- 1). Pry the caps off the end of your handlebars using a flat-head screwdriver. Place the tip of the screwdriver into the space between the cap and handlebar and put some pressure on the cap until it pops off.
- 2). Remove the old handlebar tape. Slice down the entire length of the old tape using a razor blade. This will break the tape in half and allow you to peel the tape off the bars. However, if the tape has been on your bike for a while and the handlebars are sticky, carefully scrape off the adhesive with a razor blade, or by using rubbing alcohol and a cloth. Removing this adhesive will ensure a smooth fresh surface for the new tape.
- 3). Pull the break levers and gear shifter into the bike as far as possible. Wrap a small amount of electrical tape around them to tape them to the bike and out of the way of the handlebar taping.
- 4). Stand in front of the bike, facing the handlebars. Place the end of the new tape 1 to 2 inches to one side of the center stem, with the end of the tape going over the handlebar toward you.
- 5). Begin rolling. Overlap the tape tightly, starting the edge of the next over/under wrap in the center of the previous one. According to late bicycle expert Sheldon Brown, you should never release the tension on the tape as you wrap the handlebars. Wrap over and under the bar until you reach the break shift lever. Leave about 4 inches of the new tape hanging off the end of the bar and then cut the rest of the roll off. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the end of the handlebar near the break shift lever to secure the new handlebar tape in place, then fold the tape you left hanging inside the handlebar.
- 6). Repeat step 4 and 5 on the other handlebar.
- 7). Push the handlebar caps back on to the end of the handlebars until they click back into place.
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