handlebar tape question

[Zelda_K]

I would like to replace the tape on the handlebar of my road bike.
How long would it take an experienced bike mechanic to do this?
And how long would a totally clueless person need?

[OakLeaf]

Speaking as someone totally clueless ... it takes some time and a LOT of patience. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours the first few times you try it, and be careful with it because you'll probably wind up unwinding and re-wrapping several times. Starting the plug end so it doesn't make a big lump is the hardest part and I still haven't got that down. Straighter bars are easier than ergo bars - the more bumps, bends and curves, the harder it will be.

There are some good online guides to wrapping bars - I want to say I used the one on the Park Tool site.

It's a useful skill to have, so I do plan to do it myself again when my current tape needs to be replaced (probably this summer), but so far it looks a lot nicer when I let the bike shop do it. If you don't have the time or patience, it shouldn't cost much - I've never paid them to do that job alone, it's only been in conjunction with replacing shifters, etc.

[Zelda_K]

thanks for this

[Pedal Wench]

I botched my first attempt, but it can be done in about 15 minutes. It's a great start at doing your own stuff on the bike, and lets you change up your bike's appearance in just a few minutes.

[ny biker]

It takes a few minutes when the manager of my LBS does it for me. Since I'm buying the tape from him, he doesn't charge for the labor.

[kmehrzad]

NY Biker, what LBS do you frequent where the manager will personally wrap your bars for free? They deserve my business.