond. This type of tape also gives you more control over sizing and tension. You can also use clamps specifically designed to hold down the end of the tape, which can be purchased from companies like Arundel.
Additionally, you can try using strong double-sided sticky tape, such as carpet tape, or turning electrician's tape inside out for the lower few inches of the bar. This method provides extra security and a clean finish. Remember, it's always a good idea to have your work area arranged with all the necessary tools and supplies before you begin wrapping your handlebars.
Electricity Rates: Will They Drop or Stabilize?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use self-fusing silicone tape, which fuses to itself for a permanent bond. Another option is to use clamps to hold down the end of the tape.
Electrical tape can be used to create a neat finish and ensure the handlebar tape does not come loose. It can also be used to secure brake and shift cables.
When using electrical tape, start by wrapping it around the bars with the adhesive side out. Then, install the handlebar tape, which will adhere to the sticky surface. Finish by wrapping electrical tape two or three times around the bar and cut the finish tape so it ends at the bottom of the bar.
