Our Special Tip:

We often find that the adhesive strip next to the stem eventually comes loose by itself, causing the handlebar tape to unravel.

That's really annoying!

For this reason, we always wrap the handlebar tape from the inside out and securely close the end with the end cap in the handlebar. This way, you'll really enjoy long-lasting comfort and pleasure with your self-wrapped handlebar tape. In the following guide, you'll learn exactly how to wrap your handlebar tape tightly and comfortably.

Practice First

Wrapping handlebar tape can sometimes be time-consuming. Don't despair if you have to unwind the tape a few centimeters repeatedly. This is part of the process to ensure it fits perfectly.

Keep It Clean

Before wrapping, thoroughly wash your hands with hand cleaning paste to avoid dirtying the handlebar tape and contaminating the adhesive strip on the back.

Step 1: Remove the old handlebar tape and thoroughly clean the handlebars and grips to create a clean base.

Before applying the new handlebar tape, you should carefully remove the old tape and thoroughly clean the handlebar. It is best to use a soap solution and a damp cloth for this. Try to remove all residues of the old handlebar tape that stick to the handlebar. This will create a clean base for the new tape, ensuring optimal adhesion to the bicycle handlebar.

Step 2: Start in the middle of the handlebar on the underside and wrap from inside to outside.

If you have brake cables that lie along the handlebar, you should first secure them in place with some adhesive tape or tape at the position on your handlebar where you want them to be under the handlebar tape later.

Start wrapping the handlebar tape directly next to the stem at the point of your handlebar where the diameter narrows again. Place the beginning on the underside of the handlebar and wrap around the handlebar one to one and a half times before wrapping towards the end of the handlebar. Ensure that the tape is wrapped evenly and tightly to ensure a neat appearance and a comfortable grip surface.

Step 3: Wrap the handlebar tape evenly around the handlebar, ensuring that the edges of the tape slightly overlap to create a smooth surface.

Wrap the handlebar tape evenly around the handlebar. Make sure that the edges of the tape overlap by about a quarter to a third to ensure a smooth and comfortable surface. The boundary is usually the adhesive strip. If you overlap the handlebar tape too much, the surface will become wavy.

When wrapping the handlebar tape, make sure you wrap it tightly enough to prevent it from forming folds or coming loose later, but not so tight that it feels hard and loses its cushioning effect.

If you notice that the handlebar tape has been wrapped too tightly or too loosely, it's no problem. In this case, it's better to rewind a few turns to adjust the wrapping.

Step 4: Wrapping Around the Handlebar Bend and Towards the Brake Lever.

At the outer radius of the handlebar bend, make sure that the tape still overlaps slightly to create a uniform wrapping. On the inside of the handlebar, you should overlap the tape a bit more as the path is shorter there.

If you have brake levers with a rubber cover mounted, now flip this upwards.

The lower edge of the grip hump should be slightly covered by the tape to create a clean finish. If your grips have a gap to the handlebar, you can run the tape through this gap to achieve an even more uniform wrapping.

Step 5: Neatly Wrap the Brake or Shift Levers with the Short Additional Piece of Tape

When you reach the brake or gear levers, wrap the handlebar tape once more around the brake lever. Wrap over the mounting clamp downwards and pay attention to where the additional short piece of tape needs to be placed so that the brake lever grip is fully covered. Once you find the right position, unwind the handlebar tape back to below the grip to attach the short piece of tape. This ensures that the grip is fully covered and no unpleasant gaps are created.

Attach the separate piece of tape to the correct position and tuck the ends temporarily uncropped under the grip rubbers. Pull the handlebar tape tightly upwards and ensure in the next wrap that the tape, along with the brake lever rubber cover, completely covers the handlebar and the grip body or fits into the recesses. This ensures a uniform wrap and a neat appearance.

Step 6: Wrap the Handlebar Tape Neatly to the End of the Handlebar

Now you can wrap the handlebar tape evenly up to the end of the handlebar, making sure that the spacing between the wraps is consistently even. This ensures that the handlebar tape is firmly and securely fixed and cannot slip. Make sure that the tape remains tightly stretched, but not wrapped too tightly, to maintain a comfortable grip. When you reach the end of the handlebar, wrap the handlebar tape once more, extending it beyond the end of the handlebar by the width of the tape.

Step 7: Neatly Finish Wrapping the Handlebar Tape to the End of the Handlebar

Now you can tuck the excess handlebar tape into the end of the handlebar so that it aligns evenly with the end of the handlebar. Press the end plug firmly into the tube to ensure it is securely fixed. If the plug does not stay in place on its own, you can wrap around two to three layers of coarse fabric tape as an additional measure. This will prevent the plug from falling out and the handlebar tape from losing its hold.

Finally, check the wrapping of the handlebar tape again and correct any irregularities or loose areas if necessary.

Once you have properly attached the handlebar tape and the end plug, you should trim any excessively long ends of the tape piece at the brake lever. Make sure that the grip rubber does not bulge unnecessarily and that the handlebar tape finishes neatly. For this, you can use scissors or a sharp knife. Carefully cut off the excess tape to avoid damaging the handlebar tape. Finally, flip the brake lever cover back down.

(Step 8: READY TO RIDE)

Now you can put your bike back into operation and look forward to a comfortable and safe ride.

If you're not satisfied with your current handlebar tape, you can find a wide selection of different handlebar tapes with us: