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Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement

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Time Required: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
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Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement

Introduction

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This is a basic step-by-step guide on how to replace handlebar tape on a bicycle. Whether the bar tape on your bike is ripped, worn-out, or just plain missing, this guide will allow you to replace the tape all by yourself!

What you need

Parts

Tools

    1. Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement, Handlebar Tape: step 1, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement, Handlebar Tape: step 1, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement, Handlebar Tape: step 1, image 3 of 3
      • Undo the brake cables holding the brake calipers under tension.

      • Depress the brake/shift levers (brifters) and insert a 5mm Allen key into the internal bolt. This bolt secures the brifters to the handlebar.

      • With the 5mm Allen key, loosen and temporarily remove brifters.

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    2. Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3
      • Remove the old tape and discard.

      • Pour some rubbing alcohol on the rag and clean any old adhesive residue off the handlebar.

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    3. Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
      • Starting on the right side of the handlebar, wrap the new tape around the end in a clockwise direction moving inward.

      • Be sure to wrap the tape tight, but don't pull so hard that it rips!

      • Using the scissors, cut the tape at an angle towards the outside of the bar.

      • Wrap the loose end with either electrical tape or the adhesive piece provided with the handlebar tape (pictured here)

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    4. Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
      • On the left side of the handlebar, wrap the tape around the end in a counter-clockwise direction moving inward.

      • Wrap tight, but don't rip!

      • Using the scissors, cut the tape at an angle towards the outside of the bar.

      • Wrap the loose end with either electrical tape or the adhesive piece provided with the handlebar tape (pictured).

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    5. Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
      • Using the 5mm Allen key, reattach and tighten the brifter levers onto the handlebar.

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    6. Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 Bicycle Handlebar Tape Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
      • Reattach the brake cables to the brifters and brake calipers

      • Depress the brake levers a couple of times to test and confirm that the cables were reinstalled properly before riding.

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Jordan Byrnes

Member since: 05/05/17

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UC Davis, Team S1-G70, Coad Spring 2017 Member of UC Davis, Team S1-G70, Coad Spring 2017

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