Bar tape for drop bars - high amount of padding?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,173
Bikes: Surly Disk Trucker, 2014 w/Brooks Flyer Special saddle, Tubus racks - Duo front/Logo Evo rear, 2019 Dahon Mariner D8, Both bikes share Ortlieb Packer Plus series panniers, Garmin Edge 1000
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 405 Post(s)
Liked 115 Times
in
99 Posts
Bar tape for drop bars - high amount of padding?
Do any of you have any thoughts on getting a lot of padding on drop bars?
When I got my bike in 2014 it had basic foam tape on the bars. I quickly had problems with it with my hands cramping up. So I got another batch of foam tape and double layered it. That is how I've rode the bike since and I've been OK, though I have mentioned in a lot of my posts on the subject of riding ergonomics in some way shape or fashion that I get circulation issues in my hands - more so when it is cold - that cause me some trouble. The best fix for that has been routinely moving my hands around the bars constantly.
The tape on my bars needs to be replaced. One corner/bend is cut all the way through to the metal. The question is what to replace it with? I want something thick and padded so my fingers aren't trying to wrap around a small diameter and I have a wider radius to distribute my hand pressure over.
From what I have seen so far the basic foam tape might still be the way to go, but it is thin so I'll need at least 2 layers - if not 3 this time to change it up. Or if I can salvage the stuff that is on there - maybe patch the cut area with some electric tape or something - then wrap a new layer over top? I just don't want to make the inside layers "hard" by layering electric tape there - that would counter act the whole idea of the padding and layers to get there.
When I got my bike in 2014 it had basic foam tape on the bars. I quickly had problems with it with my hands cramping up. So I got another batch of foam tape and double layered it. That is how I've rode the bike since and I've been OK, though I have mentioned in a lot of my posts on the subject of riding ergonomics in some way shape or fashion that I get circulation issues in my hands - more so when it is cold - that cause me some trouble. The best fix for that has been routinely moving my hands around the bars constantly.
The tape on my bars needs to be replaced. One corner/bend is cut all the way through to the metal. The question is what to replace it with? I want something thick and padded so my fingers aren't trying to wrap around a small diameter and I have a wider radius to distribute my hand pressure over.
From what I have seen so far the basic foam tape might still be the way to go, but it is thin so I'll need at least 2 layers - if not 3 this time to change it up. Or if I can salvage the stuff that is on there - maybe patch the cut area with some electric tape or something - then wrap a new layer over top? I just don't want to make the inside layers "hard" by layering electric tape there - that would counter act the whole idea of the padding and layers to get there.
#2
...
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Whitestone and Rensselaerville, New York
Posts: 1,550
Bikes: Bicycles? Yup.
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 491 Post(s)
Liked 1,640 Times
in
755 Posts
Not sure where you like your hands but check out the Redshift Cruise Control grip extensions. I use the upper bar extensions (and should have bought their extra long tape to go with them). Nice wide flat grip area. I also double wrap around the brifters (with old tape) to make that area bigger. I generally use the Fizik Performance 3mm tape, which is excellent, but a bit short for wrapping around these big wide grips
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Ohio
Posts: 523
Bikes: 2021 Kona Sutra, Ragley parts-cycle
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 1,242 Times
in
336 Posts
I have limited input on this but I will say this: don't buy the Salsa bar tape if you want padding. I was led to believe it was comparable to Kona bar tape but having just rewrapped my Sutra last week, I actually miss the Kona stuff that was on it...
BT, those grip extensions are pretty neat. Think I'm gonna try that whenever I get around to rewrapping.
BT, those grip extensions are pretty neat. Think I'm gonna try that whenever I get around to rewrapping.
#4
Senior Member
After years of pretty much using the cheapest bar tape (since I always wear gloves) my Trek road bike came with Bontrager Double Gel Cork tape and I loved it. It is a bit more tricky to put on without it being all lumpy but very plush feel.
The Jamis Renegade I use for gravel and touring came with EVA bar tape, I think by Velo, that is a close second and about half the price of the Bontrager tape.
The Jamis Renegade I use for gravel and touring came with EVA bar tape, I think by Velo, that is a close second and about half the price of the Bontrager tape.
#5
Senior Member
I’m not sure where you buy it because I’ve never bought it. But I have removed strips of gel that you put on the bars under the tape. Seems like it would be very comfortable.
__________________
Semper fi
Semper fi
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,503
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1090 Post(s)
Liked 707 Times
in
450 Posts
I double wrap all of my dropbars. Cinelli cork foam underneath, and whatever you want (including another layer of Cinelli) on top of that. Two layers of Cinelli is very cushy.
#8
I don't know.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: South Meriden, CT
Posts: 2,055
Bikes: '90 B'stone RB-1, '92 B'stone RB-2, '89 SuperGo Access Comp, '03 Access 69er, '23 Trek 520, '14 Ritchey Road Logic, '09 Kestrel Evoke, '08 Windsor Tourist, '17 Surly Wednesday, '89 Centurion Accordo, '15 CruX, '17 Ridley X-Night, '89 Marinoni
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 331 Post(s)
Liked 884 Times
in
460 Posts
I put those grip extensions that BTinNYC posted on my CruX. They are great, and I intend on putting them on other bikes. You do need a long roll of tape to cover them.
Also, I like to pre-tape my bars with 3M Splice Tape. It adds comfort without a lot of additional diameter (bulk). You can overlap it if you prefer thicker, or wrap it so the edges meet to keep it thin.
Also, I like to pre-tape my bars with 3M Splice Tape. It adds comfort without a lot of additional diameter (bulk). You can overlap it if you prefer thicker, or wrap it so the edges meet to keep it thin.
Likes For RB1-luvr:
#9
Senior Member
Bar shape is paramount to hand comfort. There are many options available for h-bars that have a flat or flattish section across the tops. The bar I use comes from Dimension. It has a flattish top section and provides a very comfortable perch for my hands. A friend of mine uses the old Specialized Hover Bar. Provides a more flattish section than the Dimensions plus it elevates the tops a cm or two.
I have used the extensions as shown above as well, but find the flattish section built into the Dimension h-bar works better for my hands. I also have an Easton h-bar made from carbon that has a flattish section, but find the Dimension bar is more comfortable. As I previously noted there are lots of options out there.
I have used the extensions as shown above as well, but find the flattish section built into the Dimension h-bar works better for my hands. I also have an Easton h-bar made from carbon that has a flattish section, but find the Dimension bar is more comfortable. As I previously noted there are lots of options out there.
#10
Miles to Go
I use gel pads under the tape:
https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-C...dp/B000QSXYHM/
https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-C...dp/B000QSXYHM/
#11
Junior Member
I discovered the best combo by accident.
I had put black foam tubes over my drop handlebars, but it was getting a tad damaged in places.
I was rummaging around in my box of bits & bobs one day and found some padded handlebar tape. Only having a few minutes to spare, I thought I'd quickly wind it on over the foam already on the handlebars.
It was superb!
If you have large hands it makes the bars perfectly sized and really comfy.
So, I recommend foam tubes first, and then padded bar tape (self-adhesive) wound over the foam.
I had put black foam tubes over my drop handlebars, but it was getting a tad damaged in places.
I was rummaging around in my box of bits & bobs one day and found some padded handlebar tape. Only having a few minutes to spare, I thought I'd quickly wind it on over the foam already on the handlebars.
It was superb!
If you have large hands it makes the bars perfectly sized and really comfy.
So, I recommend foam tubes first, and then padded bar tape (self-adhesive) wound over the foam.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,963
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4852 Post(s)
Liked 3,990 Times
in
2,589 Posts
The dumb, cheap and versatile solution. Take old inner tubes and cut them down the middle with scissors. Wrap the bars as thick as you want. Put a final wrap on of whatever tape you want to look at and feel. This will give you a firm feel, not soft and squishy, but it will isolate road noise very nicely. The softer approaches don't always work because they can spread the pressure from the weight on your hands to areas that are sensitive.
Likes For 79pmooney:
#13
Senior Member
YMMW
But
For me thick or double wrapped bar tape or tactically placed shaping pieces used to be a crutch for coping with a bad overall bike fit.
These days I use only one wrap of fizik microtex or deda mistral bar tape, both of which are practically unpadded. And my gloves are unpadded. I do have a pretty strong preference for certain hood shapes, but that's more of a wrist thing.
But
For me thick or double wrapped bar tape or tactically placed shaping pieces used to be a crutch for coping with a bad overall bike fit.
These days I use only one wrap of fizik microtex or deda mistral bar tape, both of which are practically unpadded. And my gloves are unpadded. I do have a pretty strong preference for certain hood shapes, but that's more of a wrist thing.
Likes For elcruxio:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 4,076
Bikes: Velo Orange Piolet
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2228 Post(s)
Liked 2,011 Times
in
972 Posts
I got Wolf Tooth Supple tape a couple months ago and absolutely love it. 5mm thick.
https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/...upple-bar-tape
https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/...upple-bar-tape
#15
Banned
I add padding to increase the diameter of the handlebar between the brake levers and the stem before adding bicycle bar tape to this section but on the drops I only have the bar tape as I only need to grip the drop sections when riding up hills. With a greater bar diameter there is more contact area for my hands when they are resting on this top section. Having a less solid grip of the drops is disadvantageous for me.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,294
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3503 Post(s)
Liked 1,489 Times
in
1,162 Posts
I have used some foam padding designed or the purpose.
I have also put one layer of tape along the bar on the top, but only on the top, why waste tape on the bottom was my thinking.
I use the thicker type tape.
I have also put one layer of tape along the bar on the top, but only on the top, why waste tape on the bottom was my thinking.
I use the thicker type tape.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,952
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2628 Post(s)
Liked 1,972 Times
in
1,235 Posts
I've got one bike with bad bars -- they're just shaped poorly for my riding/gripping habits.
The smart thing would be for me to get new bars with rounded corners instead of "ergo" corners. But that would cost money, and I'm surrounded by engineers (aka the biggest cheapskates in the world!), so I've been able to survive the last 15 years or so by using gel pads under the bar tape.
But I saw some interesting bar tape, Lizard Skins, available in a couple thicknesses. It's tempting, since my old tape is wearing out and the gel pads aren't staying put any longer.
The smart thing would be for me to get new bars with rounded corners instead of "ergo" corners. But that would cost money, and I'm surrounded by engineers (aka the biggest cheapskates in the world!), so I've been able to survive the last 15 years or so by using gel pads under the bar tape.
But I saw some interesting bar tape, Lizard Skins, available in a couple thicknesses. It's tempting, since my old tape is wearing out and the gel pads aren't staying put any longer.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,173
Bikes: Surly Disk Trucker, 2014 w/Brooks Flyer Special saddle, Tubus racks - Duo front/Logo Evo rear, 2019 Dahon Mariner D8, Both bikes share Ortlieb Packer Plus series panniers, Garmin Edge 1000
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 405 Post(s)
Liked 115 Times
in
99 Posts
I discovered the best combo by accident.
I had put black foam tubes over my drop handlebars, but it was getting a tad damaged in places.
I was rummaging around in my box of bits & bobs one day and found some padded handlebar tape. Only having a few minutes to spare, I thought I'd quickly wind it on over the foam already on the handlebars.
It was superb!
If you have large hands it makes the bars perfectly sized and really comfy.
So, I recommend foam tubes first, and then padded bar tape (self-adhesive) wound over the foam.
I had put black foam tubes over my drop handlebars, but it was getting a tad damaged in places.
I was rummaging around in my box of bits & bobs one day and found some padded handlebar tape. Only having a few minutes to spare, I thought I'd quickly wind it on over the foam already on the handlebars.
It was superb!
If you have large hands it makes the bars perfectly sized and really comfy.
So, I recommend foam tubes first, and then padded bar tape (self-adhesive) wound over the foam.
Are the tubes in the link similar to what you are referring to?
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Handl...%2C119&sr=8-35
The question I have on them is how to get the tube past the brake levers. I suppose since I am wrapping with tape I can slice open the length of the tube that goes between the stem and brake levers.
Thoughts?
#21
Junior Member
Are the tubes in the link similar to what you are referring to?
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Handl...%2C119&sr=8-35
The question I have on them is how to get the tube past the brake levers. I suppose since I am wrapping with tape I can slice open the length of the tube that goes between the stem and brake levers.
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Handl...%2C119&sr=8-35
The question I have on them is how to get the tube past the brake levers. I suppose since I am wrapping with tape I can slice open the length of the tube that goes between the stem and brake levers.
Although you could slice & wrap, it may not end up as good as a proper 4 piece kit: https://a.co/d/8D9qXlM (which requires removing brake levers).
#22
Senior Member
You may wish to move you saddle rearward a bit. It will move weight off your hands, possibly a bigger help than thick bar tape.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,173
Bikes: Surly Disk Trucker, 2014 w/Brooks Flyer Special saddle, Tubus racks - Duo front/Logo Evo rear, 2019 Dahon Mariner D8, Both bikes share Ortlieb Packer Plus series panniers, Garmin Edge 1000
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 405 Post(s)
Liked 115 Times
in
99 Posts
See picture from around town yesterday. You can see the bar position - it is quite a bit higher than most people's in this type of set up I'd say. It allows for the 2nd dummy bar underneath (that the bar bag is on) and it brings my posture up. That is where I like it. No moving of the saddle necessary.
#24
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,430
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6253 Post(s)
Liked 4,279 Times
in
2,397 Posts
I’ve used Aztec Road Wrap for years. I like it a lot better than gel pads. I would suggest pre-wrapping the bars with electrical tape, however. The adhesive is very aggressive which makes removing it difficult.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Likes For cyccommute:
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Ohio
Posts: 523
Bikes: 2021 Kona Sutra, Ragley parts-cycle
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 1,242 Times
in
336 Posts
Not only did it shift almost immediately, but my palms are still a bit tender.
(I know how to wrap bars and I wear padded gloves, so I attribute this to the tape and nothing else)
Likes For a_d_a_m: