I use the Brooks leather bar tape on my Trek 520, but the bike is used mainly as a commuter bike. So I can say it is fine for shorter rides (11-16 miles). The longest ride I've done on this bike is 55 miles. It is not as cushioned as synthetic bar tapes, but I now have some bar specific gel pads under the leather. It's a little better. I do find the leather tape to last a lot longer than the synthetic wrappings. Besides, if you have a Brooks saddle, then you can match the leather bar tape with your saddle. Sweet!