drop bars sponge/taping damage when falling? replacing?

Joe86

Hey all

I have been having quite a bit of fun with my new variado, and I have had a few static falls with the clipless pedals, as expected No major damage to me or bike, but it seems the drop bar spongey bit often gets a small hole or rip from falling on concrete and even grass. Are they easy to replace, or is it going to be an expensive job at a LBS?

So far the damage is only at the bottom/straight portion which I don't use, so I haven't had any serious damage, but was curious to know if there is anything to put over big holes if it gets too big? I imagine virtually every fall will result in some form of damage to the taping/sponge, as it is the first thing that hits the deck.

Cheers

fnegroni

I have same damage myself.
Unless it is uncomfortable, no need to change.
Tape is cheap, taping I suppose an art more than a science: me being the way I am, I would probably buy two tapes, use the first one to practice, and second one to do good job.

Joe86

fnegroni wrote:

I have same damage myself.
Unless it is uncomfortable, no need to change.
Tape is cheap, taping I suppose an art more than a science: me being the way I am, I would probably buy two tapes, use the first one to practice, and second one to do good job.

Yeah, I wonder if people actually use the straight portion where the barcaps are? I guess if the damage stays there, it won't be a problem. Just hope I don't get any damage near the curved portion.

To be honest I don't even like using the drop bars as yet. I have tried them on long straight roads, but even then I don't find them great for moving in and out of potholes and damage in the road. I will probably use them more as I get comfortable with the bike, but I find the hoods and also the centre of the bars for climbing suits me OK.

Flasheart

Have a look at Youtube..there are lots of how-to videos on bar taping

desweller

Joe86 wrote:

Yeah, I wonder if people actually use the straight portion where the barcaps are? I guess if the damage stays there, it won't be a problem. Just hope I don't get any damage near the curved portion.

To be honest I don't even like using the drop bars as yet. I have tried them on long straight roads, but even then I don't find them great for moving in and out of potholes and damage in the road. I will probably use them more as I get comfortable with the bike, but I find the hoods and also the centre of the bars for climbing suits me OK.

OT, but I find that I can more easily absorb bumps in the road if I'm in the drops. I don't have fast reactions, so if a bump appears on a quick descent I usually can't avoid riding over it. I find I need to be in the drops (just holding on fairly loosely) and slightly out f the saddle with my knees bent, then the bike just floats over the bumps. Your CoG is lower in the drops too, so cornering is possible at higher speeds than would be the case on the hoods. You're right though, they're not great for sudden changes of direction.