Gel bar tape recommendations

mjf1017

I'm going to replace the bar tape on my heavily used giant defy 1.

The own brand tape has been okay, but having already changed wheels and saddle, I'm happy to try something new. I ride with friends regularly, do sportive and a weekend a year in Europe. Enjoy my cycling but am more of a sportive/leisure cyclist than racer/time trialler.

I don't know the difference between cork and gel, but prefer comfort over speed.

Suggestions/preferences please?

arlowood

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19691723#p19691723]mjf1017[/url] wrote:

I'm going to replace the bar tape on my heavily used giant defy 1.

The own brand tape has been okay, but having already changed wheels and saddle, I'm happy to try something new. I ride with friends regularly, do sportive and a weekend a year in Europe. Enjoy my cycling but am more of a sportive/leisure cyclist than racer/time trialler.

I don't know the difference between cork and gel, but prefer comfort over speed.

Suggestions/preferences please?

Done a few bike builds over the past couple of years and I've opted for the Bontrager Gel tape on each occasion.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/gel-cork-tape-ec008123?country=GB&currency=GBP&esvt=1042-GOUKE304068&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-33806-1&esvcrea=61233696896&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvaid=50080&gclid=Cj0KEQjw9o-vBRCO0OLi2PfPkI8BEiQA8pdF4PDwxmtjQp_2DCCmDubfHfpsdzRisQ80uGfwBq6XzlkaAvfD8P8HAQ

In addition for a bit of extra comfort I have also fitted the Bontrager Isozone gel pads under the tape.

http://www.cooksoncycles.co.uk/accessories/bar-tape/bar-tape-bontrager-isozone-under-tape-padding-only/

This combination has worked well for me but I'm sure there are others out there that will do an equivalent job.

mugensi

I have been using Zipp CX bar tape for the last few years, I cant see myself buying anything else again in the future. Its very grippy and has a really nice spongey feel to it without being too soft.

I had Bontrager gel tape in the past and thought it very good too but the zipp CX tape pips it as it doesnt soak up the rain like the Bontrager tape does.

johnnymcg259

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19691965#p19691965]MugenSi[/url] wrote:

I have been using Zipp CX bar tape for the last few years, I cant see myself buying anything else again in the future. Its very grippy and has a really nice spongey feel to it without being too soft.

I had Bontrager gel tape in the past and thought it very good too but the zipp CX tape pips it as it doesnt soak up the rain like the Bontrager tape does.

Yep......Zipp CX tape for me too......had it on my bars for the last few summers and its top notch.

thestrand

I've used FSA Ultragel bar tape recently, and it's much more comfortable than any other tape I've tried. I got it in white as well, and its surprisingly easy to clean which is a bonus!

mjf1017

Thanks all - I'll have a look at your recommendations and make a decision from there.

Mike

sungod

i use cinelli gel tape on my commute bike, still fine after several years

galatzo

High on bikes have some Sram Red bar tape (in red or white) for £6.95 which looks nice and has a simiar pattern/texture to red/ force hoods.