handlebar tape

[newfsmith]

Most people do anchor the ends near the stem with electrical tape, especially if they are using black bar tape and wrapping from the ends to the stem. Cinelli packs some finishing tape with their bar tape, complete with little Cinelli logos, but it is electrical tape with logos. Keep in mind that electrical tape comes in colors and a nice contrasting color can look very good. Some experienced wrappers wrap from the stem to the bar end because they can use a tab of tape to anchor the top end then cover that with a single wrap of the bar tape before working down the bar. Another alternative is to use shrink wrap tubing and shrinking it on with a hair dryer or heat gun.

[Running Mommy]

Yes, we use electrical tape. Not cheesy, just the way it is... Sure would be nice if someone would invent something that looked better.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Use can also use the old French way of securing the ends of bar tape- very fine hemp twine.
Here is one of my bikes with this treatment:
http://harmonias.com/bikes/Luna_5.jpg
http://harmonias.com/bikes/Luna_6.jpg

One of my husband's bikes with the same twining treatment:
http://harmonias.com/bikes/B_Ramb_4.jpg

Here's a particularly fine example elsewhere:
twined tape ends

There are instructions in a few places on the web as to how to do this.
You can either leave the twine plain afterwards, or paint it with a coat of clear shellac to keep in real tight and neat.

[Eden]

I usually use electrical tape... It works better than the little stickers that often come prepackaged with tape.

[SheFly]

We used to also use electrical tape, but DH has started wrapping from the stem to the end of the bars, removing the need for the tape. All of our road and 'cross bikes are wrapped this way, and seems to work well.

SheFly

[HoosierGiant]

Electical tape, yes. Black, no.

We keep a roll of screamin' yellow electrical tape on hand to use with my black wrap. My bike is black with yellow accents, so it adds a bit of color up front... looks good too, IMO!

[ilima]

Another electrical tape user.

[malkin]

Oooh, I like the look of the hemp twine!

(I am a big fan of hemp products. We've had sheets, hats, dishcloths, pet toys, and more.)