I know it's not on topic, but I use cork tape. It doesn't look as good as cloth, but it is more comfortable to me. I use the advanced technique at the bottom of this page
http://www.parktool.com/
Start at the bottom, going clockwise on the right (counter-clockwise on the left). When you get to the brake lever, wrap once along the inside of the lever body, then continue up the bar, now going in the opposite direction. I never use the supplied finishing tape. I like colored electrical tape, which can be pretty unnoticeable.
I have done the twine thing to finish off, but I think it looks out of place with cork tape, and wrong on a racing bike.
With cloth tape I have removed the brake lever body, taped, then installed the body. This gives a very neat appearance. I have never tried it with cork, fearing that the bottom edges of the lever body would cut the cork, or just never get tight against the thicker cork tape.
Has anyone else tried this?
Marcus Helman
Huntington Woods, MI