Bar tape, what to do with the silly finishing tape supplied?

[dutchie]

I used to wrap my tape backwards as well because I didn't know any better. It didn't matter until the thicker cork type tape came out and then I found it would curl up at the edges near the brake levers as I spend most of my time riding on the hoods. Since then I've done it "properly" and used electrical tape to finish off and hold the 'bar tape in place with the decorative stuff being just that. It usually peels off after a few rides but I've found the Fizik stuff on my work bike actually does seem to stick.

Mark.

Indeed, Mark. This could be easily done woth Benotto tape for example. But not with the later cork tapes etc. However I prefer cloth tape from the bottom upwards for my classic ride.

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

If it's Lizard Skins DSP you use it....if anything else you (+99) throw it away and use electricians tape.

 

[Nob]

Always chuck it away and use electircal tape instead. It's usually hideous, covered in logo's and too plasticky to apply properly. Only ever kept the brooks cloth strips.

+1

 

[orbeas]

bar tape

Use shiny electrical tape, same colour as your frame if possible

 

[dbmtb]

Don't even know why the include it in the package, unless it's for emergency fitting.

Always wind outside in, bottom to top.

 

[jm]

I use them to secure cables to the bars before taping.

 

[colnago1975]

I've mainly used white bar tape over the years and i put white electrical tape on first to secure the bar tape and then i put the bit of bar tape, from the maker, on top of that. Works every time and i've never had any probs.

 

[little jim]

I nearly always just use black electrical tape but I used blue bar tape on my road bike so went to the local hardware shop and got some blue stuff instead

 

[beaglebrad]

i used some clear 3M skin tape (used to put over cuts) which worked a treat and then put the bontrager tape over the top. no way would it have stuck otherwise, the stuff they provide is absolute garbage and pointless.

electricians tape would have worked equally as well though but didn't have any to hand

 

[beaglebrad]

I use them to secure cables to the bars before taping.

i dunno if i should bother to secure my new shiny white jagwire cabling under the bar tape that i am inevitably going to have to replace next week (although i only just did this recently, grr) or leave it poking out for all to see. i think i like it out... views?