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Bullhorn Bar Tape Method
#1
I recently installed a bullhorn bar on my clunker to evaluate the style and feel for commuting. One of my main concerns was to increase my reach potential to remove potential numbness issues. I also installed some cheap Origin 8 gel inserts for added comfort. After a week or so of riding, I used my experience to optimize the bar wrapping technique and wanted to share the results. I had originally installed a small gel clip on top of the bar to create a pseudo "flat" on the top of the bar. It worked, but wasn't as ideal as a true flat. When re-wrapping the bars, I took this piece and placed it underneath the tip, where with the top gel inserts, together they form and create an ergonomic grip at the tip when getting down on the bars and attacking.

Here are some pictures. You can also see I provided a before and after.


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#2
I understand what you were trying to do but it does look a bit of a hot mess with tape at each end like that. Since you like to try different things, try using heat shrink tubing to finish on each side of the stem. gives a much cleaner look. I have similar bars in the stoker position on my Gemini Tandem. the tuck and the end plug didn't workout and had to use tape? I would try a different style end plug, that could be some of the issue there. I have added pads on drop bar wrap and afterwards have trouble with the bar wrap not being long enough to suit me. Drives me crazy. wrapping is one of my least favorite things to do on a bike but ya got to do it, just the way it is.
There are two kinds of people in the world, "Those who help themselves to people, and those who help people!"
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#3
Right, that's kind of the way I look at it.

The tape at the ends just comes with the territory of wrapping bars like this (with 22.2 plug ends).

It's like war paint to me. I don't really notice it as out of place.
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#4
Pretty cool stuff! have tried wrapping it from the top of the bar going to the middle? might look cleaner if done this way
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