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Many apologies to road bike cyclists - but I have what might be a really silly question to ask. Why do you tape the handlebars of your bikes? I have often read your stories on different coloured tapes and types etc, but don't quite know why you use the tape. :confused:
Because it would be unpleasant, and in sweaty conditions impossible, to keep a grip on the plain metal bars for extended amounts of time (?)
And the metal bars would be FREEZING in the winter....even with gloves on. :)
yup, actually in freezing/wet conditions your gloves would get stuck :eek:
I saw an old track bike once - wood rims, wood handle thingies on the bar ends - you'd just hold there.
Man, I shoulda bought it.
Handlebar "tape" is not exactly what the name implies too - while some is sticky on the back to help it to stay in place, its called tape more because of its shape (like a "tape measure") more than anything else. Its a roll of material, traditionally cork or fabric, though now often made of foam rubber, that you put on your handlebars to provide padding and a non-slip surface. Road bikers use it for the same reason you put rubber grips on the ends of a flat bar.
Plus it looks nice. :cool:
And now the cables run under the tape, so it helps keep them nice and tidy out of the way.
And you can put gel like stuff on the handlebars, underneath the tape to make the handlebars extra comfy.
But I think it's mostly so you can have PINK handlebars!!! :D HA HA!!!
I didn't realize that road bikes did not have grips on the metal handlebars. I obviously have never looked closely enough at one. The only drop-bar bicycle I have really been up close and personal with was in my LBS and it had rubber grips on it - or so I thought. It may have had bar tape. As I said, I apologise for my ignorance.
What everyone said and it is like getting a new bike everytime I get them wrapped! I have changed the tape color two times in 18 months. First black (stock), then a light blue, now dark blue. Next time? Maybe white or some people have wrapped a diamond pattern. My bike was expensive (for me) so it is as close as I will get to a new one anytime soon.
On a side note I bought some grips for my mountain bike (Salsa with Peppers), totally don't match but I LOVED them. I am putting them on anyway. My frame is black, it is just the faint gunmetal pattern that makes them a bit off. That's how I roll though. :p
No need to apologize. Ignorance is not a sin! :)
Karen
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydee