STOP Using Handlebar Tape

Why I'm switching away from adhesive handlebar tape.

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[bunnyhaven]

fun fact, I've been wrapping bars top to bottom for years. no need for tape on the top to keep it affixed and I find that it grips my hand better. Also, for those who deal with hand fatigue who want to avoid gel inserts may I suggest using an old innertube? cut out the valve, tape it into place, make multiple tight wraps until you get to the end of the bar, cut off excess, use some tape to keep it in place and wrap with your preferred bar tape, works very well.

[manueldeubler]

There are many manufacturers that use a sticky silicone strip instead of the typical adhesive on the back. Supercaz, Fabric, Specialized, and PRO are tapes that I have used. However, they cost more than the traditional ones.

[teddgram]

Just an FYI - those of you that have Aluminum handlebars should probably take the tape off once in a while to make sure you can get the bars clean. The salt from your sweat will corrode the bars if left unchecked for an extended length of time causing bar failure.

[uniquenamegoeshere]

Just like what we had in the 1960s and 70s. Serfas sells a woven tape.

[antoniefountain]

Been using Grepp for a year or two now. Always tinkering on my bikes, and it's just so handy that you can re-use this basically an infinite number of times. No fraying to speak of at all. There is some discolouration (I have both the black and rain drum (brown) colours), but that's basically cool patina anyway. The only downside is that it is so darn durable and reusable that you better make sure you get the right colour, cause there's not going to be a reason to replace it for a loooong time once you have it. Would love to see some patterns, like a collab with Campandgoslow would be epic...

[yarryrob]

I've used old inner tubes before. Worked great.

[HonedByJones]

Looks like nice tape. Seems like since since you had so much extra tape you could have increased the overlap to make it a little bit more cushioned.

[bracket]

Isopropyl works to get tape gunk off bars. I'm diggin this non-tape tape, like that you dont need electrical to "seal" it at the end and rubber undercoat is a really great idea for bar grip. Rubber band ribs on bars could also be a workaround with actual bar tape-tape if you don't wanna stick the adhesive.

[benzzoy]

Wrapping top-down is a no-go for me. When the tape is wrapped top-down, you'll end up with the overlap facing the wrong way (up), meaning the overlap will tend flip over after some use, particularly around the brake hoods. Been there, done there, even got the T-shirt. Also, the tape seems to not be stretchy, which will make a nice installation harder and perhaps even frustrating.
If you don't like the adhesive, take it out before you use the handlebar tape. Most adhesives are just narrow double-side tape. Or get handlebar tape that has non-adhesive silicone backing.

[davomoto]

I've had really good luck with Bontrager Gel Cork bar tape, the adhesive isn't super-duper sticky, and it unwrapped and re-wrapped very well one year after I initially installed it. For sub $20 tape it's hard to do any better.

[oldshovel]

Grepp, where have you been all my life - I just ordered 3 sets from Crust. Awesome, awesome, awesomeness! Thanks Russ for the tip.

[andrew_yeah]

nice vid! When I wrapped my Grepp tape, I went the "normal" way - from the bar ends up to the stem, and haven't had any issues. I also overlapped quite a bit and still had plenty left, on a fairly "normal" width 46cm bar. I used a small strip of Newbaum's to finish it and hold it in place, and the adhesive on the back of that hasn't caused any problems so far. Oh, and I also found using a figure-8 pattern around the lever got rid of the gap without leaving a big bulge of tape or having to cut an extra piece.

[telepoiss]

Just wrapped with Grepp a few days ago. Its deffo a bit hard on the hand and slightly slippery but also ride with gloves on longer rides. On commutes it doesnt matter really. Wondering what will happen when riding in rain in summer. How quickly will it dry out or feel damp. Considering its not that thick, will probably dry pretty quick in sunshine?

Got a yellow one and its for sure bright and slightly shiny at the beginning. Think of buying white sneakers and going out to the street the first day. Blinding everyone. Cant wait to get them slightly dusty and worn in. But easy to wrap and love the idea.

[brannmacfinnchad]

I do leatherworking often enough to keep veg tan on hand. As a result, I just cut a long strip when I need bar tape, albeit usually with a seam near the hoods. Super grippy on the hands, natural cooling when wet, lasts years of heavy use. That said...you do have to rewrap it a few times in the beginning as the leather stretches over time. And I wrap it from the top as well.
I use a gel pad underneath.

[ThetrueDave]

3:22 that is actually a really useful workshop tip if you are using conventional tape!

I went back to using self-adhesive fabric tape a couple of years ago. Sure it isn't padded but I just work out where I need my padding and use scrap bits of old padded bar tape, hold them in place with electrical tape, then cover the lot with fabric tape...

[tecdesigns]

A toffee wheel attachment on a drill will sort left over glue or alternatively a cheaper option is Zoff wipes more labour intensive but no scratches

[johnbrann]

In the old days we always wrapped our bars with part of the brake lever clamp showing. I don't remember ever needing to grip the bars where the little gap was in the tape. But times have changed and aesthetics are important.

[hugobci]

I use leather strips specific for handlebars, local production. 2 years, re-wrapped several times, no sticky glue. Under the tape, for long distance added comfort I use stripes of inner tube.

[timlagas]

No issues with Fizik Terra handlebar tape. Not superstrong adhesive. I retaped it 3 times, stil 👌🏻

[FaustBusserl]

Love my silicone tape without adhesive but my gloves eat up the surface. I was already thinking about adding a protective tape on top, keeping the silicone for cushion and I kind of like chunky grips.