handles / straps

Only you can decide which handlebar tape best suits your needs. Ultimately, the only thing that helps here is to try it out, for example on one or two test laps with driver friends. A few basic words about the different materials will help with the pre-selection:

• Leather: The classic handlebar tape for purists feels extremely comfortable and pleasant, but is also in a higher league in terms of price. Leather is durable and becomes softer and more comfortable over time. However, wetness is not good for the leather strap and deprives it of the proper grip.
• Cotton: The material from which sweatshirts and T-shirts are woven absorbs sweat optimally. However, this also takes its toll on the belt over time, as does bad weather conditions. The colorful ribbons are therefore not quite as durable as other materials.
• Cork: The most commonly used material in its various variations. Cork offers an extremely pleasant grip even without gloves. It dampens the vibrations of the surface and is long-lasting.
• Microfiber: Modern high-tech fibers are easy to care for and easy to wind. Breathable, quick-drying and durable, they also ensure a comfortable ride even during intensive use.
• Polyurethane: All the colors in the world for little money, but with limited comfort. The plastic is not breathable and can cause sweaty hands on longer tours. The grip is not optimal when wet. But if you're looking for a fashionable eye-catcher for short city tours, you can save a lot of money here.
• Gel padding straps: Almost all materials are also available with a soft filling or coating made of shock-absorbing gel. Many bikers swear by this type of padding because it reduces shock to fingers, hands, arms, shoulders and back. Others lack a clean grip on the handlebars due to the gel pad. The same applies here: try it out and gain your own experience!

1. First, remove the old tape completely.
2. Remove dirt, grease and dust from your handlebars, for example with Finish Line Bike Wash or a similar bicycle cleaner.
3. Let the handlebars dry thoroughly.
4. Turn the rubber covers of the brake handles upwards so that the handlebars are exposed.
5. Many racing professionals swear by this: attach a strip of self-adhesive textile or insulating tape lengthways to the top of the handlebars. This surface provides additional friction and gives your handlebar tape a particularly secure hold. Especially helpful with non-adhesive handlebar tape.
6. Cut around 10 centimeters of handlebar tape twice, if necessary, remove the covering film from the adhesive surface and then use it to cover the clamps of the two brake levers. This will make it easier for you later when wrapping the handlebars at this point.
7. Now place it at the opening at one end of the handlebar. When wrapping the tube for the first time, leave half of the handlebar tape overhanging. You will later fold this part inwards so that you get a clean finish.
8. Slowly and evenly wrap the ribbon upwards, always covering around a third of the existing ribbon. Important: Always keep the band taut and work carefully, especially on the curves!
9. Make sure that there are no free spaces, especially when it comes to the brake clamps.
10. Continue wrapping to the stem. Here you cut the tape at an angle so that it adapts optimally to the shape. Secure the end with the included mounting tape or another piece of electrical tape.
11. Then do the same from the other side of the handlebars.
12. Finally, bend the protruding handlebar tape inwards at the opening of the tube and attach it with your handlebar plugs. Attention: Not all handlebar tapes come with a set of handlebar plugs. You can also get separate handlebar plugs in our “bicycle parts” section or simply by entering the term “handlebar plugs” in our search function.

An adhesive surface on the underside of the tape definitely guarantees a tight fit on the handlebars. Self-adhesive tape is therefore particularly suitable for “wrapping newbies”. The advantage of a tape without an adhesive surface is that it can be used multiple times and does not leave any annoying residue on the metal pipe when removed. Ideal for people who already have experience with safely wrapping handlebar tape and want to flexibly adapt the look and function to their daily needs.

Another word about the weight of the handlebar tapes, which is always a topic of discussion, especially in racing. That's why handlebar tape manufacturers are constantly developing new, lighter designs. Nevertheless, there are of course differences depending on thickness, padding and of course material. The range extends roughly from a minimalist 50 to around 150 grams for a band to wrap the entire handlebar. Although any additional weight should be avoided when racing against time, we advise you to let the driving experience decide. The grip of your hands on the handlebars plays a more important role in your overall performance than a few extra grams. The right grip, pain-free and dry palms and the most relaxed position of your arms, shoulders and back save you more tenths of a second than weighing out to the exact gram. And in the best case scenario, looking at your handlebars in their sporty, individual design gives you an additional boost of motivation every time you sag.