Bar Tape - Which one?

mr_goo

Looking for something with a bit more cushioning than the standard Cube tape that came with my first bike. Any suggestions? Is it easy enough to fit myself and how many rolls would I need?

ride_whenever

you'll need 1 pack (ie two rolls) pretty easy to do if you take your time and watch the youtube videos.

Any cork tape will be okay, i quite like the SRAM stuff, and the FSA stuff but cinelli is probably my favourite.

flasher

Leave your old tape on and just put some new stuff over the top!

dreamlx10

Cinelli gel tape.

ajb72

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

Chip \'oyler

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

+1

sfichele

Specialized tape is really nice.

I may be hijacking here - but has anyone ever been able to get hold of the BMC embossed bartape that comes on a new BMC bike?

bcss

Chip \'oyler wrote:

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

+1

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Monty Dog

If you want squishy, there's Specialized Bar Phat or for something a bit more hard wearing, use some Fizik Microtex over gel pads. For bar-wrapping look on ParkTool.com or YouTube. My tip is to wrap the bars and cables first with electrical tape - the bar tape doesn't stick as strongly and means you can wrap and unwrap a lot easier - I've re-used Microtex for a number of years this way.

AlanW

bcss wrote:

Chip \'oyler wrote:

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

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CrackFox

I like the look and feel of Deda Elementi tape. Personally I don't like Fizik Microtek at all but it seems to be popular.

Chris McG

AlanW wrote:

bcss wrote:

Chip \'oyler wrote:

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

+1

+1

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+1

Velonutter

Chris McG wrote:

AlanW wrote:

bcss wrote:

Chip \'oyler wrote:

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

+1

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itchieritchie

Only ever used Spesh Bar Phat. Vibration dampening par excellence. Also, as they really are 'phat', they give you a bit more for your hands to grip. Nice and cushioned feel when really hauling on those drops (which isn't actually all that often in my case!)

The only thing I'm disappointed with is the colour. Only available in black, last I checked. White would look extra bling on my bike, innit...??

That said, these Fizik gel inserts seem a good alternative, and a set of those plus Fizik tape in white would probably set my Arione off nicely. I'll probably be trying that next.

Also heard good things about Lizard Skins, though the feel isn't for everyone. Available on wiggle in myriad colours I believe. Never wrapped meself so facing the same prospect shortly. I like the tip about the electrical tape. I'll be doing just that.

Best of luck - especially with the wrapping - and let us know what you plump for.

mr_goo

Thanks for all the advice. I think I shall go for the Fizik with Gel pads. As I ride alot on the top of the bars I hope the extra cushioning across the top will help. Will be going for Red tape, currently have white, and while very blingy its a pain to keep it looking good.

Squillinossett

Velonutter wrote:

Chris McG wrote:

AlanW wrote:

bcss wrote:

Chip \'oyler wrote:

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

+1

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+1, amazing tape, the 2 year old stuff on my trek still looks new, and I only use it in bad weather, and its been through 2 crashes with only minor scuffs!

sheffsimon

Velonutter wrote:

Chris McG wrote:

AlanW wrote:

bcss wrote:

Chip \'oyler wrote:

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

+1

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=5 (if you dont count the first post)

markos1963

SheffSimon wrote:

Velonutter wrote:

Chris McG wrote:

AlanW wrote:

bcss wrote:

Chip \'oyler wrote:

ajb72 wrote:

Alternatively, check out the gel pads that you fit under regular tape, such as made by Specialized or Fizik. The fizik is my personal preference as it seems really robust, I had to swap the pads over to new bars last week and its as good as new.

This gives you the option to use any tape you like, and again my preference in Fizik Microtex - hard wearing and easy to keep clean, but most importantly very stylish.

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

=5 (if you dont count the first post)

+1

rake

bar phat with gel pad here. i like a thick grip point to spread the load. works well, soft feel.

Velonutter

Just to add I have white Fizik Tape on my best bike and after over 3000 miles it still looks as good as the day I fitted in, quick scrub with a nylon brush when you wash your bike and it comes back like new.