How to Wrap Bar Tape Like a Pro (with Isma López)
Some bike maintenance tasks look simple—until they’re not. Wrapping bar tape is one of those. Do it right, and you barely think about it. Do it wrong, and every ride reminds you.
I’m bad at it. Really bad. So bad, in fact, that I always leave it to my mechanic. Which is why, during a conversation with Isma, we thought—why not show you how to do it right? Whether you’re using AMS Bar Tape or any other, this is the method that works.
In this video, our friend Isma López—a well-known bike mechanic in the Barcelona cycling scene—shows us how he wraps bar tape. His method is clean, efficient, and avoids all the usual pitfalls: no gaps, no crooked plugs, and no sticky mess.
Start from the Bottom (Yes, Really)
Most people don’t talk about this, well some of you are very vocal with your comments on our socials, but Isma recommends starting from the bottom of the bars, not the top. It gives you better control of the tension and flow of each wrap, especially when finishing near the hoods.
Three Pressure Points: Start, the Figure-Eight, and the Finish
The secret to a clean wrap? It’s not just about looks—it’s about structure. Isma focuses on three key pressure points:
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The start – Set a solid anchor so nothing slips.
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The figure-eight – Wrap smoothly around the brake lever clamp.
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The finish – Cut clean and secure with tape under slight tension.
Wrapping Direction: Isma’s Way
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Right side: clockwise
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Left side: counterclockwise
Now, technically the UCI says it should be the opposite. But like Isma says—this way just works better. It gives a more consistent, compact result and helps the tape stay tighter over time.
Follow the norm, or follow AMS way. You choose.
Clean Cuts, Clean Finish
Once you’re close to the top of the bars, find a visual reference—like a vinyl mark—and unwrap one turn before cutting. This gives you room to make a perfectly straight cut. Wrap it back in place, then lock it down with electrical tape under tension to create a tidy edge.
The Final Touch: The Bar Plug
It’s a small detail, but if you’ve ever forced a crooked plug, you know how frustrating it can be. Isma suggests aligning it carefully, guiding it in with your fingers, and pressing in slowly so it seats flush with the bar. Simple, clean, satisfying.
Why This Method Matters
Personally, I love this approach. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. But it works. It avoids common issues like tape coming loose, uneven gaps, or worse—getting your hands covered in grease every time you drop a chain (I’ve done that too many times with oily setups).
Clean tape means clean hands. And for me, that’s worth a lot.
