How to Wrap Handlebar Tape Properly

Handlebar tape is one of the most satisfying upgrades on a road bike — fresh tape looks great, feels better, and costs very little. But wrapping it neatly takes a bit of technique, especially around the brake hoods. Here's how to do it properly.

What you'll need

• New handlebar tape (comes with finishing tape and bar end plugs)
• Scissors
• Electrical tape (optional, for extra security)

Preparation

1. Remove the old tape — unwrap it from the top down and remove any sticky residue
2. Check cables and hoods — make sure gear and brake cables are neatly routed along the bars. Tuck them under the brake hoods where possible
3. Optional: Stick the short extra strips (included with most tape) over the back of the brake lever clamps. These prevent gaps showing when the tape passes the hoods

Step-by-step wrapping

1. Start at the bar end

Peel back the adhesive strip on the tape. Start at the end of the handlebar, leaving about half the tape width hanging over the end (this gets tucked in by the bar plug later).

2. Wrap direction

Wrap from the bar end toward the stem. On the right side, wrap anti-clockwise (when viewed from the end). On the left, wrap clockwise. This means your grip tightens the tape rather than unwinding it when you ride.

3. Overlap consistently

Each wrap should overlap the previous one by about one-third to one-half of the tape width. Keep consistent tension — firm but not stretched to breaking point. Inconsistent overlap creates lumps and thin spots.

4. The tricky bit: around the brake hoods

This is where most people struggle:

1. As you approach the brake hood, wrap normally up to the base of the lever clamp
2. Make a figure-of-eight around the hood — wrap behind the lever body, up and over the top of the clamp, then back down and continue wrapping along the bar
3. Pull the rubber hood back down over the clamp area to cover any exposed bar

The small extra strips you stuck on earlier fill any gaps behind the hood.

5. Finish at the stem

Wrap until you reach the straight section near the stem. Cut the tape at an angle so it sits flat when you wrap the last turn. Secure with the finishing tape or a strip of electrical tape.

6. Fit the bar end plugs

Push the excess tape into the bar end and press the plug firmly in. It should be snug. Bar plugs aren't just cosmetic — in a crash, an open bar end can cause a serious puncture wound.

Tips for a professional finish

• Keep tension even — the biggest difference between a neat wrap and a messy one is consistent tension throughout
• Don't stretch gel tape too much — thicker gel/cork tape tears easily if over-stretched
• Use electrical tape under the finishing tape — one wrap of electrical tape gives a more secure hold
• Practice makes perfect — if it looks uneven, unwrap and start again. It's much easier the second time

When to replace handlebar tape

• Tape is torn, peeling, or slipping
• It's become compressed and no longer provides cushioning
• It's stained or grimy beyond cleaning
• You've moved your brake hoods and need to re-wrap

Most road cyclists replace tape once or twice a year. It's one of the cheapest ways to make your bike feel fresh.