bar tape problem!

[Elliot M]

ok, i admit it, i'm having problems fitting some bar tape.

i can wrap the bars OK, even switch direction of spiral at the levers (i think the theory is that this minimises slip in both hoods and bar tops hand positions). but i just can't get the starting end of the tape to neatly go into the end of the bar and stay there. all the fitting notes imply you just leave some of the tape overlapping the end, and then tuck it in and secure with the plug, but whatever i do either the plug falls out, the tape unravels or i can't get all the loose tape in.

at the moment i have cut off the tape at the end of the bar and secured with electrical tape, but this is not good enough.

what's the trick?

[jon avery]

Get someone else to do it

[Mike I]

Snip the loose ends a few times across the tape, so you are stuffing four or five bits of tape into the bar end, rather than one stubborn lump.

Try using the electrical tape by wrapping it a few times round the bit of the plug that goes inside the bar. That gives it a slightly fatter profile and should hold the end of the bar tape more securely.

I used to have some plugs with a small expander bolt in them - push 'em in, tighten the screw and they would hold the tape and never fall out of the bar.

[Andrew G]

Depends on which tape you use as to what works best. Some of the supplied bar end plugs are crap, and if the tape's quite thin then you're fighting a losing battle.

Bontrager tape works well and has good bar ends, but the best for me is the Stella Azzura tape which comes with v good bar ends in a nice carbon effect. Tape is super comfy and lasts for ages too.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Start at the bottom of the drops and work upwards is easiest and then a bit of electrical tape to secure at the top.

Be careful to wind the correct way otherwise it will tend to unwind as you hold it.

Guru

[Snoop Doug]

[quote="jon avery"]Get someone else to do it