bar tape help

hubgearfreak · Post by **hubgearfreak** » 17 Jul 2008, 12:45pm

if you had Moustache Handlebars, would you start taping from the stem, or the outer end? and why?

Post by **Mick F** » 17 Jul 2008, 1:28pm

Never had any, sorry, Hubbers.

However, with drops, I wrapped mine from stem to end for 20 years or more. Then I asked the question on here about end to stem and received many replies.

Too lazy to search, but it was a couple of years ago or more.

Now, because of what I read, I wrap from end to stem.
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=71

I think it's to do with how the hands grip, it's supposed to be more comfortable. Dunno really, but I'm doing as I've been told!

aesmith · Post by **aesmith** » 17 Jul 2008, 1:34pm

Mick F wrote:However, with drops, I wrapped mine from stem to end for 20 years or more.

Same here, so that the plug in the end of the bars holds the loose end. Wrapping the other way you need to tape up the loose end.

Wildduck · Post by **Wildduck** » 17 Jul 2008, 1:46pm

The way I was taught also from a Readers Digest DIY manual circa 1976 :oops:

lauriematt · Post by **lauriematt** » 17 Jul 2008, 2:24pm

on my standard drops i tape from ends to stem...just makes the end-plugs wasy to fit as the tape is neat

i can see why the shape of the bars would change how youd wrap them...but i think everybody has their own methods of fitting bartape

Post by Si » 17 Jul 2008, 2:27pm

Why don't you start one side from the outside and the other from the inside? Just to be on the safe side, like.

What, you mean none of you have asymetrical bar tape?

axel_knutt · Post by **axel_knutt** » 17 Jul 2008, 5:16pm

Starting at the stem is far neater, and stays put better. The problem is you can't do it that way if you've got bar end shifters.

pioneer · Post by **pioneer** » 17 Jul 2008, 5:18pm

I only found out recently that it's supposed to be from end' to stem. Makes sense when you think about it,having the plug keep the outer end neat and tidy.

But Hubbers, have you got a Moustache or just thinking about it?

hubgearfreak · Post by **hubgearfreak** » 17 Jul 2008, 5:35pm

so the consensus is end to stem then for drop bars?

on a moustache bar i spend most of the time with my hands at the ends, which is the opposite to drops, where i spend all my time on the tops.

when riding on the tops, it makes sense to have started at the end and worked to the stem as you'd tend to smooth down the overlap rather than ruffle it up, if i'm making myself clear?

but if you spend most of the time on the ends, then to avoid tape overlap ruffleage it'd be best to start from the stem, don't you agree?

pioneer i do have some, and si, i won't be doing it asymmetrically. you're clearly a wrong'un :lol:

thirdcrank · Post by **thirdcrank** » 17 Jul 2008, 5:54pm

hubbers

I think you are right that the issue is the direction of the overlap, more of an issue on the tops of drops than on any of the variants of flat / level / straight bars. Usually you are going to secure one end with plugs and the other with tape and it doesn't matter much to either whether they are securing the start or the finish. Donkeys' years ago a firm called Dan (?) or possibly Dare made plastic sleeves for drops. they were a so-and -so to get on but brilliant once in place.

anniesboy · Post by **anniesboy** » 18 Jul 2008, 7:54am

Wrap in the right direction ,clockwise on the right,anticlockwise on the left.
Starting at the plugs.

Bob S · Post by **Bob S** » 18 Jul 2008, 8:26am

[quote="pioneer"]I only found out recently that it's supposed to be from end' to stem. Makes sense when you think about it,having the plug keep the outer end neat and tidy.

I have lost more Plugs than I care to count. How do you keep retaining them? I have driven mine in with a mallet, and they have still gone AWOL.

Post by **Mick F** » 18 Jul 2008, 8:33am

I lost one recently too. I had a spare, so all ok.

Years ago, I had a pair of plugs that were tightened into the bar with an expander bolt. Can you still get them?

Bob S · Post by **Bob S** » 18 Jul 2008, 8:40am

Just had a quick look, Chainreaction Cycles seem to have some. I used to have some cheap and cheerful one's by Raleigh years ago.
Second look, do not look suitable for Road cycles.

reohn2 · Post by **reohn2** » 18 Jul 2008, 9:06am

hubgearfreak wrote:so the consensus is end to stem then for drop bars?

on a moustache bar i spend most of the time with my hands at the ends, which is the opposite to drops, where i spend all my time on the tops.

when riding on the tops, it makes sense to have started at the end and worked to the stem as you'd tend to smooth down the overlap rather than ruffle it up, if i'm making myself clear?

but if you spend most of the time on the ends, then to avoid tape overlap ruffleage it'd be best to start from the stem, don't you agree?

pioneer i do have some, and si, i won't be doing it asymmetrically. you're clearly a wrong'un

Hubbers
I, like TC agree with you for the same reason :0)