Start at the bottom (bar end plugs), so that the tape "lays" the right way and so that the overlap is going in the right direction. Otherwise, you will get "curling", which is ugly.... Use a small piece of tape on the end of the bar tape and place it inside the bar end. Be sure to wrap the same way (inside to out or vice versa) on both sides of the bars. I know that isn't clear, is it? Anyhow, you want the bars to look "symmetrical."
Also, a good trick is to use some rubber cement on the bars so that the tape does not move at all. I used it with my cinelli bars (benotto) and the stuff has not moved an inch in 3 years. Benotto is great, because barring any accidents, it pretty much lasts forever. It isn't so great in the rain, where it possesses all the gripping qualities of teflon!
Stephan Andranian Costa Mesa, CA
Don Rogers <turning.pedals@gmail.com> wrote:
On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 15:19:50 -0600, Thomas L. Hayes wrote:
> Could someone please explain to me, and also to the group if others
> might find it of equal value or, whether there is a trick, some arcane
> 1950's method for wrapping handlebars with tape such as Benetto
Tom:
For Benotto tape, I start at the stem, use a little transparent tape to hold down the end, then start wrapping toward the end of the bar. The key is to pull *really* hard as you wrap; you need to really stretch the tape as you go both to make it un-slippy and to make it conform well to the curves of the bar. Leave 2 inches or so of tail at the end to tuck into the open bar end, then insert the bar plug to hold it tight.
Works like a charm, but if you don't feel like you're fighting yourself all the way down, you're not pulling hard enough.
Don Rogers Providence, RI USA _______________________________________________
Stephan Andranian, Esq.
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