Handle Bar Tape Recommendation
08-26-20, 02:26 PM
#1
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Handle Bar Tape Recommendation
What do you recommend as good quality Road Bike handle bar tape.
Standard road bike curved handle bars.
Something long lasting and looks good and good quality.
Suggestions please?
Standard road bike curved handle bars.
Something long lasting and looks good and good quality.
Suggestions please?
08-26-20, 02:30 PM
#2
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I really like the feel of Lizard Skins bar tape, but I find that the surface isn't as durable and the top layer kinda wears off quicker than I'd like.
I just put some Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Classic on one of my bikes and feels quite comfy, but I can't speak to the durability of it yet.
I just put some Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Classic on one of my bikes and feels quite comfy, but I can't speak to the durability of it yet.
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08-26-20, 04:59 PM
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Fabrix Hex Duo (hard to find in US though)
Profile Designs Perforated
Fizik Solo Cush Tacky
Profile Designs Perforated
Fizik Solo Cush Tacky
08-26-20, 05:02 PM
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Fizik Microtex. Can be tough to wrap, but seems pretty durable.
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08-26-20, 05:37 PM
#5
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Lots of good stuff out there but I have had great success with Supacaz. Great colors ultra tacky, and comfy.
08-26-20, 06:02 PM
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Cinelli Volee tape is nice. Smooth but not slippery, and very long wearing.
https://www.cinelli-usa.com/cinelli-...andlebar-tape/
https://www.cinelli-usa.com/cinelli-...andlebar-tape/
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08-26-20, 06:08 PM
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08-26-20, 06:49 PM
#8
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Specialized S-wrap Roubaix. Comfortable and lasts longer than anything else I've tried, though have not tried Supracaz.
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08-26-20, 07:25 PM
#9
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Another vote for Fizik...
...can be found on sale, 2 to 3mm thickness is a nice middle between cush and feel, not slippery in rain or sweat, white cleans easily and well, wraps easily, not fragile.
Fizik Tempo MicroTex Classic Bar Tape $15 to $20
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod178919
Fizik Tempo MicroTex Classic Bar Tape $15 to $20
@ chainreactioncycles.com
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod178919
08-26-20, 09:08 PM
#10
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https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=79789
Ritchey WCS Pave. Its 3.5mm thick, is long enough to easily wrap, re-wraps well, and is long lasting. Good texture too as it isnt sticky.
only $20.
If you want white, its only $13.50 since the cannondale synapse tape is the same stuff. Identical- i have both.
https://www.amazon.com/Cannondale-Sy...FHQ?th=1&psc=1
Ritchey WCS Pave. Its 3.5mm thick, is long enough to easily wrap, re-wraps well, and is long lasting. Good texture too as it isnt sticky.
only $20.
If you want white, its only $13.50 since the cannondale synapse tape is the same stuff. Identical- i have both.
https://www.amazon.com/Cannondale-Sy...FHQ?th=1&psc=1
Last edited by mstateglfr; 08-26-20 at 09:13 PM.
08-26-20, 09:51 PM
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I prefer a more traditional cork type feel, and have gotten good mileage from Bontrager Gel Cork tape. It has the right amount of plush-ness for my taste. Sometimes, overstocks of it can be found for cheap on the 'Bay.
I'm excited to try Supacaz, though. I have a feeling it might be even better.
I'm excited to try Supacaz, though. I have a feeling it might be even better.
08-27-20, 06:43 AM
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I prefer a more traditional cork type feel, and have gotten good mileage from Bontrager Gel Cork tape. It has the right amount of plush-ness for my taste. Sometimes, overstocks of it can be found for cheap on the 'Bay.
I'm excited to try Supacaz, though. I have a feeling it might be even better.
I'm excited to try Supacaz, though. I have a feeling it might be even better.
08-27-20, 07:44 AM
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Fizik used to be my favorite, but now I'm on to Bontrager Grippytack. It's got not-too-much/not-too-little cushion and, as the name suggests, the grip is fantastic, 'specially for someone like me that doesn't like to wear cloves. Oh, and it looks nice with the peek-though color.
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08-27-20, 08:23 AM
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I had used Bontrager Gel Cork for the past few years, recently changed to Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic 3mm tape (say that 3 times fast, I had to look at an order invoice to see what tape I bought) and in the couple of weeks it's been on my bars, I like the Fizik better. Has better grip (IMO), haven't noticed any negative comfort issues. Plus, it doesn't seem to get as slick with sweat as the Bontrager tape - I like to ride without gloves from time to time and the Bontrager tape (and other cork/foam tapes) seem to get slippery after a few rides unless I clean the bars after each ride.
I tried Lizard Skins tape earlier this year and hated it FWIW, mostly due to it being a bear to install. I think I still have the replacement tape Lizard Skins sent me as they thought I may have gotten a defective roll.
I tried Lizard Skins tape earlier this year and hated it FWIW, mostly due to it being a bear to install. I think I still have the replacement tape Lizard Skins sent me as they thought I may have gotten a defective roll.
08-27-20, 11:51 AM
#18
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I really like the feel of Lizard Skins bar tape, but I find that the surface isn't as durable and the top layer kinda wears off quicker than I'd like.
I just put some Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Classic on one of my bikes and feels quite comfy, but I can't speak to the durability of it yet.
I just put some Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Classic on one of my bikes and feels quite comfy, but I can't speak to the durability of it yet.
08-27-20, 12:22 PM
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Cinelli cork tape. Lizard skins were terrible. Supacaz, nice...but not nice enough to justify their price over Cinelli cork tape. I always went back to Cinelli cork.
08-27-20, 03:41 PM
#21
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Supacaz and Lizard Skins are my favorite.
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08-27-20, 03:42 PM
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EDIT.. I might add tires to the above, as that's the overall package's contact point with the planet Earth.
08-27-20, 03:49 PM
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+1.. From a comfort perspective, and assuming your bike is the right size, your contact points are hands, feet and ass. Handlebars, Tape, Shoes (and maybe pedals), and Saddle, are really where money should be somewhat irrelevant, since these things are quite inexpensive vs. all the rest of the stuff that doesn't really impact how we feel on the bike.
EDIT.. I might add tires to the above, as that's the overall package's contact point with the planet Earth.
EDIT.. I might add tires to the above, as that's the overall package's contact point with the planet Earth.
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08-27-20, 03:51 PM
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08-27-20, 03:52 PM
#25
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I've already taken care of that - I come equipped with extra padding around my fragile bones.
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"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
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