Handlebar Tape
 

How often do you replace your handlebar tape? One a year or more?

Handlebar tape is a very low maintenance item and only needs to be replaced if there is a problem (i.e. damaged in a crash, coming unwound, etc.). I've only ever replaced handlebar tape in the following situtations:

1. Changing handlebars.
2. Changing shifters or shifter position.
3. Desire for a different color.

Every spring on my primary bike (along with a new chain and brake pads.)

When it wears out or when I’m tired of looking at it.

Usually when I recable. Occasionally when the tape starts sagging, and I can't keep it tight on the bars.

So, every year or so up to 3-4 years.

About a day later when I realize I looped it wrong around the brifter

+1. No point in not replacing cables when I have the bar tape off, so the cables usually drive the decision. I can tolerate dirty tape or tape with small tears. If it starts coming unwound, I will rewrap the tops; if it comes unwound below the brifters, I will rewrap and replace cables while I’m in there.

It all depends on the tape. I am using leather bar tape on my touring bike. I have unwrapped it, and rewrapped it several times, using the same tape. It has been in use since 2011.

You and I think alike, mate.

Every couple years. I am currently way overdue.

I got all excited about Planet Bike Tachyon tape, which has a unique look and texture, but the outer rubber started wearing and peeling off after a couple months.

So I'll be going back to my usual $3 fleabay bartape.

When it wears out. Usually once a year.

I can go every other year with the winter tune up on my daily rider. My "event bike" only when the white bar tape starts looking bad.

replaced permanently when I got rid of my drop bar bike!

Jokes aside, I enjoy wrapping bars so I would do for all of the above reasons or if I found a new color I wanted to try. I have used the $40 stuff with nice texture and the $1 from the Wish shopping app. Biggest difference to me was how fast they shipped!

My Brooks tape has been on for, I think, 13 years. I have no intention of replacing it in this lifetime.

^ going green

mold is green soooooo :)

I'm not sure the cow appreciated it at the time but may now, from the Great Beyond. It is the only thing that has survived it.