I have a Alan CX single speed conversion but the tape is shot on the drops. I have tried to re-tape it but it is all twisted and distorted. What is the best way to apply the tape and where is the best place to buy some?
End of the bards to the middle. Use black electrical tape, not that crap that comes with the tape. A myriad of places to get it - bike shops, wiggle, ebay, prendas.
got some awsome glow in the dark cinelli tape from wiggle last winter. looks odd riding at night!
Do a google search as there are loads of guides and vids showing you how.
cheers guys...!
Another tip for secure tape:
First, wrap electrical tape - sticky side out - over the bars. Then apply the bartape (from ends to middle, as said above).
Have a look on youtube for tips on how to deal with the brakes. I prefer just using the length of bartape, without inserting the short pieces, but everyone does that differently.
Wrapping should be handed. So as above start each roll from end of bars and when ends of drops viewed from rear of bike wrap left-hand clockwise and right-hand side anticlockwise. Use cinelli cork tape. Yep and def electrical tape to secure in middle.
nah. There's plenty of myths around bar tape.
make sure the bars are clean, start at the bar end, overlap and use the plug to keep that end in. Then use plenty of pressure on the tape and wrap it around. Keeping it nice and tight is the key issue. Don't be afraid to unwrap a few loops and refresh. You can wrap either way with modern tape.
The only place you'll need electrical tape is on the top, I assume that's what people mean but it helps if you tape the brake cables to the bars on the bend first.