Wrapping handlebars is a straight-forward procedure, but, like most simple tasks, there’s a right way and wrong way to do it.

We caught up with Jon Hayes, mechanic at independent bike dealer, Ride, to discover the most effective method of bar taping.

Adopting a ‘two birds, one stone’ approach, we asked Jon to demonstrate his skills by wrapping the bars of the RCUK winter bike.

Happily, he obliged, leaving us with a nicely finished winter steed, as well as this handy step-by-step guide.

Step one

Having removed old handlebar tape, the next step is to ensure the brake and gear cables are secured to the bar with electrical tape. Keep the cables close to the bar, allowing them to follow its natural curve. Ensure the brake and gear cables do not cross beneath the electrical tape. Check that they are seated firmly in the housing of the STI lever.