Wrapping bars - When did we switch techniques?

[Clancy]

I seem to remember when I first got into cycling in the early 70’s we would wrap our handlebars starting at the top, doing a figure 8 at the hoods, then finish off at the bottom using a barend plug to secure the tape. No tape at the top.

Now we start at the bottom, maybe figure 8 at the hoods but usually a small strip of wrap is used, then finish off at the top and secure with tape of some kind, usually electrical tape.

Why the switch?

A younger rider, mid 20’s, asked me and I told him I couldn’t remember.