Bar tape question
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Bar tape question
Ready to give my gravel bike a little spring makeover, and some fresh bar tape is in order. Do the ones advertised as "tacky" actually make any difference if you wear gloves?
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I have the Zipp Service Course CX on my road bike, and it is relatively grippy / tacky. Can't say I really understand the fad of 'tacky' bar tape. It feels different, sure, but in no way 'better' (or worse, for that matter), than other bar tape I've used.
BTW, I put a Fabric Hex Duo on my gravel bike last summer, and am super happy with the way that feels and looks.
BTW, I put a Fabric Hex Duo on my gravel bike last summer, and am super happy with the way that feels and looks.
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#3
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+1 for the Zipp CX tape. It does have a slight tack to it, but I can't image the tapes that have more will have a lasting effect. The Zipp tape has a really nice texture, padding, durability, wraps nicely / easily, and it's cheap.
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I don't understand the appeal of tacky tape. Mine is dry. I've never wanted for tape that sticks.
Are people's hands slipping off the hoods/tops/ramps/drops with dry tape? I could see tacky tape in that instance.
Are people's hands slipping off the hoods/tops/ramps/drops with dry tape? I could see tacky tape in that instance.
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My current favorite on that bike is Brooks rubber cambium tape. It’s comfy andamazingly grippy – and the grip does not change at all when it is soaking wet. It also wears like iron.
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I like tacky bar tape on my gravel bike. If I’m sweating profusely, or riding in the rain, and on a rough descent, it helps keep my hands from slipping around.
My current favorite on that bike is Brooks rubber cambium tape. It’s comfy andamazingly grippy – and the grip does not change at all when it is soaking wet. It also wears like iron.
My current favorite on that bike is Brooks rubber cambium tape. It’s comfy andamazingly grippy – and the grip does not change at all when it is soaking wet. It also wears like iron.
The Brooks colors look nice--mud and octane are cool!
Last edited by pbass; 03-21-21 at 05:52 PM.
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I always wear gloves, too, and I find that it does help. Plus, it's just good bar wrap.
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I just bought some new bars and put them on last week, for the wrap I decided to try a sticky tape (Supacaz Sticky Kush). I wear gloves 90% of the time but thought the texture would be nice for those days I don’t. I bought it largely because the rolls seemed a few cm longer* than some of the others I was finding, it came with hex-adjusted bar plugs, and seemed to have good reviews. If would characterize it as normal bar tape but with a thin silicone rubber coating on the outside.
I have only done one ride in them this past weekend (gloved) and can say I didn’t notice much of a difference.
*Rant: Bar tapes need to be longer! Most are around 2m per roll...my quick Amazon search only found one no-name brand that was significantly longer than that. I would gladly pay 20% more for 20% extra length...with the trend of wider bars, it’s almost a necessity. I literally used the whole roll with a careful wrap, only shaving off a corner at the end for aesthetics...another few cm would have been nice.
I have only done one ride in them this past weekend (gloved) and can say I didn’t notice much of a difference.
*Rant: Bar tapes need to be longer! Most are around 2m per roll...my quick Amazon search only found one no-name brand that was significantly longer than that. I would gladly pay 20% more for 20% extra length...with the trend of wider bars, it’s almost a necessity. I literally used the whole roll with a careful wrap, only shaving off a corner at the end for aesthetics...another few cm would have been nice.
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Another +1 for Zipp CX tape. I've tried a bunch of different brands and still find this to be one of the best options. Has a bit of cush without being too bulky, and is very durable.
I've never had a problem with my bar tape feeling slippery, even when riding in the rain or hands covered in sweat (like on the trainer).
I've never had a problem with my bar tape feeling slippery, even when riding in the rain or hands covered in sweat (like on the trainer).
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Redshift makes a really long bartape. Positioned to be used with their KitchenSink bars that have extra bar real estate. https://redshiftsports.com/products/...-long-bar-tape
Last edited by Wilbur76; 04-08-21 at 04:52 PM. Reason: Add graphic
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