1989Pre 

I put some new tape on my bars, but didn't wind it loosely-enough, so I didn't have enough when I got to the end, and had to remove it and start again. The only problem is that some of the adhesive stuck to the tape and now, when I put my hands on the bar, it feels sticky and is attracting dirt.
So, I need to know how to get the adhesive off of cork (ITM) without damaging it.
I tried dish soap, but it did not seem optimum.

fietsbob

3M makes adhesive solvents as well as adhesives .


there is another kind for Medical adhesive tape, too.

Kopsis

I'd turn to solvents as a last resort. As you dissolve the adhesive, the absorbent cork will likely just soak it in deeper. I've found that packing tape can be a good way to get sticky adhesive off. Loop a piece of tape around your fingers sticky-side out and then touch it to the sticky spots and lift. It often takes a lot of repetitions, but a little more of the goo will stay on the packing tape each time. Rotate the tape around your fingers to get a fresh surface as needed. Takes some patience, but basically zero risk so it's the first thing I try.

demoncyclist

GooGone or another citrus based cleaner should do the trick without harming the cork.

1989Pre 

Kop, I am going to try that! Cool! I was concerned about the cork absorbing any chemical I might use, because my bike is near my bed and I don't want to be inhaling it for like the next 4 weeks.
If it doesn't work, I'll maybe keep trying with the Dish Safe, or maybe, as a last resort, go with
the Finish Line Citrus De-Greaser. Thanks also, Fiets, Satan.

Wilfred Laurier

my strategy
and i know this will not appeal to everyone
is just put up with it until the adhesive is thoroughly clogged with dirt
and no longer sticky

digibud

I'd try some Goo Gone on a small area on the underside and see if it's a problem. I'd also dust an area with talc powder or fine dirt. If the former works you'll have nice clean tape. If not, the latter will result in tape that isn't sticky and the imperfect areas will soon wear off.

jj1091

I'm liking your style. Had a friend back in the seventies who had an old slant-six Dodge Dart that leaked oil from the intake manifold. He kept topping it off with new oil, and after about 5 years, the old dirty oil which he never changed sealed up the leak.

jj1091

I've had good results with denatured alcohol for gum residue and general stain removal, especially when I replace bar tape and the old residue is stuck to the bars. I use a soft cloth and a fairly heavy amount of the alcohol, and it comes off nicely. I'm sure there's easier ways, but this works for me. I had some roofing tar get smeared on my car's cloth seats (was there for a full day before I noticed it), and the denatured alcohol took every bit of it off with just paper towels. The label cautions you to not use it on anything with a lacquered finish, because it is excellent for removing varnish and lacquer.