SB20 - Handlebar Tape Replacement

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The handlebar tape shipped with the SB20 is narrow, thin and relatively stiff.  This type of tape was chosen for one important reason: You can route the tape around the remote buttons (a.k.a., sprint buttons) without causing large gaps. 


This style of wrapping works best on the curved portion of handlebars.

Wrapping with New Tape

In this post, I will show you how to wrap your handlebars with conventional foam tape.

Difficulty

Wrapping handlebars is easy. Trimming holes for the remote shifters makes things a little bit harder.



I rate difficulty to be about 4 out of 10

Tools Needed


What's needed:
  • X-Acto knife / Razor blades
  • Wood Block (cutting surface)
  • Scissors
  • Fiberglass Strapping Tape
  • Straight Edge (optional for making straight cuts)
  • Electrical Tape (optional for finishing handlebar tape)
Plus handlebar tape of your choice.

Top Bar Position

Wrapping tape around the remote buttons becomes challenging if you move them to the top bar. 

Stages describes top bar mounting: Installing Zwift Play Controllers.

If you choose to use a thicker or wider tape, installation is even more difficult. Wrapping tape around the buttons often creates gaps since most handlebar tape is too flexible and will easily slip over the buttons.

🔬 If tape is wrapped over the buttons, they will not work reliably. 

🛑 Startup Failures

You must be careful to prevent tape from permanently pressing the remote buttons. The SB20 will not power up if a button is pressed when the power is turned on.  There is no warning or external indicator.  The bike just appears to be dead.

⚠️ You must always wind tape carefully to ensure no buttons are pressed.


Preventing Mistakes

When taping your handlebar, consider leaving the power turned on and remain connected to either GearView or the Stages Cycling app.  This way, you will see and hear if you inadvertently wrap over a button.


Alternatives to the Stages OEM Tape

It can be difficult to get Stages SB20 tape.  It is no longer available on the Stages site.  Doing web searches for "thin rigid bike handlebar tape" often returns the opposite results 😀.  Searching Amazon for "ultra light bike handlebar tape" and then sorting from lowest-to-highest price returns a few possible options:

The reality is: Stages-style handlebar tape is rare. It is generally not what people are looking for.


Using Thicker Tape

Thicker and more cushioned tape is preferred by many riders. 

I will be using Cinelli Cork Tape.   



With the modifications described below, this thickly padded tape is a viable alternative to the Stages OEM tape.  

✅  I assume you have removed existing handlebar tape before starting the work described below.

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Thick Tape Installation

Start by pushing the tape into the bar end at a 30° angle towards the front.  Overlap about 1/3 of width of the tape as you go.




The tape should wrap under the handlebar. 

🔬 If you wrap under the bar as shown, the tape will tend to tighten as you ride.
 

Avoiding the Figure 8

Continue until you get to the base of the brake levers. When using thick tape, most people will want to avoid doing a figure 8 (criss-cross) wrap under the levers to reduce bulk.  


Insert a small piece of tape under the levers. Then wrap the tape over the outside of the lever.  

Don't cross diagonally under the lever. Stay on the outside. This will change the wrapping direction and now encourage the top bar tape to tighten as you ride.

Continue wrapping (in the over-the-top direction).

  • Aside: Here's a video from the renowned Calvin Jones from Park Tools showing how to Avoid the Figure 8. Note that Calvin wraps on the inside of the brake levers.  This works well on many bikes (including my outdoor bike). With the SB20, I wrap on the outside because it is easier to completely cover the tape insert.

 

Wrapping Over the Remote Buttons

Wrap past the remote buttons.



Stretch the tape over the buttons a few times to get positioning correct. Unwrap and mark the position of each button. Wait a few minutes and then try marking again to be sure you have the proper amount of stretch.

Cut Button Holes

Place a small piece of wood on top of the handlebars to act as a cutting board.  

Use an X-Acto knife to cut a square hole around marks you made for each button.  Use a straight edge if desired. 

Cutting wider is good. Don't worry about tearing the tape. We will fix that in the next step.


Adding Re-enforcement Tape 

Use fiberglass strapping tape to re-enforce the holes you just cut.


You can use two strips if your fiberglass tape is not wide enough.  

Use your X-Acto knife to cut away the fiberglass tape. Repeat for both button holes.


Wrapping up

Re-wrap the tape over the remote buttons.  Take care to align the tape over the button gap.




Continue to wrap until you are a few centimetres from the stem. Cut the tape at an angle on the stem-side to create a clean line next to handlebar clamp. 

Wrap with the end tape included with your handlebar tape or use electrical tape. 


Finishing Up

Don't forget to insert the end plug. 



Repeat the wrapping procedure on the other side and you are ready to ride.

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