According to the motto “Never change a winning team,” cyclists naturally never want to change their beloved handlebar tape once they’ve found the right one. However, experts like the independent bicycle expert Dirk Zedler from the Zedler Institute in Ludwigsburg advise cleaning the handlebar tape occasionally with lukewarm soapy water or even replacing it once a year. Over time, a lot of moisture and salt can accumulate in the tape, which can potentially damage the handlebars.

Cyclists have a choice between countless different handlebar tape from almost as many manufacturers. Handlebar tape come in all possible colors, textures, and thicknesses. For example, Ergon’s Bar Tape (BT) are available in 2 millimeters, 2.5 millimeters, and 3.5 millimeters. Road cyclists would likely choose the thin and light BT Road, while gravel bikers need more cushioning and would probably opt for the thicker BT Gravel. In addition to functionality, design plays an important role. Those who pay attention to their clothing while cycling will also want handlebar tape that matches their bike. Ergon’s handlebar tape from the BT series come in at least four colors, so cyclists should be able to find the right one.

First and foremost, it should be noted that handlebar tape should be wrapped from the end of the handlebar (i.e., the end of the drop bar) towards the stem. Cyclists’ hands tend to push outward on the drop bar under load. To prevent this small but strong movement from shifting the handlebar tape, it is advisable to wrap the left side of the handlebar counterclockwise and the right side clockwise. Or more simply: always wrap from the inside out.

Not much is needed to change the handlebar tape. The items listed here are partly optional, so they are the optimum:

• Scissors
• Alcohol-based degreaser
• Cloth
• Gloves (optional)
• Fabric tape / electrical tape (optional, as most tapes already come with something similar)
• Tire lever (optional, for removing the old bar end plug)
• Gloves (optional; fingers must be clean/grease-free)

Wrapping handlebar tape is not rocket science. If you need support through a video, you can find the perfect guide on YouTube. Sure, as with many other things, “practice makes perfect,” but if you follow the steps below with calmness and precision, you will have a successful experience even on your first try.

1. First, the old handlebar tape must be unwrapped. It’s best to start at the top of the handlebar because if you start at the drop bar, the tape will get stuck.

2. Once you have unwrapped the old tape and removed the end plug (some mechanics use a tire lever for this), use the cloth and cleaning agent to clean the handlebar and remove any old adhesive residue.

3. Now you can check the handlebar and especially the position of the brake and shift levers and adjust them if necessary. If you are unsure how to adjust the brake levers, you will find a very good guide in the Ergon Fitting Box.

4. You should also check the routing of the brake and shift cables. They should be attached to the front, lower side of the handlebar (in the direction of travel). If you want to reposition and fix them, use fabric or electrical tape.

5. Pro tip: Take a small piece of tape and position it where your new handlebar tape should end on the top of the handlebar before the stem. Now you can measure the distance to the stem with a tape measure or ruler, apply this measurement to the other side of the stem, and then temporarily stick a piece of electrical tape at the same distance.

6. This is also the moment to consider whether the cushioning properties of your new handlebar tape are sufficient. If you have doubts, we recommend the Ergon Orthocell Pad Set, which, when placed under the handlebar tape, provides more comfort.

7. Before you start wrapping, cut an eight to ten centimeter long piece to use as an intermediate piece over the clamp. This ensures that no part of the handlebar is left uncovered by the tape. Make sure this small piece does not cover the pin holes of the grip rubbers.

8. If the handlebar is clean, you are satisfied with the cable routing and the position of the grips, and you have decided for or against more comfort with an Orthocell Pad Set, start wrapping the handlebar tape at the end of the handlebar:

   • As mentioned above, always wrap from the inside out. Start with the end of the tape on the underside of the handlebar. The first wrap around the handlebar should be without offset towards the front in the direction of travel. Leave about one-third of the tape width overhanging. This overhang will be pressed into the handlebar with the end plug at the end of the wrapping process. As mentioned, only at the end.

   • Now wrap towards the front. Apply some tension to the tape so that it sits tightly. Overlap the previous wrap by about one-third with the new wrap. The adhesive strip on the inside should always stick to the handlebar. Work your way forward with calmness and precision.

   • Wrap up to the drop bend of the handlebar until the last wrap is directly at the brake lever or its phase. Ideally, you have already overlapped the small intermediate piece over the clamp with the upper part of this wrap, fixing it well.

   • Now wrap up over the grip and continue wrapping at even intervals.

   • Once you have passed the next curve and are on the home stretch towards the stem, you can wrap more tightly if you want to increase the diameter of the handlebar, including the tape. This will make the handlebar tape thicker and provide more cushioning. If you use an Orthocell Pad Set, this is usually not necessary.

   • When you reach the point marked with electrical tape, make a cut at a right angle to the handlebar with scissors. The handlebar tape should end in a point.

9. Now use the electrical tape again (as mentioned, most handlebar tapes come with a suitable adhesive strip). Use it to fix the pointed end of the handlebar tape. Wrap two or three rounds around the handlebar and tape. This should create a well-holding and visually pleasing finish.

10. Now you can return the grip rubber to its functional position. Its pins should be positioned exactly in the designated pin holes in the brake lever.

11. Finally, take the end plug. Press the overhanging edges of the handlebar tape into the handlebar tube with the plug – done. Now you can enjoy full riding pleasure with your new handlebar tape.

Now that you know how to wrap new handlebar tape and cover the clamp with an eight to ten centimeter piece of tape, we would like to explain a traditional wrapping technique where the clamp is covered by the wrapping technique itself:

• Wrap along the drop bar as described above until you almost reach the underside of the brake/shift lever. Leave about one centimeter of space.
• Now, take the handlebar tape and wrap it first over the outside of the clamp on the handlebar, up over the lever, and back down.
• Then cross the previous wrap over the clamp and bring the tape directly under the handlebar through the phase of the lever and up.
• Once at the top, continue wrapping as usual.

This way, you achieve a visually appealing and fully functional wrap without needing an extra piece of tape over the clamp. The Italian Eight!