Bar Tape
#1
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Bar Tape
Been using specialized roubaix tape which is now discontinued
any suggestions of something similar?
any suggestions of something similar?
#2
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Check out Arundel. I buy it because they're a local company, but it's also good stuff. Try their Gecko Pavé, Rubber Gecko or Synth Gecko.
I like Synth Gecko as a trial wrap because it uses no adhesive -- the material is self-sticking and reusable almost indefinitely, as long as it's not cut or torn. It's stretchy can can be wrapped thinner to cover more area, or wrapped with very little stretch to be thicker or cover less area. Very comfortable. But some of the colors are kinda wild, not to everyone's taste. Great for practice wrapping before committing to an adhesive backed wrap. (That's more important with older setups, like quill stems with bars that need to be threaded through the stem clamp -- less important with stems with bolted faceplates that can be detached without unwrapping the handlebar.)
I like Synth Gecko as a trial wrap because it uses no adhesive -- the material is self-sticking and reusable almost indefinitely, as long as it's not cut or torn. It's stretchy can can be wrapped thinner to cover more area, or wrapped with very little stretch to be thicker or cover less area. Very comfortable. But some of the colors are kinda wild, not to everyone's taste. Great for practice wrapping before committing to an adhesive backed wrap. (That's more important with older setups, like quill stems with bars that need to be threaded through the stem clamp -- less important with stems with bolted faceplates that can be detached without unwrapping the handlebar.)
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#3
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Not exactly similar, but I went from Roubaix tape with the gel inserts to Topeak cork without the gel. Its been great.
#4
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I've been using the Bontrager Grippytack. it's really nice. A little pricey, but a very nice bar tape.
#5
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I'm a big fan of Zipp service course cx bar tape. I have it on all of my bikes. Grippy but not too much, good cushioning, durable, and not stupid expensive.
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#6
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Seconded for Zipp Service Course CX. I like it better than Supacaz, Lizard Skins, Fizik and many more. Although lately the price seems to be creeping up. For a while you could get some Black for $22...now it's up around $27-29 depending.
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#8
I like speed
https://www.jensonusa.com/Zipp-Service-Course-Bar-Tape
https://www.jensonusa.com/Zipp-Servi...se-CX-Bar-Tape
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#9
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Canyon Ergospeed Gel
#10
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I love Supacaz tape. Comfy, grippy and cool. However, its pretty tough to get it to lay down properly on the tight bends of my Aerofly II bars. Anyone have any suggestions here?
Im considering trying top down wrapping to see if that makes a difference or potentially a different brand of tape. .
Im considering trying top down wrapping to see if that makes a difference or potentially a different brand of tape. .
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#12
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I have been using Silca tape lately and have been pleased with the results.
#13
don't try this at home.
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I love Supacaz tape. Comfy, grippy and cool. However, its pretty tough to get it to lay down properly on the tight bends of my Aerofly II bars. Anyone have any suggestions here?
Im considering trying top down wrapping to see if that makes a difference or potentially a different brand of tape. .
Im considering trying top down wrapping to see if that makes a difference or potentially a different brand of tape. .
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#15
Newbie
The Zipp Service Course and SRAM tape work well too; more similar to the Supacaz in texture and thickness. I've had the CX version that has been discussed and that works great. It does feel a bit thinner and has the grippy texture to it over the standard Service Course tape. JensonUSA has both for less that $20 before shipping/taxes.
https://www.jensonusa.com/Zipp-Service-Course-Bar-Tape
https://www.jensonusa.com/Zipp-Servi...se-CX-Bar-Tape
https://www.jensonusa.com/Zipp-Service-Course-Bar-Tape
https://www.jensonusa.com/Zipp-Servi...se-CX-Bar-Tape
Last edited by realyfishy; 09-19-21 at 08:02 PM.
#16
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I love Supacaz tape. Comfy, grippy and cool. However, its pretty tough to get it to lay down properly on the tight bends of my Aerofly II bars. Anyone have any suggestions here?
Im considering trying top down wrapping to see if that makes a difference or potentially a different brand of tape. .
Im considering trying top down wrapping to see if that makes a difference or potentially a different brand of tape. .
There's a couple of decent videos on YouTube for wrapping from the top down. Go ahead...be a rebel and watch old fart's harrumph themselves to death...cause "you can't do THAT!"
#17
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Fizik got expensive, so I looked for something else. Found some of Shimano's brand "Pro" on the Azon. Good stuff.
https://www.pro-bikegear.com/us/
https://www.pro-bikegear.com/us/
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I buy what’s cheap. Some of this newer grip tape is ridiculously expensive and the quality is the same as the cheap stuff. I replace my grip tape every couple of months as the stuff gets dirty/grimy and is not supposed to last years.
#19
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I only wrap from the top down. That way I don't have to use any "finishing tape" or electrical tape on the tops of the bars. I've never had any tape come unwrapped either...probably because I know how to actually wrap tape tightly and neatly. Back in the olden days you couldn't wrap from the top down cause they had that ****** fabric tape and for some reason oldster's like to make that stuff last for a decade. Now I like to try different tapes and one of the best feelings is putting on some new bar tape to start the outdoor riding season.
There's a couple of decent videos on YouTube for wrapping from the top down. Go ahead...be a rebel and watch old fart's harrumph themselves to death...cause "you can't do THAT!"
There's a couple of decent videos on YouTube for wrapping from the top down. Go ahead...be a rebel and watch old fart's harrumph themselves to death...cause "you can't do THAT!"
You have to judge it carefully at the start to make sure you have the right amount either side, but it means you're overlapping in the same direction that your hands naturally twist, both on the tops, and in the drops. It also means not having to do a complicated figure-8 around the hood like some videos will try to show you. It works with glueless tape, too, as you're securing the tape at both ends (plug at the bottom, tape at the top).
I like having the bit of finishing tape at the top. It can add a bit of flare, or a different colour trim.
#21
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Supercaz Bar Tape
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#22
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How many rolls of this stuff do you have?
OTOH.. Supacaz saddles? Any takers? Seems weird that they offer a $65 saddle, but they're premium on bar tape? Or are these fake things on Amazon?
OTOH.. Supacaz saddles? Any takers? Seems weird that they offer a $65 saddle, but they're premium on bar tape? Or are these fake things on Amazon?
#23
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One more vote for Zipp Service Course CX.
I've also had good experiences with:
Cannondale Synapse tape (if you can still find some)
Fabric Hex Duo Tape
I've also had good experiences with:
Cannondale Synapse tape (if you can still find some)
Fabric Hex Duo Tape
#24
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not very many but also have a few LIZZARD Kinds 3.2mm Im good for a bit...
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no matter which brand of tape you choose, please choose the white tape.
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