Bar Tape Wrapping (Drop Bars)

Procedure

1. Loosen and slide brake hoods up the bar

   , exposing the area where the lever clamps.

2. Start at the bottom of the drop

   , on the inside of the bar end. Leave about 1 cm of tape overhanging the end of the bar.

3. Wrap upward

   with the tape angled so it overlaps itself by about 1/3 to 1/2 of its width on each turn.

4. Maintain consistent tension

   — firm but not stretching the tape thin.

5. As you reach the brake lever

   , wrap closely around the lever clamp:

   • Use a small pre-cut piece of tape (often included) on the lever clamp to fill the gap behind the lever, OR
   • Wrap a figure-8 around the lever clamp body to cover any exposed bar.

6. Continue wrapping up the bar tops

   , ending where you want it to terminate (typically a few cm before the stem clamp).

7. Cut the tape at an angle

   so the end forms a clean diagonal that lies flat.

8. Wrap finishing tape

   tightly around the cut end (3–4 wraps).

9. Tuck the overhang at the bar end inside the bar

   , then push in the bar end plug to lock it in place.

10. Slide the brake hoods back down

    over their clamps.

11. Repeat on the other side

    , mirroring the wrap direction (so both sides feel the same when you grip them).