So I wrapped my bars for the first time. Turns out a made a boo-boo and wrapped both the bars going the same direction. So I get online a look at a picture of how it’s supposed to be done. This picture is taken directly from a cycling website. But, look closely, the left bar is not wrapped in the direction the arrows are going….So either it doesn’t really matter which way you go OR this “how to wrap bars” guide picture is wrong. What’s going on here?
by Imnothere1980
6 Comments
The arrows are right, but the picture they used is wrong. Ignore the picture.
They should be wrapped rotating outward like the arrows show, because that’s the direction your hands will typically be applying force to the bar tape while riding. It effectively helps tightening the bar tape rather than rotating against the direction of wrap and making it more likely to stretch and become looser on the wrap. Same idea as why your right side pedal is reverse threaded.
https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/handlebar-tape-installation-drop-bars
Direction is really important and changes side to side and top to side, so pay close attention to the video where it is explained very clearly.
Take your time to do this properly and it will last years. Do it poorly and you’ll need to redo it after a ride.
When you’re sprinting in the drops, you’re actually going to be pulling on the bars, not pushing. And the whole “pulling it tighter” thing is bullshit. If you were to twist loose tape in either direction, it would bunch up.
The tape has to be pulled tight, regardless of direction.
The funny thing is that the part above the STIs is wrapped correctly on both sides.
Do it nice and tight and make sure both ends are secure. That’s all I’ve ever had to do and I only ever need to touch the tape when it’s looking faded / dirty. If you want to do it for aesthetic reasons, absolutely go for it.