blinky

1. My current wrap is overly cushy/puffy and I'd like to replace it with something moderately cushy - any suggestions on which brands offer a reasonably good range of wraps that maybe extend from thin and skin tight at one end of the spectrum to overly cushy/puffy at the other end ?
2. Could someone recommend a substitute for 3M electrical tape as the finishing or anchor tape - somehow that stuff stretches/separates and gets too sticky in hot weather and is an annoyance when the hands are on the tops ?

fietsbob

Fizik offers 4 under tape gel pieces , and tape as a package , or in 2 separate packs,
you choose the tape color other than black, with the latter option,

self fusing tape has been suggested as a substitute finishing tape , here before ,
but the packs include a logo printed finishing tape..

ramzilla

I've put foam handlebar covers on two of my bikes and, I love it. I'm a 62 year old with old bones and, this stuff really helps make riding more comfortable. It's a trick to install w/brifters. You will need a air compressor w/rubber tipped gun nozzle thing. Best grips I've found so far.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Ra.../dp/B00UVSQQB8

fietsbob

those are very low density soft (LBS Stocks those J&B, supplies the brand)

Grab On grips, https://www.grabongrips.com/ use a much denser foam .

note; site is the actual manufacturer, not a middleman.





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ironwood

There are a lot of possibilities. Cork is one; it is sort of cork based. Leather is expensive, but it lasts a long time, I have some leather tape that's thirty years old.

I've finished some bar tape with twine, GP uses hemp twine. There's a show how video on the Rivendell site.

Kontact

You're stretching the 3M tape too much, which is why it creeps.

I like Deda tape and Nashbar cork.

pesty

1. Not sure what you're using now, but I've become quite fond of Bontrager's Gel Cork tape (the stuff with the honeycomb pattern). I've used lots of stuff from Specialized, Fizik, Supacaz and others in the past, but for me the Bontrager tape is right in the middle. I liked the Specialized Roubaix tape, but it was kinda fuzzy and held dirt and grease pretty easily. Wasn't a fan of the faux leather Fizik tape. Supacaz wasn't bad, but it's a bit stiff in my opinion.

2. Wrap it from the stem to the drop, needs to be wrapped pretty tight. Tuck some excess in the bottom of the bar and put in the plug, or even better an expander plug. No electrical or finishing tape needed. If you do it right and wrap it tight enough, it won't slide, the edges won't roll over and it will last just as long as any other tape.

rm -rf

This bar tape finishing thread covers all the options.
The two best:
3M Super 33 tape, including a second layer that's not stretched.
Self fusing silicon tape -- it only sticks to itself and there's no adhesive. It probably needs a short piece of electrical tape to secure the wrap end first.


What tape do you have now?

I tried Lizard Skins, but I find it hard to wrap, even with pulling it much tighter than the package recommends.

I've been using Specialized bar tapes, usually one of the Roubaix tapes. It's easy to wrap, and has good cushion (for 2000 to 3000 miles, then it's getting squashed flat.)

Aubergine 

_ForceD_

caloso

Cushy is in the hand of the beholder. I like Fizik 3mm with the seam. Never slips even with sweaty hands.

dsaul

I was looking for an inexpensive bar tape and took a chance on this stuff from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It turned out to be really nice tape and I like it better than the Lizard Skins stuff that cost twice as much.

fastk9dad

Fizik or Lizard Skins are my go to tapes.

As for finishing with electrical tape, do one tight/stretch wrap with the tape then do another 2-3 wraps where you don't stretch it. Try and wrap tape so it each layer lines up with the previous and no need to overlap tape so half is on bar/half on bar tape - just cover the bar tape. Cut tape so seam is on bottom. Been doing it this way for years and have never had it shrink back and leave a sticky mess as you describe.

kingston 

I bought a pair of these silicone end rings a while ago to use with white tape. I haven't installed them so I can't report on how well they work. I've never had a problem with electrical tape.

blinky

Thanks for all the good tips - my LBS installed the wrap along with a recent component upgrade , I'll have to ask them what they used - Bontrager gel/cork and Fizik have good reputations and the Fizik website shows thicknesses of 2.0, 2.5, & 3.0 mm available , pretty good range - I think the electrical tape finish was probably pulled too tight and caused some separation as one poster above noted .

Where would I find self fusing Silicon tape ?

fietsbob

electronics , auto service shops .

wrk101

eBay, lots of it for sale there. I've been using self fusing silicone tape for years.

SquidPuppet

That stuff looks interesting. How thick is it? Could you please describe the density/cushioning/feel?

TimothyH

Y'all should try Zipp Service Course.

They make two versions - smooth for road and a textured for CX.

It's cushy but not tacky like Lizard Skins. Those who like very thin tape won't like it but those who like a bit of cushion should enjoy it.

pdlamb

Home Depot had some, but it was either blue or red, not black. (I got the blue.)

HillRider

Home Depot and Lowes also sell it in a variety of colors. I tried it and, while it makes a neat wrap initially, I found the edges tended to curl over from my hands when riding the bar tops.

I went back to Scotch electrical tape, which has never given me any problems anyway. As noted, don't pull it too tight when wrapping.

dsaul

It is about the same thickness as standard cork tape, but it doesn't stretch as much and feels firmer. It does a nice job of absorbing shock without feeling squishy and the silicone textured surface gives it good grip.

SquidPuppet

Thanks. That's exactly the info I was looking for.