Bar Tape

[BrynCP]

Well here is my first attempt at wrapping bar tape.

Did I overlap too much because I am about 2 inches too short of reaching where the original bar tape went almost to the stem (and where there are cables wrapped with electrical tape that now just looks unsightly!)?

 

[User32269]

I've done a lot worse! Looks OK.

 

[Citius]

Too much overlap, but it's ok...

 

[BrynCP]

Do you think it will be OK to unwrap and rewrap it? It's far too short so I need to reduce the overlap to bring it closer to the stem.

I think I should have bought longer tape too actually. I have 440mm bars at 31.8mm diameter!

 

[Citius]

Is the tape gel-backed or adhesive? If it's adhesive, then you're stuffed. If it's gel, just upwrap it and re-apply. Keep it off the floor though, as the gel surface easily picks up dirt and grit...

 

[BrynCP]

It's adhesive; guess I can give it a go, if its no good I can wrap with the tape for the other bar which I haven't undone yet (I was replacing a cable), then buy another pack if its long enough when done properly

 

[Smokin Joe]

The overlap looks ok to me. Stretching the tape as you apply it (Without breaking it) is a knack you quickly get the hang of. If you look at the bottom of the bar where you began the tape has some slack in it, and also near the hood. I'd guess you may have some more on the bend at the front.

 

[BrynCP]

Second attempt! In the bike's bedroom now because it was getting wet outside!

 

[User32269]

I'd be happy with that! Looks good!

 

[BrynCP]

I'd be happy with that! Looks good!

You never know, work and weather permitting, I may get to ride it before Christmas.

Still falling an inch short, but reading some wiggle reviews of that Deda tape, they suggest its shorter than a lot of tapes - that would explain it with my wide bars.

 

[User32269]

One of my least favourite jobs taping! Always manage to get oil or grease from somewhere into tape. My first attempt looked like I had gaffa taped pillows to drops.

 

[BrynCP]

I had to replace the gear cable and was going to originally just thread the new inner through.

Glad I didn't in the end because the bike shop did not replace the outer last time when they said they would, and it was actually worn through in 2 places under the tape. To be fair, they didn't charge me for the job, so I am not complaining too much.

 

[roadrash]

looks good to me , id be happy with that

 

[MichaelW2]

Not too bad for a first attempt. You have too much overlap on the drops and not enough on the curve of the tops, where horizontal forces push the tape forward.
Also, wrap the bar ends with more tension.
Which video/guide did you use?

 

[Citius]

I have 440mm bars at 31.8mm diameter!

Just to add - the bars are only 31.8 at the centre section where the stem clamp is. Elsewhere, they are just a regular diameter.