I'm wondering if it'd be possible or advisable to wrap temporarily using the wrap that's currently on the older bars; something that, while not great looking, would still provide some 'grip' just in case it rains. (I intend to use Merqueri to commute for awhile to get the feel for her new positioning) hanging on to bare metal bar, using a semi-broken-in brooks (with a plastic bag on it if it rains...) sounds like a slippery affair, but I agree that making the leap to final taping so quickly may be hasty moving on my part.