Bar tape wrapping (Which method do you prefer?)

[grognaak]

This methodology explained in this video is authoritative in my opinion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MzIiv7pewE

[sjbraun]

Originally Posted by huckjai

Haha. That is like how I am with wrapping bars. I get one side done, then can't figure it out on the other side until like 6 tries.

LOL, I'm trying a harlequin wrap. I feel your pain.

[bikinchris]

Originally Posted by grognaak

This methodology explained in this video is authoritative in my opinion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MzIiv7pewE

In 1996 Calvin Jones was my instructor for an elite technicians course at Barnett's Bicycle Institute.

[coreyaugustus]

Originally Posted by Mzilliox

so i like my tape to wrap the way i put weight on it. that means outward on the drops, figure eight, and forward on the tops.

This has always been my thinking. But I tend to do one side perfectly, then spend 6 tries getting the other side to match as closely as possible.

[biker72]

I recently had shorter handlebars installed on a new to me bike by the lbs where I work. The mechanic used the figure 8 method to wrap the bar tape. He did a fantastic job...much better than I could do. I'm soooo glad he did this.

[benb]

Yah I do it either way from time to time.

Both my bikes were wrapped figure 8 style the most recent time because I got Fabric brand tape and they don't include the extra piece.

I think the Figure 8 might be more elegant. No concerns with bulk for me as long as the tape is one that handles stretching well.

Most important thing by far IMO is the whole idea of having all parts of the bar wrapped so that your natural motions/grip on the bars pull the tape tighter rather than looser which can cause stuff to slip/loosen. You need to do that regardless of whether you do a figure 8 or use the extra piece.

The quality of the wrap job seems way more important than which technique you use.

[Gummee]

I was taught you wrap towards the bike on both sides. Pull it tight and only overlap the chamfered areas on the tape.

I haven't used the figure-8 method since I started using cork tape in the 90s.

Getting the bend in the drop right seems to be my bugaboo. Especially the NDS of the bars. There's been more than one occasion where I've had to go back and re-do that section. Still. After all these years of wrapping tape.

The rest is practice.

M

[PQJ]

I have nothing to add other than that wrapping bars is part science, part art, and I have yet to master the art.