Wrapping a handlebar with tape is not just to achieve insulation and cushioning effect but also to have a better grip while riding. A slippery handlebar result in wrist and hand pain as you put lot of pressure to prevent sliding. This article tells you how to install a handlebar tape.

First, make sure that you have all the essentials in place. Before you start with the wrapping wash your hands, otherwise you may end up in soiling the tape and achieving the perfect connection between the tape and your bike's handlebar may become little difficult.

To wrap a leather handlebar tape, be it cloth or leather, you definitely need a scissor to cut it in the desired size, and ensure it is kept in an easily-accessible place so you don't let the tape unwrap in search of the scissor. This implies that the tension should not be released until the installation is complete. Remember! The tape should go below the rubber hood, hence it has to be rolled forward so that the body of the lever gets exposed.

The general rule of installing a handlebar tape is wounding should always start from the end of the bar towards to the middle, this is for direction of overlap that resembles shingles of a roof. If it is done the other way, i.e. from middle to end of the bar then the upper edge gets exposed and due to hand pressure there are possibilities of tape edges to roll away from the bar. But with the plastic tape the chances of rolling down is less, no matter in which direction it is wound, provided it is wrapped with enough tension.

One issue you come across while installing a bar tape is dealing with brake or shifter cables, and you need to make sure that they are securely affixed to the bar, otherwise they may start moving while applying brake and spoil the integrity of the wrapped tape. You can use the standard electric tape for securing purpose, multiple short strips and a continuous spiral of tape both are fine.

One issue that you may encounter with the bar tape is it may slide down in the corners of the handlebar, though proper tension can prevent this issues you can rely on traction tape as well for this purpose. As said earlier, tension is a key factor for reliable taping and it is necessary to maintain constant tension while winding tape onto the bar, but it should not be so much that can harm the tape itself.