I'm installing bar-end shifters for the first time (Shimano 9-speeds, for what it's worth) and was wondering if I should be running the tape over the bottom of the handlebar with surplus to insert into the bar. In the past, I've done this and used wine corks or handlebar caps to hold the tape in. When using cloth tape, this is no problem; foam/cork tape usually is fine too. But is it the same with bar-end shifters?
1 Answer
Most bar-end shifters require friction between the bar's interior surface to stay put, so no. Install the shifters securely and tape the shifter housing about where you would like it to emerge from the bar tape. You will end up wrapping over the first few inches of shifter housing before it loops forward and may require a bit of futzing to get it looking right.
Here is a lovely video showing shifters being installed on a drop bar.
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youtube.com/… here is another video of Shimanos being installed.– WTHarperCommented May 14, 2013 at 23:41
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2Thanks for the answer. As a note, neither of those videos show anything about bar tape.– tommy_oCommented May 15, 2013 at 17:14
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lol yeah I saw that one, too, but that is with cloth tape, which I was trying to avoid talking about. I'm interested more in resolving a bulk problem due to the thickness of the foam/cork tape. If that Rivendell video started with the barends out and then they put on cork tape, it'd be perfect. Thanks again though– tommy_oCommented May 15, 2013 at 21:50