Bar tape suggestions
12-04-18, 07:34 PM
#1
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Bar tape suggestions
About to swap out the stock Kona road bars on my 2019 Rove ST, and put my Cowbells on - I find them more comfortable in the drops. What bar tape do you folks like for off-road drop bar riding? I wear gloves religiously FWIW.
Aesthetically speaking, the bike is sort of sparkly British racing green, and I've got the Byways with the tan sidewalls - what could look cool other than black bar tape? I'd do brown if not for the tan sidewalls. Maybe something with a pattern? Looking for ideas. Show me your green bikes with non-black bar tape!
Aesthetically speaking, the bike is sort of sparkly British racing green, and I've got the Byways with the tan sidewalls - what could look cool other than black bar tape? I'd do brown if not for the tan sidewalls. Maybe something with a pattern? Looking for ideas. Show me your green bikes with non-black bar tape!
Last edited by pbass; 12-04-18 at 07:42 PM.
12-04-18, 07:45 PM
#2
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I personally like Salsa gel cork tape and it does come in a natural color that may match your tan sidewalls. I wrap an old tube under it for a little extra dampening.
However, I don't have a lot of experience with other tape as I have stuck with what I like.
However, I don't have a lot of experience with other tape as I have stuck with what I like.
12-04-18, 07:47 PM
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Thanks! That could look pretty sweet. I don't have much experience with bar tape at all--only been riding drop-bar for a few years, coming from mtb'ing....
12-04-18, 09:22 PM
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Ritchey Pave.
2.5mm, durable, and easy to clean.
https://www.amazon.com/Ritchey-Pave-...ZJU?th=1&psc=1
black because tape should match the saddle.
all my color tape has been cinelli gel. Inexpensive, durabke, and a lot of colors.
2.5mm, durable, and easy to clean.
https://www.amazon.com/Ritchey-Pave-...ZJU?th=1&psc=1
black because tape should match the saddle.
all my color tape has been cinelli gel. Inexpensive, durabke, and a lot of colors.
12-04-18, 09:37 PM
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For those who don't like the tacky feel of Lizard Skins, Zipp Service Course CX is a great alternative.
https://www.zipp.com/accessories/ser...andlebar-tape/
It is half the price, just as comfortable and not tacky at all.
$15 if you shop around.
-Tim-
https://www.zipp.com/accessories/ser...andlebar-tape/
It is half the price, just as comfortable and not tacky at all.
$15 if you shop around.
-Tim-
12-05-18, 05:20 AM
#8
Newbie
I use Origin-8 3mm bar tape with some gel inserts underneath it (I like thick bars). It seems to be holding up pretty well and is comfortable. I used the Lizard Skins in the past. It is nice, but wore out fast.
Take care,
Mike
<><
Take care,
Mike
<><
12-05-18, 05:37 AM
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Aesthetically, anything /but/ black. Ivory (if you can find it) would look great with the green. Deda used to have it, but it's hard to find now.
Gold might also look nice, it could go well with the tan sidewalls, though it could be a bit "blingy" - but then again that could contrast well with the rest of the bike. Silver or grey might look nice too.
What colour are the decals? Consider matching the bar tape to the main decal colour.
Gold might also look nice, it could go well with the tan sidewalls, though it could be a bit "blingy" - but then again that could contrast well with the rest of the bike. Silver or grey might look nice too.
What colour are the decals? Consider matching the bar tape to the main decal colour.
12-05-18, 05:38 AM
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I just googled a pic of a 2019 Kona Rove, and if it's got the gold decals on the head tube and downtube, I'd seriously consider a carbon-effect gold. That'd look sweet.
12-05-18, 09:13 AM
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I'm using Supacz
Super Sticky Kush in the coffee color on my Black Mtn MCD in olive green and WTB Resolute tanwall tires. The colors work well together. The tape is tacky (not sticky), but has not attracted dirt or mud. It has a nice, cushioned feel and a nice look. Oh, and it wraps very nicely. It stretches enough to make the transitions around the levers easy. Comes with good internally expanding aluminum end caps and finishing tape that you'll actually want to use instead of throw away and use electrical tape.
Super Sticky Kush in the coffee color on my Black Mtn MCD in olive green and WTB Resolute tanwall tires. The colors work well together. The tape is tacky (not sticky), but has not attracted dirt or mud. It has a nice, cushioned feel and a nice look. Oh, and it wraps very nicely. It stretches enough to make the transitions around the levers easy. Comes with good internally expanding aluminum end caps and finishing tape that you'll actually want to use instead of throw away and use electrical tape.
Last edited by BluesDawg; 12-05-18 at 09:46 AM.
12-05-18, 09:20 AM
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Thanks for all the ideas folks! Yeah, the graphics on this green bike are gold - the bike already certainly does "pop", with it's somewhat sparkly finish and tan sidewalls, so I don't need anything TOO blingy. Was worried about trying to match the tan or gold but then having it be "off", but on second thought it could look pretty classy. I like the grey idea too...
12-05-18, 09:47 AM
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I'm using Supacz
Super Sticky Kush in the coffee color on my Black Mtn MCD in olive green and WTB Resolute tanwall tires.
Super Sticky Kush in the coffee color on my Black Mtn MCD in olive green and WTB Resolute tanwall tires.
12-06-18, 07:04 AM
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For those who don't like the tacky feel of Lizard Skins, Zipp Service Course CX is a great alternative.
https://www.zipp.com/accessories/ser...andlebar-tape/
It is half the price, just as comfortable and not tacky at all.
$15 if you shop around.
-Tim-
https://www.zipp.com/accessories/ser...andlebar-tape/
It is half the price, just as comfortable and not tacky at all.
$15 if you shop around.
-Tim-
12-06-18, 07:08 AM
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Zipp also makes a non-textured version which they market for road bikes.
-Tim-
-Tim-
12-06-18, 08:54 AM
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@pbass This is your tape. I have it in a darker brown (with black writing). It looks great with a tan brooks and tan sidewalls on my red steel bike. but it would look even better as a BRG (British Racing Green) - tan combo! I have the leatherish brooks tape too, but I love the salsa tape.
I also love double wrapping my tape. I love the bigger grip and the extra cushion (I have "medium" sized hands).
I also love double wrapping my tape. I love the bigger grip and the extra cushion (I have "medium" sized hands).
12-06-18, 01:32 PM
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@pbass This is your tape. I have it in a darker brown (with black writing).
What's the thickness of this Salsa tape? I can't find that spec anywhere...
EDIT: popped into an LBS that stocks Salsa and checked out this tape on some of the bikes. I dig it. I just ordered the dark brown and the grey--we'll see which one ends up on the bars!
Last edited by pbass; 12-06-18 at 08:14 PM.
12-07-18, 08:16 PM
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I have the brown Salsa tape on my drop bar MTB and the Supacaz on my gravel bike. Both are really good, but I definitely think the Supacaz is just a bit nicer in feel, ease of wrapping and quality of end caps and finishing tape.
12-07-18, 09:30 PM
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I read several reviews that the Supacaz might come up short when wrapping on wider bars (Cowbells in my case) - scared me off a bit, as a first time wrapper!
12-08-18, 10:52 PM
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12-10-18, 12:02 AM
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I second the supacaz super cushy tape as I love feel and look on gravel bike.