Getting a handle on bar tape: the tape thread

i didn't find it particular hard to wrap and it was only the second time i have ever done it. can't comment on longevity as i have only been using it a few weeks but it seems like one piece of material rather than layers like the lizard skin i had on before which self destructed in a few months (i think it may have been wrapped too tight). there is a good video on wrapping it - if you watch that few times i think their approach works well, although i don't think i did a full figure of 8, but over once, then around and continue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhJJyCyUaos

I have no comments on the longevity, but I just bought some fabric (branded) tape that claims to be 100% silicone. It feels amazing to ride and much grippier in the wet than any other tape I've used.

Hmmm. Maybe I’ll give the Fabric silicone a go. Tried what I think was the Amey / forum approved Lifeline pro tape, didn’t make it onto the bars. Far too fat.

No one has black in stock 🤦🏽

Wilko for £4
https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-handlebar-tape-black/p/0344401

It's cork type, easy to wrap and I've found it good

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A personal favourite is the Joystick Analog bar tape. Really comfy, easy to wrap & seemingly wear-resistant. Pricy though.

Yeah the lifeline stuff is pretty bulky. I’ve got that on my road bike and Cinelli gel cork on my gravel bike and I wish I’d done it the other way around

I really love Lizard Skins in the thinnest 1.8mm thickness. Not cheap but nice.

So, ended up ordering a few different options; lizard skin 1.8mm, Fabric silicone, some super thin aero bar wrap and Fabric Hex.

Chose the Fabric Hex for price / feel / lightweight expanding bar plugs. Bonus is that I wrapped it so tight I managed to get both sides done with one roll! Easy to wrap, very stretchy and compliant. Finishing tape is really nice too, matt and stretchy.

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Does anyone use the gel pads under bar tape? I find it just makes a bulge that's uncomfortable on the hoods pressing into my hand. Am I just doing it wrong??

Wondering if anyone has a recommendation.
Looking for thin-ish tape
Black but some kind of graphic or pattern would be nice
Tacky/grippy. Rubbery feel rather than cork.

I wanted to get the bontrager zig zag tape, influenced by Hulsroy but description says it has a cork texture which I’m not sure about and at 25 quid it’s a bit spenny to buy to try and he said it was shit

Cinelli volee is still my favourite, but not sure what prints they're making now.

It's getting harder and harder to buy bar tape that isn't covered in logos and less than £20.

I like a tacky tape but they're all £30+ now or covered in logos.

Please, bar tape makers, give it a fucking rest!

how about the zipp service course tape? not too spendy, black, no shouting logos

Have used that a lot but find the look a bit shiny for some builds.

Did you try Fabric Knurl? Not ultra tacky but good enough.

(edit: as per last message in the previous page)

Fabric Knurl/Hex?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Fabric-Knurl-Bar-Tape_77004.htm
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/fabric-hex-duo-bar-tape

edit: posted in between disq's reply 😂

fyi looks like white Knurl is reduced to a tenner in Wiggle (but it's white...)
(I removed the link because somebody will just buy it without reading the spec, photo is misleading...)

All the brown.

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+1 for PRO Race Comfort. Not the easiest to wrap but after 3000km and 2 bikes it looks nearly new.

Anyone know what brand this bar tape is? Was on a finely Cinelli on the Campag stand at bespoked

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https://dedaelementi.com/loop-bar-tape

Ta

Will soon be giving my bike a springtime deep clean/spruce up and will re tape as my current tape is looking a little worse for wear. Any recommendations for a nice grippy/sticky/rubbery tape with a decent amount of padding?

This offering from Sigma caught my eye as it does look rubbery, is 3mm thick, affordable and can even be ordered with gel inserts for an extra £4 but never heard of it before. The few reviews on their own website seem very good though.

Lizard Skins get good reviews for grippy tackiness but also seems to flake off/die quite quickly?

This is my go to:

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/cinelli-tennis-bar-tape

Or, if you're feeling flush:

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/cinelli-kaleido-bar-tape