Best budget bar tape ?
06-14-22, 07:08 PM
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Best budget bar tape ?
Hi guys,long time no see. I'm looking around the interwebs at bar tapes, and they seem to have gotten kinda pricey (no, really!! 
)
I just used a Nashbar wrap I've had stashed in my parts bin, and I'd like to replace it, hopefully with something as inexpensive as this one was. Anyone know if those $7 wraps on ebay are worth the trouble? As always, any good info us much appreciated......
)I just used a Nashbar wrap I've had stashed in my parts bin, and I'd like to replace it, hopefully with something as inexpensive as this one was. Anyone know if those $7 wraps on ebay are worth the trouble? As always, any good info us much appreciated......
06-14-22, 07:35 PM
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Yes, they are. Pretty much the same as the Nashbar stuff.
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06-14-22, 09:35 PM
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I like a comfortable tape as it is a touch point it is worth spending a bit on nicer tape don't have to go crazy but it doesn't hurt to buy a little nicer than cheap tape from the 90s.
06-15-22, 01:40 PM
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I use the cheapo stuff (I know, big surprise!) for most everything. Only two minorly things about it that some might not care for. No adhesive on the back (NBD to me I can tell ya) and it doesn't seem to like being re-used. Tho I do save some to use as a first layer on double wrapping the top of the bars.
JMO of course YMMV
JMO of course YMMV
06-15-22, 02:21 PM
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I've used the eBay "cork" tape. I actually like it better than the real Cinelli cork. Mainly because I only use white and it stays cleaner.
06-15-22, 03:46 PM
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It's $7 bucks. Get some and find out.
06-15-22, 03:56 PM
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Bar tape isn't where I'd cut corners, but I'm more concerned with value than price. Zipp Service Course tape costs $25 or $30, but it stretches and wraps SO well, has great grip even when wet, and is very comfortable. My hands are worth it.
06-15-22, 11:10 PM
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There are plenty of name brand tapes out there that work great and aren't expensive... Cinelli, Deda, Profile, Easton, etc. I have also tried some of the off-brand tapes from the rain forest and they are generally more brittle, so you have to be very careful how much you stretch.
I actually prefer no adhesive. No residue mess when you remove it (not that anyone sees that after you rewrap, but it's nice to not have it there at all).
I actually prefer no adhesive. No residue mess when you remove it (not that anyone sees that after you rewrap, but it's nice to not have it there at all).
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06-16-22, 08:02 AM
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From time to time I’ll make my own bar tape. Get a cheap hunk of fabric for just a couple bucks (fabric store, or even pre-cut hunks at department stores). Cut a couple of strips about 7 feet long, 2-3 inches wide. Fold the strip over evenly so that you have a nice clean edge that won’t unravel. When you wrap, the cut edge(s) will be protected under the ‘tape.’ Wrap it tight! If you want/need the padding provided by traditional tape…this won’t do it. But you can color match as desired. My most recent DIY wrap (sorry for the blur). — Dan
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06-16-22, 11:18 AM
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I use the $1 ones from aliexpress. There is no glue on the back which is what I like. Granted it will occasionally slip and move especially at the bend between the tops and the hoods. I have also used the much more expensive silicone bar tapes (also glueless) and they slip too. The key is to make sure you wrap them closer together at the bends.
It's nice and thick and cushiony.
It's nice and thick and cushiony.
Last edited by icemilkcoffee; 06-16-22 at 11:22 AM.
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06-21-22, 08:36 PM
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I cannot recall what I paid for it, but I put Fizik bar tape on my bike over a year ago. Still hanging there just fine after approx 16,000km.
