Bar tape - Stupid question

[Jim_Noir]

Hi
How does better bar tape help? and what makes are "good"?

 

[HLaB]

Hi
How does better bar tape help? and what makes are "good"?

Jim,

Better bar tape should be more padded, grippier in the wet, good wearing etc.

I guess you can only know via testing what feels right for you and perhaps reccomendation. I put Spesh Roubaix tape on my sirrus a while back and found that good but I can't really compare it to much. I've got FSA stuff on the kinesis and like that too its a completely different texture, I think equally as padded but smoother yet grippy.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

The Specialized is definitely good. If you would like what I consider to be the best then Lizard Skins is the way to go. Not for faint wallets though!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=37210

 

[mightyquin]

Hi, I started a thread about bar tape recently, seems everyone has their own favourites. Some are thin, some are cushioned, some come with gel pads to put under the tape.

I ended up buying Fizik Microtex Dual tape which someone recommended (I wanted something grey, this is black and grey and slightly cushioned). Haven't gotten around to fitting it yet though......

 

[numbnuts]

Bar tape - Stupid question
no question is stupid, but some of the answers maybe

 

[flogster]

Hi
How does better bar tape help?

Can I nudge again re Jim's point, how does it help?

 

[fungus]

It depends how far you're riding I suppose, if you are just doing short distances then it's not a big deal, however if you are riding 400k+ you will want something a bit more padded to stop your hands from going numb. I used to use Cinelli cork but use Cinelli gel now for a bit more cushioning

New bar tape is one of the cheapest yet most satisfying upgrades IMO.

 

[John the Monkey]

I acquire it every time ProBikeKit do their end of season sales - I can usually pay £3 per box or less.

I like the "Pro Race" stuff. Their "Eleganza" is nice (grippier, feels more like leather & less like plastic) but accumulates dirt like nobody's business.

I very much like Fizik, but it's too dear for me at £10 box (last time I looked).

I do use Fizik bar:gel pads under my tape though, so I'm not overly concerned by the padding offered by the tape itself.

 

[HLaB]

Can I nudge again re Jim's point, how does it help?

I take it you never read the 2nd post

Jim,

Better bar tape should be more padded, grippier in the wet, good wearing etc.

I guess you can only know via testing what feels right for you and perhaps reccomendation. I put Spesh Roubaix tape on my sirrus a while back and found that good but I can't really compare it to much. I've got FSA stuff on the kinesis and like that too its a completely different texture, I think equally as padded but smoother yet grippy.

 

[Basil.B]

I'm thinking of getting Gel pads, as I have to replace my Fizik bar tape.
Just wondering if they make much difference and how long do they last?

 

[PpPete]

You can put new tape over old gel pads.

My favorite tape is Bontrager - the non-adhesive kind. It's quite a spongy feel and stretchy, but surprisingly un-sweaty to hold.

 

[Jonathing]

I've just gone from cheap Easton to cheap Deda tape and I'm not hugely impressed. It seems that all tapes are not created equal.