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Gear of the Week | Grip extension with road bike handlebar tape

Simple DIY with big impact

03/16/2025 • by Nadina Joiko

The Gear ot the Week on the rise.

Nadina Joiko
Otaru, Japan
Julius Ott

The Gear ot the Week on the rise.

Nadina Joiko
Otaru, Japan
Julius Ott
Who hasn't experienced it - cold fingers or slipping on the ascent and traverse because the pole has no grip extension or it has already come off. I have found a simple and functional solution to this problem.

My friend also had the problem of a worn, defective handle extension after intensive use of his telescopic poles. Some parts of the pole had already been replaced by the manufacturer over the years. However, he was never satisfied with the original handle extensions. Research revealed that field hockey stick tape is often used for this purpose in North America. This gave me the idea of simply trying out the leftover handlebar tape from a road bike in our basement.

Bar tape is a common accessory in the world of road cycling. Available in a variety of colors and materials, it offers a good combination of grip, cushioning and durability. The tape is usually wrapped around the handlebars of a road bike to provide better comfort and grip - characteristics that translate perfectly to a ski pole.

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Detail shots after two seasons

Nadina Joiko

Detail shots after two seasons

Nadina Joiko

You will need:

  • Road bike handlebar tape (approx. 2 m for both poles)

  • Insulating tape

  • Spirit or white spirit

  • Cloth for cleaning

  • Scissors for cutting to size

In terms of the wrapping technique, it is easier to wrap a ski pole than a handlebar, but the principle is the same:

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Preparation: If present, remove the old grip extension. Clean the pole thoroughly with white spirit or petroleum ether to remove grease and dirt.

  2. Cut the handlebar tape: Cut the handlebar tape in half - approx. 1 m should be sufficient per ski pole. The exact length can be adjusted individually.

  3. Test wrapping: Before the actual wrapping, place the tape around the pole as a test to determine the optimum length and position. As you wrap from bottom to top, the starting point should be marked or memorized. Do not remove the protective film yet so that nothing sticks.

  4. Wrapping: Remove the protective film and wrap the handlebar tape tightly and evenly from bottom to top. An overlap of about half ensures a stable and even handlebar extension. Creases should be avoided.

  5. Adjust the length: As soon as the desired length is reached, cut the tape at an angle - similar to road bike handlebars. This allows it to be fixed more neatly with insulating tape without material build-up.

  6. Fixing: Wrap the upper and lower ends of the handlebar tape tightly with insulating tape to prevent it from slipping.

Done! The ski poles are now ready for use again with a customized and comfortable grip extension.

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective than a new pole

  • Ergonomic and flexible ascent possible without changing the pole length in crossings

  • Individual adjustment to feel, color and length

  • Quick adjustment possible, as renewed removal is usually possible without leaving any residue (depending on the handlebar tape)

  • Good durability, Road bike handlebar tapes are designed to withstand weather and wear and tear, making them ideal for use in the mountains

  • More readily available than field hockey stick tape in the Alps

  • More padding than field hockey tape, therefore also better insulation

Nadina Joiko
Otaru, Japan
Julius Ott
Nadina Joiko
Otaru, Japan
Julius Ott

Conclusion

Using road bike handlebar tape to extend the grip of a ski pole is a functional way to improve comfort and performance on ski tours. Especially on long tours or challenging terrain, extending the grip area can make all the difference. If you are looking for a cost-effective and functional solution for extending your grip, you should definitely give this a try. The handlebar tape on my friend's ski pole has proved its worth even after two seasons. Even after intensive use, it continues to offer a good feel, reliable insulation and high durability. And if it gets too worn - I simply wrap a new one around it! :)

Nadina Joiko
Otaru, Japan
Julius Ott
Nadina Joiko
Otaru, Japan
Julius Ott

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