Tape recommendations

[vickster]

Looking for grey (or maybe silver) bar tape for the Genesis. Due to frequent issues with arms and hands, I need quite a lot of cushioning

Would you

a) go for a cheaper tape with extra gel underneath

e.g. http://www.probikekit.co.uk/handlebar-spares-acc/fizik-superlight-handlebar-tape/10770129.html + http://www.probikekit.co.uk/handlebar-spares-acc/fizik-handlebar-gel-set/10769817.html
or...

b) a more expensive thicker tape

e.g. http://www.probikekit.co.uk/handlebar-spares-acc/lizard-skins-dsp-3.2mm-handlebar-tape/10770174.html

or c) something else...it's not a very common colour

 

[Cycleops]

If you value cushioning above all else why not try putting some foam pipe insulation underneath the tape. But £26 for tape! I used to use an American product called Grab On!, foam tubes wich slid on with washing up liquid, very soft and comfortable but don't know if it is still available here.

 

[musa]

get the fizik one...we have some silver one in the shop cant remember price but 10% off via this channel

 

[vickster]

Musa, might pop in Saturday if you're around

£26 for tape is fine if it stops me getting tendinitis...it's a fraction of the cost of the bike and should last for ages if good quality. Also feel is important

 

[musa]

Musa, might pop in Saturday if you're around

£26 for tape is fine if it stops me getting tendinitis...it's a fraction of the cost of the bike and should last for ages if good quality. Also feel is important

Yeah will be

 

[VamP]

That's the first time I' ve seen fizik bar tape described as cheap

I only ever buy fizik tape it's great.

 

[vickster]

£12 is a pretty small proportion of £1300 ultimately

 

[VamP]

Sure, but it's premium stuff.

 

[vickster]

Even the basic stuff? Right

 

[VamP]

The superlight you linked to is. I am not sure if they do ''basic'' tape, but superlight is the dura ace of bar tape.

 

[vickster]

But is it comfortable?

 

[4F]

Take an old innertube, cut out the valve, cut innertube along the length and first wrap the bars with this. Then take a cheaper bar tape of the colour of your choice and wrap as usual.

DIY gel tape at a fraction of the cost

 

[Dusty Bin]

Musa, might pop in Saturday if you're around

£26 for tape is fine if it stops me getting tendinitis...it's a fraction of the cost of the bike and should last for ages if good quality. Also feel is important

Not sure if any bar tape will stop you getting tendinitis, regardless of cost or spec. Might be better to look more closely at your riding position, or your tyre choice - or your tyre pressure...

 

[vickster]

It does make riding more comfortable, however - and whether a thicker tape on it's own or a thinner tape plus additional gel underneath is preferred (not going to start wrapping old inner tubes round the bars). This is a bike I am building so all should be good. I'll get a fit done once built

 

[VamP]

But is it comfortable?

It's very light so probably less cushioning than a thicker tape. It is nice to touch, and very durable and easy to keep clean.

I am not sure you can get much comfort out of tape TBH. You can almost certainly get (a lot) more comfort out of tyre/tube combo choices. Look at bigger volume tyres, and latex tubes.