These instructions work with all our handlebar tapes. Please note though, that our gel wraps do not have an adhesive backing. The gel on the back of the tape is tacky enough that the tape grips the bar very well. This makes installation and removal very easy.

Tools Needed:

• Scissors or razor blade
• PVC Electrical Tape
• Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)

Preparation

Make sure to clean the bar thoroughly. Use rubbing alcohol to get the bar extra clean. If the bar is dirty, oily or dusty, the tape will not stick properly and may slip or come off prematurely. Also, make sure to tape the cable housings to the bar in their correctly routed position. You can use PVC electrical tape or strapping tape to do this.

A good idea is to create a sticky surface near the end of the bar before you begin taping. The way to do is to tape over the end of the bar with the PVC tape. When you have wrapped the PVC tape around once, change the direction by coming back around the way you started. Do a full revolution of that in order to have the tape stick to itself all the way around. This will leave the tape’s sticky side up and will aid in holding the bar tape in place even if it becomes damaged from abrasion or torn over time.

Wrapping

Start wrapping the bar tape at the bottom of the bar at the end of the drops. Begin so the tape extends past the bar’s end. This extra tape is then stuffed into the bar and the bar plug inserted after the wrapping is completed. As an alternative, you may wish to taper-cut the tape and begin taping flush with the end of the bar. This is a particularly good approach when using our Barb Plugs since they press tightly and securely into the end of the bar without having to stuff tape inside.

When wrapping, you may choose to overlap more or less in order to adjust the amount of padding. For a more padded tape job, overlap more – about halfway over so that the top layer covers half of the bottom layer. For less padding overlap less – so that the top layer covers 1/3 or 1/4 of the bottom layer. Either way, make sure to leave enough of the adhesive or gel exposed to contact the bar surface. Also, if you overlap too much you may run out of tape before reaching the place on the bar where you want it to end. Take special care around the curves if you choose to wrap wide. The outer curves that lead from the drops to the levers may cause a too-wide taping approach to show the bar material below.

To help maintain an even tight wrap gently stretch the tape as you wrap. You may need to work by stretching and easing until you find a good balance and the tape sits nicely against the bar. Make sure not to stretch it so much that you tear it. Generally, Corkwrap and Stylewrap stretch well, but will tear if stretched too much. On the other hand, Stitchwrap doesn’t stretch at all, but it’s much harder to tear if you pull on it. Carbonwrap stretches well but shouldn’t be overstretched in order to avoid damaging its unique lamination.

The trickiest part is passing the tape by the levers. The 2 short strips included are used for the brake lever area. Pull the brake housing cover away from the bar and place a strip over the clamp of each lever in order to cover it. Continue wrapping the tape from the bottom up and go around the levers while staying very close to the base of the clamp. Note that this should cover part of the strip you’ve just placed and should hold it in place. This will allow the tape to cover the bar and clamp completely so that when you fold the hoods back no part of the bar or clamp is visible. You may want to fold the hoods back into place before you carry on to make sure you’ve done a good job around the hoods. Be careful when working with gel tape though. If you let go of it before you are done it’ll probably unravel and you’ll need to start again. The tapes with adhesive will generally stay in place if you let go.

FInishing

Once you get to the area of the bar where you want the tape to end use the razor or scissors to cut the end of the tape at an angle. The end of the tape should have a tip and look a bit like an offset “V” shape. Try to cut the end so that the tip lies at the bottom of the bar. This will give a neat and even finish.

Finally, use electrical tape to finish it off. Wrap the tape neatly trying to keep it as narrow as possible. Use enough tape so that one side holds the bar tape and the other sticks onto the bar itself. RAVX handlebar tape includes 2 strips of tape for your convenience. You can use that or a combination of it and electrical tape for a more secure finish. Use colored electrical tape to add extra flavor to your taping job.

Some people recommend searing the end of the electrical tape to itself using a heated metal tool or soldering iron to prevent it from coming undone. This is typically not necessary, but if you are finding you have problems with the electrical tape coming off you might want to give this a try.

Now go enjoy the ride!