Just did a DI2 conversion on my roadbike. Bike shop wrapped the handlebar from the stem instead of the otherway around. As a result. you don’t see any electric tape hanging on top. Thought it was very cool.
Personally, I prefer the look of a contrasting swatch of electrical tape on my HB…but YMMV.
The problem with wrapping the bars in that manner is the edges of the tape now run against your hand placement, especially on the bends, so the tape wears pretty quickly.
Personally, I prefer the look of a contrasting swatch of electrical tape on my HB…but YMMV.
The problem with wrapping the bars in that manner is the edges of the tape now run against your hand placement, especially on the bends, so the tape wears pretty quickly.
Not always…depends on the tape. I’ve got Fizik Microtex on my 3T Aerotundo bars that I started the wrap where the aero section “tops” transition into the round-section part of the bars. I’ve got a couple thousand miles on that setup with no wear…so, YMMV 
I would reckon that is as much of a function of the bar shape as the tape…
Which version of the Microtex…the black one with the “soft” surface or one of the colored ones that has a shiny surface? I have found the edges of the soft-touch tape wears pretty quickly…and I keep my edges pretty tight, too.
I would reckon that is as much of a function of the bar shape as the tape…
Which version of the Microtex…the black one with the “soft” surface or one of the colored ones that has a shiny surface? I have found the edges of the soft-touch tape wears pretty quickly…and I keep my edges pretty tight, too.
Maybe. The tape starts right at the bar curve, but it also goes up slightly in that area and so when you grab it there, it’s more of a “positive” connection…so, maybe there’s something to that. It’s something I really like in that shape, BTW.
It’s the smooth, white tape (not soft touch). Wears well, and easy to keep clean, too
Yeah, that version of the tape wears really well…I just prefer the soft touch style.
I have delicate digits.
the important question is did they figure 8 the wrap 
No style points for wrapping from the stem if there is an extra piece at the shifter!
No figure 8, and personally I am not a fan of the figure 8 wrap on such a thick bar tape. It makes the area under the hood too bulbous in look and feel.
Just did a DI2 conversion on my roadbike. Bike shop wrapped the handlebar from the stem instead of the otherway around. As a result. you don’t see any electric tape hanging on top. Thought it was very cool.
That’s how i always wrap mine, i personally think it is easier.