Bar tape and bar end shifters

[Cusqueno]

What's the neatest way to finish / start bar tape when bar end shifters are fitted? (Standard drop bars.)
I plan to use trad non-adhesive shiny tape. I've searched the threads but not found anything. It may be because it's tricky to come up with the right search terms.

[[XAP]Bob]

I take it there isn't enough room to tuck the ends into the end and clamp then with the shifters.

I can only suggest the same method you use up on the tops...

[tim_f]

Start tape at bar end, use a small bit of electrical tape to secure tape at start and then overlap 100% the first turn of the tape around bar pulling tape tight.

[robc02]

I have just done some by starting at the bar end shifter, having first cut a diagonal piece from the length of the tape (about 2 inches long) so that the next turn does not become too bulky. I started with the point of the diagonal underneath the bar, up against the shifter, then wrapped the tape with the first full turn also butting against the shifter. The second turn slightly overlaps the diagonal cut. The end result looks quite neat. I use a similar method to finish off at the top, also to reduce the bulge that would happen otherwise.

In the past I have wrapped the tape as normal, using the bar end shifter in place of the end plug. I don't know how well this will work with thick padded tape, but you say yours is the traditional non sticky (thin?) type so might be worth trying.

Where did you get your tape, by the way?

[thirdcrank]

FWIW, I've always just looped the cables round to the DT stops without bothering with routing them around the drops. My original reason for doing this - back in the Dark Ages - was that I used plastic handlebar sleeves, but I've stuck to it ever since. It makes the cable run easier, with no obvious disadvantages. There was a period, when DT levers ruled before the arrival of mountain bikes, when it became virtually impossible to source inner cables long enough for bar end levers with the cable routed under the tape to the middle of the bars.

[Brian73]

This was my first go:

Used electrical insulation tape to finish the same as the tops.

Wrap clockwise on driveside from end to top and anti-clockwise on non-drive side.

Cables exit under the tape on the 4th turn.

[fastpedaller]

I recall a plastic end finisher with a single screw fixing - very neat! a pair of which came with Cycling Weekly many years ago. They were so good a bought a few copies to get the freeby. Still got them on at least one bike. Are they available to buy?

[[XAP]Bob]

I recall a plastic end finisher with a single screw fixing - very neat! a pair of which came with Cycling Weekly many years ago. They were so good a bought a few copies to get the freeby. Still got them on at least one bike. Are they available to buy?

SJS has somethign similar.

Bar ends with the same clamp system as a bar end shifter.
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/page/find/?n ... ugs&page=1

[fastpedaller]

The freeby finishers were for the other end of the tape i.e. on the straight centre part of the bar - If I can find a pair I'll photo them.

[Mick F]

....... Cables exit under the tape on the 4th turn. .......

Why not continue the cables all the way under the whole of the tape to exit near the stem ........ just like Ergos?
Why introduce "washing lines" when you don't have to?

[[XAP]Bob]

....... Cables exit under the tape on the 4th turn. .......

Why not continue the cables all the way under the whole of the tape to exit near the stem ........ just like Ergos?
Why introduce "washing lines" when you don't have to?

Quite alot of corners in there...

[Mick F]

Nope, not any more than you have with Ergos.
In fact, Ergo cables go through one heck of a tight curve as they exit the brake hood. I use strong gaffa tape to hold the cables hard in because the "kink" is so tight.

BE lever cables would go up gracefully round the drop, past the brake hood and out by the stem. No tight bends?
Dunno how the cable could pass the hoods, but it can't be that difficult.

Or am I wrong?
I have no experience of this.

[531colin]

....... Cables exit under the tape on the 4th turn. .......

Why not continue the cables all the way under the whole of the tape to exit near the stem ........ just like Ergos?
Why introduce "washing lines" when you don't have to?

I can confirm Mick's suggestion works perfectly.

[Brian73]

That's how it came from Dawes, didn't see any reason to change when I re-taped

My other bike has both cables routed under the bars with the 105 STI shifters.

[Cusqueno]

Thanks for the suggestions and interesting discussion. I'm away from home and the bike at present but will report when I return to the bars.