Getting a handle on bar tape: the tape thread

It's nice. Feels lovely, lasts longer than lizard skins, but doesn't last longer than standard cork or more basic tapes. If you're OK with the cost, go for it.

Cheers, trying to find a nice brown tape for a titanium bike are there any good ones in cork?

went in to alpkit this morning to check this out, not at all comparable to traditional cotton tapes like velox etc. pretty thick and heavy and felt very slippery

Looking for tape recommendations to replace the original tape on my old Cannondale after I switch handlebars.

It's very thin, shiny, perforated leather. Seems incredibly durable given how old it is. Any ideas? Only thing I can find is this one from Selle Italia

• https://www.wiggle.co.uk/selle-italia-smootape-classica-leather-handlebar-tape
  

YOu have the velox "perforée"

Very common here in France and very durable as long as you dont "untape" it

https://velox.fr/27-perforee

Thank you, I will try this!

I’ve been told this isn’t how you do tape grips. If it’s not, then how?

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I believe the correct way is however TF you like, debates about unravelling etc. aside

Start on the end of the bar like you would drops and wrap inwards I'd have thought. Then bar plugs to hold ends and leccy tape? Or trimmed down wine bottle corks and twine if you're cool.

I’ve alway done them “pro” ie centre to end and then tucked behind the plug to stop them unraveling. The reason for this is I can never find my electrical tape. Three people have told me I’m wrong. I ridden thousands of miles like this and they have never come loose. I just wondered what the consensus was here.
Also, wine corks and twine that would look cool on this build hmmm but not the orange tape.

How easy does this clean? I’m think a bright colour gif a certain winter bike 🤣

No idea, I don't clean bikes and I only use black 😁

That’s gotta affect their feel

ESI Silicone tape.

This looks event better. Thanks for the tip!

Has Specialized S-Wrap Roubaix been discontinued? Can’t seem to find it in stock anywhere other than the garish colours. What’s the closest alternative?

Yep, Spesh don't do bar tape anymore, just Supacaz shit.
I use Cannondale Cork something or other now, really miss Roubaix bar tape.
Or, just be bold and go with a colour, I opted for the pink Roubaix, 100% guaranteed to make you and your bike sexier!

Yep, Spesh don't do bar tape anymore, just Supacaz shit.

Argh, why does all the good stuff have to get discontinued!

I feel your pain.
The cannondale stuff I use now feels nice, not as suedey as Roubaix, stretches a fair amount (if wrapping your tape tight/thin is your bag), but the major downside is that you and your bike remain at standard levels of sexiness.
Found it, it's called knurl Cork.

not installed yet, but feels ok and seems long enough to wrap "thick".

Or, just be bold and go with a colour, I opted for the pink Roubaix, 100% guaranteed to make you and your bike sexier!

Get the pink, you say?

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That's the stuff.

After lizardskins for a while, which I hate, finally fitted some Cinelli Super Kalido. Not sure what the super is about, but fitted an absolute dream and oh so colourful. Seems grippy and comfy, but not travelled far on it yet...

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The color and the wine cork are perfect, looks great!

I have since 6 years this cangaroo leather handle bar tape in use, unwrapped ugly and almost disgusting – but once mounted (soaking in warm water at least 15-30 minutes before the job works wonders) lovely do use, so I'll vote for leather. With little bit of bees wax on top I guess it will survive many bikes! Yesterday because of bdhu made a new wrap. Under the leather tape I always put a fabric tape, just that the leather tape don't slide around.

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