When do you change bicycle bar tape?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I noticed my road bike's grip tape is getting a little discolored and has indentations in it where my fingers and heel of my hand usually rest. Should I change it out or consider it "custom molded" and wait until it gets totally gross and splitting apart?

[stevej37]

Way too early at that point. When ends of the tape start getting caught in the spokes...then think about it.

[rwest]

Timely reminder that I need to replace mine. I think it's one of those things that becomes obvious, yours sounds like it might be compressed in those spots and not giving you any padding.

Mine is actually deteriorating, I've waited so long because the kid who built my bike up did a awesome job of just everything and I doubt I can make it as pretty!

[vash]

mine has fused into a solid mass with sweat and dirt. i cant even see the seams. Shiver!!

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

I noticed my road bike's grip tape is getting a little discolored and has indentations in it where my fingers and heel of my hand usually rest. Should I change it out or consider it "custom molded" and wait until it gets totally gross and splitting apart?

I change it out when it is no longer comfortable. YMMV

[look 171]

Twice a year. It grosses me out when they are worn like that with sweat or drool.

[rwest]

I always use black, the pretty colors get dirty so quick- well, I guess they all get dirty quick, black just doesn't show.

[red-beard]

Black - you can't tell if it is gross. One buddy uses white tape and needs to change about every 2 months.

[David]

I use white because I like to feel like a pro

I change it when it starts looking grungy which is about twice a year.

[Por_sha911]

In most bars, ones look like tens... Oh, wait, different bars.

[stuartj]

Originally Posted by look 171

Twice a year. It grosses me out when they are worn like that with sweat or drool.

lol. cork, black. hides the bike grease, sweat, snot, dribble, spit.

its a great sport....

[David]

Anyone find a better tape for capping the tape? The little piece of tape that comes with bar tape only sticks half the time. I've tried electrical tape but it seems there must be something better.

[look 171]

When the electrical tape starts to creep, It is trying to tell you "change me".