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Bar tape tape

Old 11-05-19, 10:32 AM
  #1  
pdlamb
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Bar tape tape

I re-wrapped my handlebar this weekend, and didn't finish it with electrical tape -- a first!

After previous wrappings, I'd use the tape included in most bar tape boxes, and then to make sure it held, give it a wrap or two of electrical tape. This time, I forgot where I'd put the electrical tape. What was in the box was long enough to make almost two wraps, more than I remember from previous wrappings. It's held for two whole days now.

What's other people's experience with the tape-that-comes-in-the-box? How well does it hold, is it really long enough, and does it hold on its own?
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Old 11-05-19, 11:14 AM
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Wilfred Laurier
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I find the included strip of tape is not flexible enough to make a clean cover for the end of the handlebar tape. Electrical tape usually looks better, and is available in many colours from the dollar store.

Another option is to finish the wrap in twine or string...

https://www.rivbike.com/pages/handle...d-twine-finish
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Old 11-05-19, 11:28 AM
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I also found the included finishing tape is too rigid to make a smooth wrap so I still use electrical tape. I tried the silicone self-adhering tape I've seen suggested here but found it curls up at the edges too easily so it doesn't stay put.
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Old 11-05-19, 11:56 AM
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It varies—some works fine, others not. I usually don't like the loud logos on it, and enjoy finding colored electrical tape to match an accent color on the bike.
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Old 11-05-19, 01:24 PM
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I don't use adhesive tape (especially electrical tape) to secure the bar tape. In an unconventional method, I start at the top and wrap down. When I get to the end of the bars...I tuck the excess into the bar, and insert the bar end stopper to hold it. Been doing it that way for years with not problems.

I've seen some (actually did this on one of my bikes) who will start at the top, wrap down the the break lever, then using another piece, wrap from the bottom up to the brake lever. Then, secure it all under the hood. No adhesive tape showing anywhere.

Dan
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Old 11-05-19, 01:55 PM
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For the past few years, I’ve been using black shrink tape to finish off my wraps. I cut a 3/4” piece and slide it on the bar up to the stem (I have to remove the brakes, of course). Then I do the wrap and secure the tag ends with a small piece of tape, slide the shrink tape over the end, and heat it up. Looks great and holds perfectly. You’ll have to measure your bars to see what diameter you’ll need - I use the 2” size.

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Old 11-05-19, 02:29 PM
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my experience is that it doesn‘t hold. Therefore i double up with a color matched zip tie.
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Old 11-05-19, 03:00 PM
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Electrical tape, or any tape that has adhesive, is a thing of the past. People are using self-fusing silicon tape to finish their bar wraps these days. No adhesive at all: it simply naturally fuses to itself.
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Old 11-05-19, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by _ForceD_
I don't use adhesive tape (especially electrical tape) to secure the bar tape. In an unconventional method, I start at the top and wrap down. When I get to the end of the bars...I tuck the excess into the bar, and insert the bar end stopper to hold it. Been doing it that way for years with not problems.
The only reason I ever started wrapping from bottom to top was when I bought a Scott aero bar in the early '90s and needed to install/remove it easily. I never had any edge curling issues while going bottom to top.
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Old 11-05-19, 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by AndreyT
Electrical tape, or any tape that has adhesive, is a thing of the past. People are using self-fusing silicon tape to finish their bar wraps these days. No adhesive at all: it simply naturally fuses to itself.
As I mentioned in my posting above, I tried that tape and found when I rode with my hands on the bar tops I would catch the edges which tended to curl up and slip even if the tape were pulled as tight as it would tolerate. I suppose it works if you only ride the hoods or the drops.
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Old 11-05-19, 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ddeand
For the past few years, I’ve been using black shrink tape to finish off my wraps. I cut a 3/4” piece and slide it on the bar up to the stem (I have to remove the brakes, of course). Then I do the wrap and secure the tag ends with a small piece of tape, slide the shrink tape over the end, and heat it up. Looks great and holds perfectly. You’ll have to measure your bars to see what diameter you’ll need - I use the 2” size.
Brilliant. I find most electrical tapes, especially the dollar-store variety, to not stick well and to shift leaving grungy adhesive exposed. Will try this next time.
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Old 11-05-19, 04:17 PM
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Never had a problem with electrical tape not sticking or leaving residue, but I only use 3m Super 88
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Old 11-05-19, 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by redlude97
Never had a problem with electrical tape not sticking or leaving residue, but I only use 3m Super 88
Yes, it's like the difference between store brand duct tape and Duck(TM) tape.
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Old 11-05-19, 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by redlude97
Never had a problem with electrical tape not sticking or leaving residue, but I only use 3m Super 88
It is more of a matter of wrapping technique. The trick is to stretch the first loops of the tape (to make it conform) and keep the last loop or two relaxed to prevent creep. Too much stretch in the last loop, and any tape will creep and likely leave residue, no matter how good it is.
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Old 11-05-19, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by AndreyT
Electrical tape, or any tape that has adhesive, is a thing of the past. People are using self-fusing silicon tape to finish their bar wraps these days. No adhesive at all: it simply naturally fuses to itself.
Wow ! Just learned something new, thanks for the tip. Heading to Home Depot , tomorrow. KB
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Old 11-05-19, 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by redlude97
Never had a problem with electrical tape not sticking or leaving residue, but I only use 3m Super 88

Haven't used the 88, but 33+, being much thinner, should be better.
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Old 11-05-19, 08:54 PM
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I've given up on commercial bicycle handlebar tape due to its expense, thickness, fast wear, and difficulty securing the ends by the reinforcing sleeve of the handlebar. I now use Renfrew Brand Hockey Tape to wrap my bars. When I get the tape up to the reinforcing sleeve i just carefully cut the tap as it is and push it down onto the bar. This tape sticks really well and is hard to find the end of later it I want to unwrap the handlebar for any reason. I don't regret using it on any of my bikes as it's quite durable.

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Old 11-06-19, 09:42 AM
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I have found that the tape that comes with SupaCaz is awesome and superior to electrical tape (at least on the version I have).
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Old 11-06-19, 11:48 AM
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I use electrical tape for a good tight adhesion, and then cover that with the decorative stuff not too tight.
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Old 11-06-19, 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by woodcraft
Haven't used the 88, but 33+, being much thinner, should be better.
really, either are interchangeable, the adhesive is the same. I like the super 88 better because you can get away with like 2 wraps around the tape to secure. I also don't overlap onto the bar itself so don't need it to conform to anything really
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Old 11-06-19, 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by WizardOfBoz
Brilliant. I find most electrical tapes, especially the dollar-store variety, to not stick well and to shift leaving grungy adhesive exposed. Will try this next time.
Electrical tape of any kind, sometimes have questionable adhesion. You can find the same tape at the dollar store, gas station, walmart and the hardware store. There is a fix to that and a subtle function of the tape itself; heat. etape almost acts like shrink wrap. You either use a torch lighter or heat up a flathead or something to lay on the end to fuse it to itself.

Another trick I learned is to wrap the bar with etape sticky side up, bottom to the lever. So if you take a spill or otherwise rip the bartape, it just won't come off. It does (etape)work better under tension, like bartape if it isn't stretched too far.
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Old 11-06-19, 06:06 PM
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Silicone tape is my new goto. Only sticks to itself, easily removable, leaves no residue, does not creep, and keeps the bar tape reusable if you ever need to remove or rewrap it.
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Old 11-06-19, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by _ForceD_
I don't use adhesive tape (especially electrical tape) to secure the bar tape. In an unconventional method, I start at the top and wrap down. When I get to the end of the bars...I tuck the excess into the bar, and insert the bar end stopper to hold it. Been doing it that way for years with not problems.

I've seen some (actually did this on one of my bikes) who will start at the top, wrap down the the break lever, then using another piece, wrap from the bottom up to the brake lever. Then, secure it all under the hood. No adhesive tape showing anywhere.

Dan
I like that idea.
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Old 11-06-19, 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by redlude97
Never had a problem with electrical tape not sticking or leaving residue, but I only use 3m Super 88
Trying to understand why if there even was residue, who cares. It's either covered up by your next wrap or covered by your tape. 3M electrical tape has no issues 'not sticking'.
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Old 11-06-19, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Sy Reene
Trying to understand why if there even was residue, who cares. It's either covered up by your next wrap or covered by your tape. 3M electrical tape has no issues 'not sticking'.
I think people are referring to electrical tape residue when the tape slips or moves from cheap electrical tape, I've seen it on other bikes. Makes for a mess on top/sides of the finishing electrical tape and can even get on your hands/gloves
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