How To Wrap Handlebar Tape On A Drop Bar Bike

[@gcntech]

Do you have any tips of your own for wrapping bar tape? 🧐

[@strandedpaki]

I like wrapping from the top, no tape needed. Neatest looking wraps ever. I've heard people claim it is not as stable, but never had any issues.

[@ghowell13]

​@@strandedpaki +1 for the wrapping from the top. Ollie even used this method previously in another video.

[@henrys1979]

Hey Ollie. i went and watched that Calvin taping vid. He wrapped the tops the OTHER way to what U just showed. Why????

[@bicyclist2]

I once bought an orbea from a small shop in Ohio that wrapped the handlebars top down. I commented about it, and the shop owner said that he didn't like using any tape at the top. Great video. Thanks.

[@drNebin]

Botrager finish strips are excellent and much better than electrical tape. They do not leave a residue, they stick well and have a matte finish. It’s the reason I specifically use Botrager tapes.

[@pcm9969]

As a bike maintenance freak, I've seen at least 1/2 dozen videos on wrapping bar tape. Ollie has the best one I've seen. He explains why everything is done the way it is. Nice job as usual Ollie!

[@padmanabhaprasannasimha5385]

Calvin from Park Tool has a much better video with much better narration and camera angles.

[@pcm9969]

I haven't seen Calvin's video in a while. I rewatched it and would have to agree with you. Among other things, he explains why the other wrap methods are inferior. @@padmanabhaprasannasimha5385

[@tomigun750]

Yes, Calvin has an excellent video 👌 thanks- but Ollie covers his own established audience, and probably appeals to a different demographic kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37depysbNWYracsi=CFWN6HvtZRr3aka_

[@dorianblue4229]

​@@padmanabhaprasannasimha5385both are good, they did a video together on this topic, and ollie even quotes calvin here towards the end so peace out :)

[@stevenjohnson3698]

A tip Ollie. When you're finishing off with the electric tape, don't stretch the last revolution. Cut it to length then lay it on. It won't try and pull back on its self.

[@rokker333]

Haha, nice that you mentioned Calvin Jones. Already from the start of the video I thought that this is almost the same version as Calvins from 7 years ago. I still have a few vids from him in my bike maintenance playlist. True legend the guy.

[@anferneedeonjaca2373]

Ollie is definitely the smartest gcn presenter out there and is the most active

[@gcntech]

The rest of the team might have something to say to Ollie being most active 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4KTaXWpd9Wno5Y

[@im-on-youtube]

haha nice try Ollie

[@GCNuser123]

@@gcntech that video is highly inaccurate. take a look at strava 😉

[@jerryyoung6494]

He also had the best hair. Until this video anyway.

[@SrFederico]

Do you mean active - or attractive?

[@Shawnkelley112]

Thank you for the COMPLETE instructional video. So many videos like this assume some level of knowledge and so they skip over many of the tips and tricks that make these videos useful. I have saved this one and will refer to it each time I wrap my bars!

[@dorianblue4229]

Hi from Italy :) just amateur/audax/tourer but i've taped my bikes now tens of times, now and then i go back to these videos... there's always something to be reminded/leant. Here I like the freedom Ollie gives us. Wrap up to the stem; leave that gap behind the levers; all are ultimately personal choices, especially for tourers who could care less about the mere looks of their bikes. I'd add that the direction of the wrapping depends on how close to you, and how wide the dropbars are. If you fit a 60(top)75(drops) cm superwide Walmer Bar (or a simpler, but great, 50/62 cm Funn G-Wide) they will call for a very short stem. Close and wide, it's likely your hands will tend to turn OUTWARDS on the drops, and FORWARDS on the tops. Just the other way round than the usual (showed here), something to consider. 😎🤙🤙🤙

[@bicyclist2]

Back in 96' wrapping my handlebar was the next thing I learned to do, after being able to change a flat. I'm more old school, I don't have the one piece stem handle bar with the flat part, or the integrated cables, like the one shown here. I've been wrapping my own handle bars for many years and fond this very accurate. Thank you.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Ollie and crew , and hair support team ! Try Scotch 33 plus , or Super 88, electrical tape , its the best !

[@alexleonard3561]

This was the best demonstration of wrapping handlebar tape that I've seen yet - cheers!

[@Deuchex83]

I highly recommend using self-amalgamating silicone tape as a finishing tape, rather than electrical. I found that super hot rides here in Texas would cause the electrical tape adhesive to melt, creating a sticky mess after a while. It also leaves a residue when you use it to secure cables. Self adhering silicone tape definitely costs more, but seems to work great. It makes it much easier to clean bars in between wraps.

[@ericjensen3639]

Excellent idea. Frankly, the only piece of intelligence I have seen on a You Tube comment in likewhat TEN YEARS!💯👍⭐

[@stew1250]

Have watched a few different videos on bar tape wrapping and this is the best one have seen as very clear instructions,thanks for this.

[@abosworth]

I used this video to wrap my first set of bars last summer. I was really happy with how it came out, especially for my first time. This is a really good video.

[@stuartpotter4923]

Good to see Dr Bridgewood working on his aero Pog hair tuft, even without a helmet.

[@bobfoster687]

My thoughts exactly!!!

[@stuartpotter4923]

@@redauwg911 what are you meaning by that, exactly?

[@alexmcampbell]

THANK YOU!! I’ve struggled with getting it 👌 every time and watched countless videos. This is by far the best and most clear. Just wrapped the perfect bars

[@hook1080]

Love this tutorial. Love the attention to detail and the directional wrapping tips. Especially with the Di2 box.

[@christopherblair5260]

Nothing new that GCN (or Calvin with Park Tools) hasn't already addressed in prior videos, but nicely done. Cleanly presented for the next generation of cyclists.

[@scottbarvian3577]

Glad I am not the only one to notice this. They stole Calvin's video.

[@MethodOverRide]

You’re my hero Ollie!!

[@bloodonthesnow]

Omg thank you for explaining the technique starting at 3:20 for end plugs that aren't the cheapo plastic push-in type.

[@bubblesezblonde]

Excellent vid Dr. Bridgewood!

[@davidcawthorne2942]

Found this really useful. Re-taped my bars before but the reasons behind the winding direction was a new one for me. Top job

[@dunedin3976]

Another great video from Ollie, thank you.

[@toddroberts5522]

Thanks Ollie! I was wondering how to do this recently - and voila GCN delivers again!

[@carlgoodfellow8324]

OMG Ollie!!! That hair is epic. With all the tech and GCN megabase I'd think you all would have a mirror available prior to filming. Good to note if using a knife to finish the tape don't apply any pressure more than needed to score the bar tape, you don't want to cut through and score the handlebar.

[@stuartfreedman6854]

LOVE the Tadej Pogačar hair!

[@jeremynorth]

The problem we have is that we think it has to look perfect. A while ago I came to the realisation that bar tape is a sacrificial part and that it has to be replaced from time to time once it's done its job so no need to stress. With modern tapes the bottom up method is the sensible way. What you said about the finishing tape is bang on. Stick it over the electrical tape

[@TheReal60sKid]

Nice! Been cycling for a while and putting handle bar tape on correctly has always been a big issue

[@gcntech]

Hopefully it helps 🙌

[@RajczakMichal]

​@@gcntech hey, please explain why at 2:51 bar tape is wrapped exactly in the opposite way to what Ollie said earlier :)

[@joneinarmattiasvisser6113]

@@RajczakMichal ​ @Michał Rajczak I noticed that too! I do have it wrapped this way on my bike. I roll my wrists inward, never outwards. Also, when sprinting where does the force go? Inward, so you would losen bartape wrapped like Ollie said on the drops. Wrist rolling inwards might be a case of too wide handlebars though...

[@treyhorn5645]

So this is how I know I'm bored . I'm enjoying watching Ollie wrap bars.... lol. Great video brother...❤

[@zukzworld]

Soon… you actually inspired me, I am in the process of ordering two sets online, will change on both the bikes. New season, new bar tape. 🤓✌🏾

[@peterslater7791]

excellent video. nice to see someone as picky about bar tape as i am. :) i really like the pick-tool cauterizing of the electrical tape edge - that is a great touch, i am going to do that from now on - thanks ollie!

[@kennethlinton4432]

Another excellent video from Ollie!

[@davidshardlow4369]

Good work Ollie, really clear and practical 🚴

[@madmick9205]

Great timing, My tape is loose and I've never replaced bar tape before. Now I know how awesome!

[@johnstrac]

Loving your work Ollie. One of life's little pleasures is new bar tape but I hate wrapping it, my OCD kicks in and I'm never satisfied with the finish.

[@jeremynorth]

With you there. I count the turns and angles but to be honest even though it's a pain, I do a better job of it than someone who doesn't care.

[@SecwetGwiwer]

Mechanic’s top tip - use flexible tape, BBB and lizard Skins are my personal favourites.

[@chrismadge7292]

Ive been wrapping my bars for 30 plus years and thought I knew it all, but I learnt some great tips in this video.

[@gcntech]

Love this! Never to late to learn new tricks 🙌 Will you now be changing your methods?

[@michaelchiller2494]

The GCN maintenance guide book just arrived to me in Melbourne yesterday. I am looking forward to accessing the tips such as this one.

[@ts-ww3yr]

Thank you for sharing your video. I wrap my bike aero cockpit from top to bottom and a figure 8 at the shifter area. No issues after using it. Hence, it does look a lot nearer without the end tape at the top.

[@edsandheinrich3759]

Thanks for showing the left hand side too

[@iang7007]

Thank you that was very instructive and helpful :)

[@klein-concept]

Love a good Ollie vid 🤜🤛

[@AaronGoodTimes]

Perfect timing for this video! The stock tape on my Canyon Ultimate just will not stay in place so I ordered some Enve tape which will hopefully be better.

[@47HappyGratitude]

Great Video as always. I'd suggest after removing the old handlebar tape and completing inspection, use an appropriate cleaning agent; this gives the best contact surface for the new tape.

[@emmabird9745]

Thanks Ollie, I never could wrap right. I'll give this method a try. A word of caution for others with carbon bars. Only score the tape, don't go right through and scratch/cut your safety critical bars.

[@gregmuon]

Very important. The stress riser caused by the knife can make the bars break off. It happens. I trust that in the video he is only using the knife to mark not cut, but for a beginner, just use a pen, IMO.

[@emmabird9745]

@@gregmuon Hi Greg, my point entirely. Ollie's tape is black, which gives a problem with a pen but maybe there is a suitable alternative. A paint pen?

[@6ft8incyclist]

Brilliantly done.

[@wertacus]

I always come back to this one. 😅

[@pscoop]

FWIW I still do the figure of 8 exactly because it adds a nice comfy layer of tape under the hoods exactly where I need it - I've done it without a couple of times but just find it noticeably less comfortable.

[@gcntech]

You do what makes your riding more enjoyable! 🙌

[@pscoop]

@@gcntech Absolutely - people can get weirdly religious about bar tape like there's only one way to do it. I know folks who do the reverse wrap thing on aero bars and I've tried it but can't make it work - within a week my bars look worse than theirs which have been wrapped for 6 months. 🤷‍♂

[@mrsmith4662]

This saved me from puting in a search for wrapping the bars. It's the next job on my ebay build.

[@123moof]

I’ve found that the included finishing tape is sort of like the adhesive on the bar tape, starting tacky, but it takes time/pressure to hold permanently. I make sure my hands are good and clean before I handle it (soap and water) and then put a strap over the tape overnight (Voile strap, or similar). Most of the time that is all that is needed.

[@chris1275cc]

I'm a big fan of those silicone finishing rings, they look so neat and if you are only going to "F-up" one thing, cutting the angle at the end wrong/wonky is probably that thing, and they hide all sins. You have to feed the cables/hoses through them and have them on the bars before you install the levers though, so you really have to be a few moves ahead when assembling your cockpit.

[@fcfaby]

Maybe just one little tip to come back to topic: I start wrapping the electrical tape also under the bar so you don't see the beginning of the tape

[@davidhoppes118]

I’ve been wrapping my bars this way except I like the figure 8. This next time I rewrap my bars I’m doing the reverse method and I’m going to try that out.

[@chirawanphung]

If there is some tape already on the bars it is an idea to leave about 4 inches of the section on the top of the bars, secure it with some of the insulating tape and then fully tape the bars with the new bar tape. This solves many of the problems associated with applying two layers throughout and most importantly it gives you a well padded area to lean on with your forearms when you are getting into the tri position.

[@georgeshaw6207]

Superb Video !

[@chirawanphung]

I thought this was one of the best demonstrations. I’d like to add that it’s important to leave at least one centimetre width of tap overhanging the bar ends when you start. If you don’t leave enough it will not push inside the caps. Having said that, any good quality tape is quite stretchy and you can usually stretch it in the direction you want. Also, when it comes to the logo tape that often comes with the bar tape, if you lay that on the bars exactly where you want it to be before you lay on the insulating tape and then have the insulating tape come just over the inside edge of it afterwards then you will avoid the issue of the logo tape lifting off so easily.

[@talibe801]

Good video,there are some bar tape easier to apply than others,i always prefer the ones that strech better,lyzard skins and similiar ones always make good results.

[@texasflood1295]

I like the method for finishing the electrical tape by tack welding it. You can also buy different colors of electrical tape to match your bar tape.

[@DavosPessos]

Nice tutorial this one 👍🏾

[@gregmuon]

As Ollie says, there are many different methods. The method shown here is solid and good for most people. For myself, I prefer to wrap top down and in the opposite direction. It holds up just as well for me, and it no electrical tape is needed. Not for everyone though. FWIW, I used to be a mechanic and have taped many hundreds if not thousands of bars.

[@stevemawer848]

The issue with top down wrapping is that you're pushing against the overlap (image the tiles on your roof being mounted from the top first so the water can get in!) and you may end up pushing the tape down the bars. That's why I prefer to wrap the drops from the levers so the overlap goes "with the grain" of my hands. Hope that's clear enough! 🙂

[@gregmuon]

@@stevemawer848 Yeah, that's the usual rationale, and it is better for most people to go bottom up. For whatever reason, I've never had a problem with top down in practice on my own bikes, and it works better _for me_ . I suppose I don't tend to push forward, or something.

[@jeremynorth]

I used to do that with Benotto tape but with thicker tape the exposed edges of the tape are toward the stem so are less comfortable

[@Whydoibother943]

Ahh i see now where i went wrong. Nice one!!

[@christinaworthing9730]

Is there another tape to finish with other than electrical? I got a 2nd hand bike and need to replace the tape but in the meantime the electrical tape is leaving my hands black. Would hockey tape work?

[@nolimit7185]

Nice instructional video! Good job. I wonder how many bar tapes were harmed in making this video :D

[@seattlegrrlie]

My white bar tape came in the post the other day. I'm looking forward to fresh bar tape

[@stuartdryer1352]

Vety helpful. What is your favorite tape?

[@tsint]

My tape has moved a bit in the top corners, must I unwrap everything and replace it? Or is it possible to just unwrap the last 15cm and rewrap it with the existing tape?

[@boerhenkcb]

@gcntech i was visiting the gcn shop for that GCN tech book, but it is not clear if it comes with or without your personal Olli. What should i do to have an Olli included?

[@julietownsley2561]

What bar tape are people using on their bikes st present. Which ones would you recommend

[@AndysAverageAdventures]

Super handy video as I have to do my bar tape and I’ve never done it before. Only way it could be improved was if Ollie does my bike and I pay him in beers

[@nationsnumber1chump]

How many of these video's is GCN gonna do? I'm pretty there are like 10 different handlebar tape changing video's

[@238949]

Really useful video for someone as non handy like me :) x

[@gcntech]

Hope it helps 🙌

[@238949]

@@gcntech it will I hope :)

[@bradshawsstudio8410]

I just bought some new bar tape the mechanic said what can you do it I told him you know I wouldn't know what to do It's sort of funny Now I'm watching you doing it actually it's simple as it could be but

[@gcntech]

Give it a go! You've always got the mechanics as a back up 😉

[@Cyclingchoice]

Good video, I would increase tape overlap near the bar corner, this area has chances of getting moved exposing the bars.

[@kevinbarkema1666]

Thanks. I might be able to actually do that. This coming from a guy that can’t change a tire without Fbombs.

[@beeballman62]

With aero shaped bars, I like to leave the top of the bar with no tape, does taping it deduct from the aero gains you might slightly get?

[@a1white]

I attempted wrapping my bar tape. Honestly thought I'd done a half-decent job but then later took my bike for a service at by LBS and the mechanic mentioned when I was picking it up, "Oh, I re-wrapped your bar tape, as it was a mess". Hahah! 😬

[@coldramen1665]

May i know the brand of bartape used in this video? Thanks.

[@hackfabrication139]

Just got two questions for Ollie: Do you wear that hair barette under your helmet? And: Does that help with aero?

[@TomSnyder--theJaz]

Wow, for a minute there I thought Ollie had cut his hair! 😂 Cheers, brother.

[@DennisAdkin]

Thanks big help

[@drengskap]

I've just watched three different very popular videos on wrapping handlebar tape - they all show different methods and different directions of wrap. If I've understood this correctly, Ollie seems to be recommending not changing wrap direction on the right-hand side, above the lever, but changing direction on the left-hand side above the lever. Can this really be correct? It seems to me like one side should be the mirror image of the other, and that's what the Park Tools video recommends.

[@SharpF82]

Could Alex wrap the canyon grails double-decker handlebars?

[@curran1981]

For me, this is by far the most stressful part of bike maintenance. I felt stressed out just watching this and thinking of doing it 😂. LBS for me, when I need new tape.

[@rokker333]

Did some one say "disc brake"?

[@curran1981]

@@rokker333 dirty word! How very dare you 😉

[@ruiloureiro3167]

@@rokker333 I’m getting “integrated cockpit cable routing” vibes 😖

[@victorschepisi590]

I wrap to the inside to get aero in the drops. I try to get narrow in the drops and rotate my hands inward. I wrap opposite of this video. Everyone seems to agree on the tops

[@invalice123]

Great video, but would be great to film this again from more angles to capture some of the critical tips

[@huwcr5228]

Is that the classified hub shifter on ollies bar end plug ?

[@ElrocStone]

I thought it might have been one of those bar end garage door openers. I have been thinking of getting one.

[@huskiesparty]

Sir Ollie, even with modern thick polyurethane or TPU bar tape, you can use the figure 8 wrap method around the brake levers without adding any extra bulk or thickness. It is a learned skill. One of these days I should make a video to demonstrate the method.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

#ASKGCNTECH, My 303 firecrest wheels have 25mm internal rim width, what size rim tape do I need, 25mm wide or say a few mills wider? Tankx for your help.

[@yonglingng5640]

Always a few mm wider than your internal rim width as the valley in the rim adds a little more distance between both sides of the rim bed and the valley's depth varies from rim to rim as well. For example, despite the Winspace HYPER 2023 and Roval CLX 50 sharing the same internal rim width of 21 mm, the HYPER 2023 requires wider rim tape. To know the exact width you need, you can cut a small strip of cellophane tape, trim until both ends of the tape sit nicely on the rim bed completely, measure its width, that'll be your ideal rim tape width.

[@JamesBond-hy4kv]

Ollie you’ve done great again. Much better than Simon 😂

[@jimmytherat88]

Ice Hockey stick tape is the best finishing tape in my opinion

[@mrflaxtv81]

Ollie's hair is a masterpiece in this video. From David Beckham hairband and cow's lick, to pure coiffeured gravity defying bouffant half way through. That man's been on the Silca wax again

[@gilletteguy787]

Another tip instead of using a mallet for the plugs i use hand sanitizer and they will go nice and smooth

[@darrenst441]

Intro : Ollie sporting the Pogacar hair tuft 😂

[@venox48]

If I want to change hoods position I have to remove the tape ?

[@yonglingng5640]

It depends on what change that is. If it's toe adjustment, you most likely don't need to mess with your bar tape. If it's height adjustment, just unwrap halfway until there's enough room for adjustment.

[@salzhaltigersalzhaufen586]

What happend to ollies hair? Good video really helpful

[@padfoot3770]

How about track bars with integrated hood just like the in-house pinarello I forgot the name. Ask Manon for it, Ollie

[@Gixer750pilot]

Look at the hair . Reminds me of that Something About Mary scene. Mmmmm hair gel

[@igorboljevic2810]

Calvin's school all the way ❤

[@sasatrifunovski]

How come you got zero residue from removing previous bartape? I usually got A TON of it and can never clean it properly. Any tips on it??

[@SteveRajek]

Isopropyl alcohol

[@mattgies]

Some brands are nastier than others.

[@sasatrifunovski]

@@SteveRajek thank you🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@andygarwood6712]

Start at the top and work down. Looks way way better and easier. Also the tape works with you because of gravity and not against you. Its a game changer. 300 quid handlebar with a bit of sticky tape on top. Mmmm

[@bedathprop]

What bar tape is that? Any recommendations?

[@rokker333]

It is black.

[@savagepro9060]

@@rokker333 it's black and glossy

[@mattgies]

Pretty obvious at 0:40 that it's PRO brand (sub-brand of Shimano).