Bar tape

Afternoon everyone, I have some questions regarding bar tape.

Do any of you have any tips/tricks regarding keeping it clean? Black bar tape is so easy to keep nice and tidy, but I am finding the hot pink tape on my bike gets kind of grimy looking and if I touch it with greasy hands, it's really hard to get the smudges off. I've tried a damp washcloth and dish soap, but it's still not back to its original luster.

Secondly, how often does one need to replace bar tape? Just anytime it looks old and worn? I'm in the process of restoring my mom's old Schwinn (it's a piece of junk, but she doesn't know that and I want to make her happy) and the tape looks okay, but it's probably the original tape from 1970. I'm going to replace it anyway, but what's the standard replacement rate?

Lastly, any tips for applying bar tape? I know how to do it in theory, but I've never done it before and don't want to waste any.

Thanks!

I found that the Mr Clean Magic Eraser worked okay. Simple Green but you got to dilute it a lot because too much will eat it down. The only way to get them bright I have seen is my wrench used some kind of chemical they have but can't sell. Forgot the name but there is red in it.

My husband goes through grips and bar tape like crazy, so he replaces his when it wears out. I switch mine if I want a change of color on my road bike but my mountain bike I do actually wear out.

On tips, I pay the LBS. It is only $8 and worth it because I was told by more than one person it can be tedious. I am not that patient. :)

I will confess that I only change the bar tape when it needs a change -- usually when it starts splitting and the LBS suggests it :rolleyes: The 'used look' does not bother me at all; I actually even like it. If I spend time cleaning the bike, I focus almost exclusively on the drive train. And I make sure my tail light is clean, too, so it can be seen. Of course, if I spilled something gooey or coffee on the handlebar, then I would clean it. That has never happened, though... Think of holding to your bar tape as long as it is functional as a green practice.

I'll be honest...I let the shop do it. My DH did it for me the last time (had a crash and tore up the bar tape) and while he did a good job, it took him a pretty long time and it was not without a LOT of cussing and re-doing. So when my bike fell over and the tape tore again, I actually just left it and rode around with it torn up because I knew at some point that I was going to get new handlebars put on. So it made sense to just have the shop do it when they put the bars on. I gotta say...the guy who did the bar taping did a superb job. It looks so clean and professional...way better job than I (or DH) could ever do. And I'd also like to give a "plug" for the Bontrager "Grippy" bartape...love that stuff! Looks good, feels good, and stays grippy when wet.

I've done my own bar tape for decades, and the only suggestion I could give is to try to tension it evenly. You need to pull as you wrap, and finding that proper tension takes trial and error. You know you have it when it feels good all around and the edges don't 'roll up'.

I change mine when it starts getting worn looking, and I always have a few extra rolls in my parts box.

The color that looks good on my road bike is white, which is a pita to keep looking good. But it matches the white saddle, and the bike is half white too so any other color just won't look right. Currently I am using Specialized tape, and frankly I don't like the feel of it, too spongy. But it is cleaning up well so it looks like I am stuck with it for a while. I use dish washing soap and warm water on a terry towel to clean the tape and it works well. I will probably go back to Deda tape when it gets yucky.

Lemon Pledge, in addition to making the frame shiny, cleans and rejuvenates bar tape. Check YouTube for bar taping videos. Many good ones.

Lemon Pledge "no build up" :) I will try that on my bar tape.

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Originally Posted by pll

The 'used look' does not bother me at all; I actually even like it.

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Me, too. It says to the world, "This bike gets ridden -- a lot." :D

I have no problem re-taping myself, though. I find it to be a pretty simple task. I'll probably put on some shiny new tape before I do the Rock-n-Roll Ride in November.

Baby wipes, also learning to tape your own bars is great, when you get good at it it's very satisfying.

You could change your mindset and think of the dirt and grime buildup as well deserved "patina"! lol

Haha well, my bike always looks shiny and clean. I think how strong and fast I go on the road is proof enough I ride it :)

Thanks for the tips ladies!! My bontrager tape (the kind I already have and like) will be here soon!

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Originally Posted by westtexas

Haha well, my bike always looks shiny and clean. I think how strong and fast I go on the road is proof enough I ride it :)

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True dat! :)

PS I saw the pics of your bike in the other thread. Gorgeous! I'd want spiffy new bar tape on it, too, if it were mine.