What are the common misunderstandings when using bicycle handlebars?

In the current era where cycling culture is becoming increasingly prevalent, bicycles are not only convenient means of transportation but also reliable companions for many people in fitness and leisure activities. However, bicycle handlebar tapes, as crucial components that come into direct contact with cyclists' hands and are closely related to riding comfort and maneuverability, are subject to numerous common misconceptions in their use. These misconceptions may not only affect the riding experience but also pose potential threats to riding safety.

Many cyclists tend to focus solely on the appearance and price when selecting bicycle handlebar tapes, overlooking their material and performance. There is a wide variety of materials for handlebar tapes on the market, with common ones including PU, EVA, and leather. EVA handlebar tapes are soft and comfortable, offering excellent cushioning performance. However, they tend to become slippery when absorbing sweat and have relatively poor durability, being prone to damage after frequent use. PU handlebar tapes excel in anti-slip performance, providing a good grip and being durable and easy to clean and maintain. Nevertheless, they are slightly heavier, which may cause hand fatigue during long rides. Leather handlebar tapes boast superior texture and an elegant appearance, but they come at a higher price and require regular maintenance;  otherwise, issues such as cracking may arise. Some cyclists make impulsive purchases based solely on the vibrant colors or attractive patterns of the handlebar tapes, without fully considering their own riding needs and the characteristics of different materials. As a result, they may find in actual riding that the tapes are not suitable for them, either being prone to slipping or offering an unsatisfactory feel, significantly reducing the pleasure of riding.

Installing handlebar tapes is also a process prone to errors. Many cyclists do not master the correct installation method, resulting in uneven wrapping of the tapes. In some areas, the tapes are wrapped too tightly, causing them to stretch and deform. This not only affects the aesthetics but also reduces their elasticity and shortens their service life. In other areas, the tapes are wrapped too loosely, leaving gaps that allow dust and sweat to easily penetrate, fostering bacteria growth and also affecting the stability of the grip. Additionally, many people overlook the treatment of the end of the handlebar tape during wrapping. The correct approach is to properly secure the end of the tape to prevent it from coming loose during riding. However, some cyclists do not firmly fix the end of the tape, so when encountering bumps or violent shaking during riding, the tape may come loose and get entangled in the wheels or other components, posing a danger.

There are also misconceptions regarding the cleaning and maintenance of handlebar tapes. Some cyclists believe that the tapes do not need to be cleaned frequently and only give them a simple wipe when they are visibly dirty. However, during daily riding, sweat from the hands and dust continuously adhere to the tapes. If not cleaned in a timely manner, these dirt and grime will gradually penetrate into the interior of the tapes, damaging their material structure and affecting their anti-slip performance and elasticity. Moreover, tapes that are not cleaned for a long time will breed a large number of bacteria, posing a threat to the hand health of cyclists.

Some cyclists also hold the erroneous belief that thicker handlebar tapes are always better. They think that thick tapes can provide more sufficient cushioning, reducing the vibrations felt by the hands and making riding more comfortable. However, in reality, the thickness of the handlebar tape is not the only factor determining comfort. Excessively thick tapes may increase the difficulty of hand gripping, especially during riding processes that require frequent changes in grip positions. Thick tapes can make hand movements less flexible and affect maneuverability. Furthermore, overly thick tapes may also alter the original grip feel of the bicycle, making it difficult for cyclists to adapt and instead reducing riding stability.

These common misconceptions in the use of bicycle handlebar tapes reflect that cyclists lack sufficient understanding and attention when dealing with this accessory. To avoid these misconceptions, cyclists should, in the process of learning cycling knowledge, delve into aspects such as the material, performance, installation, and cleaning and maintenance of handlebar tapes. They should select appropriate tapes according to their own riding needs and the characteristics of their bicycles and use and maintain them correctly. Only in this way can bicycle handlebar tapes truly fulfill their due roles and bring a more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable riding experience.