Tape and cables

SME

It must be the time of year for sprucing up...
I've read this post ( viewtopic.php?f=40004&t=13077666&p=20094065&hilit=best+bar+tape#p20094065 ) and need to do the same. I'm confident in my skills but still have some questions (and didn't wish to hijack a thread!)

I like cork gel bar tape and have previously used SRAM and currently have Cinelli. The SRAM seemed (from memory) to be a little more robust, the Cinelli seems to tear easily (hence the re-wrap). Are there any others that I should consider?

I was considering this, any thoughts?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/pro- ... prod146240

Also... Is it worth re-cabling at the same time? The current cables seem to be in good working order, but how do you tell really? The gear cables look discoloured but I'm told that's due to a teflon covering. Should I just change them as a matter of course, both inners and outers? The current cables have around 1600 miles, and I try not to use this bike in bad weather.

Just for information the geartrain is 105 11sp 5800 throughout.
Thanks in advance,
Steve

sungod

this cinelli gel tape? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cinelli-gel-cork-bar-tape/

tbh for cork tape i find it pretty tough (try deda cork tape for easy to tear!), but use whatever you like the look/feel of

i use the cinelli on my commute bike, for road bike i prefer thinner tape, the old fizik microtex/equivalent

1600 miles is nothing, cables will last far longer unless damaged or really abused, unless the cables are binding causing poor shifting i'd leave it - coated cables can shed the coating causing it to clog up the outer

arthur_scrimshaw

Try Brick lane own brand https://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-pr ... dark-brown or https://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-pr ... ight-brown

I went for the light coloured to match a Brooks C17 saddle, it's lovely tape and cheap. Very durable so far.

SME

Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:

Try Brick lane own brand https://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-pr ... dark-brown or https://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-pr ... ight-brown

I went for the light coloured to match a Brooks C17 saddle, it's lovely tape and cheap. Very durable so far.

That looks very durable cork tape but, alas, not in the colours I'd like. Thanks though.

sungod wrote:

this cinelli gel tape? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cinelli-gel-cork-bar-tape/

tbh for cork tape i find it pretty tough (try deda cork tape for easy to tear!), but use whatever you like the look/feel of

i use the cinelli on my commute bike, for road bike i prefer thinner tape, the old fizik microtex/equivalent

1600 miles is nothing, cables will last far longer unless damaged or really abused, unless the cables are binding causing poor shifting i'd leave it - coated cables can shed the coating causing it to clog up the outer

Yep, that's the Cinelli.... won't try Deda then! (TBH, I guess any cork tape will have a harsh time with tarmac if the bike goes over!)
I'm even OCD trying to get the C's lined up!
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I had that leathery looking Fizik tape on my Scott S30 - the dimples matched the ones on the Charge Spoon saddle - hadn't considered Fizik on this bike for some reason. Maybe I'll have another look.

Thanks for the advice re. cables. Gear shifting and braking have given no problems, so I guess 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' rule applies.

Thanks for the replies and advice.