We recommend changing your handlebar tape at least once a year. If you ride your bike a lot or are very sweaty even change the handlebar tape twice a year. Folks ask us why, and fortunately we had a customer visit us that does not change their handlebar tape regularly. This is the corrosion buildup under the tape. What is the big deal? The corrosion pits the bars or worse makes small cracks. Thus next time you put the pressure on you handlebars ask yourself will they holdup?