Anyone use Lizard Skins DSP 1.8 bar tape in white?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m looking for a white bar tape with the following qualities:

  1. Must be clean-able.
  2. Must have good grip when wet (rain, sweat, after swimming).
  3. Prefer that it’s not too thick.

I’ve tried the Fizik Microtex (not soft touch) in white. It’s pretty good, as far as being able to keep it clean and not terribly thick. However, it’s not the best when wet.

I’m wondering if the Lizard Skins is better.?.

I’ve been thinking of giving the DSP 1.8 a try, since it’s the thinner of the two Lizard Skin options. However, I’ve read some reviews that say it’s hard to keep clean with the recessed “dots”, and there are contradictory reviews on just how good the grip is when wet. (Some say great, others terrible.) Also, most reviews say the durability isn’t very good. Most complain about it wearing through just behind the hoods on a road bike, though. Not sure how big of a factor that would be on a tri bike.

Any input from users?

Thanks.

2

I recently got a used SC that has white lizard tape on it. Not sure which version, but it’s rather thick/padded compared to the Fizik Microtouch tape on my old bike. The Lizard tape is pretty comfy, but seems to take on and hold dirt and grime easily. Grip seems ok with wet/sweaty hands, haven’t tried it yet coming out of the water. I’ll be switching to Bonti tape. White looks sharp when white/new, but seems to take on a grey-ish tint rather quickly. Might be just me, but I can’t see myself washing hands every time I wrench on the bike or change a tube on a ride. YMMV.

  • Stephan
3

I love the 1.8 Lizard skin tape, but there are a couple of tricks:

Don’t stretch it too tight when installing it (like other brands). It significantly reduces the life of the tape.The finish tape, however – good stuff. And that you can stretch tight.Get some other brand bar plugs. LS plugs suck.I only use the black, so I cannot comment on the white. Cleanup is nice, and has a good grippy feeling when wet or dry. Just don’t stretch it too tightly when installing or it wears quickly.

Edit: And a bit overpriced. I wished it costs less.

4

+1

I use the white and the above is true with the exception that I have never had trouble with the bar ends.

Cleaning isn’t much of a hassle with white. Some winded will get the grime right off. I usually have to clean it every 400mi or so.

Hope it helps some.

5

Mine picks up dirt, and if you don’t clean it pretty quickly the dirt is there to stay (unless someone has a trick for whitening your bar tape)

It doesn’t look bad, it just doesn’t look brand spanking new. Lots of things work like that…

6

Windex and if that doesn’t work, I use some rubbing alcohol and an old t shirt. That always works for the hard to get stuff. It might not be the best for the tackiness, but personally I’ve never felt any difference.

7

Not a fan. Had it in white and after about 3 rides it was never going back to white. When i wore gloves on my road bike it accelerated it even faster.

Went back to black standard cork.

I also had trouble getting a good clean wrap with it.

Gel comfort was nice and decent tack but nothing amazing.

8

Ive been rocking white bar tape since i started cycling and the best option has been specialized’s bar tape. The one that feels like cloth(i can never remember the model). It cleans easily, very comfy to the touch and not thick.

9

Two of the riders at work have the white tape. I haven’t seen it getting dingy on either bike. I have the blue and really like the grip!

10

If you want white tape, get the Fizik. Cleans up nicely with Simple Green. Mine is 3 years old and from 10 feet looks brand new. It’s also pretty thin.

11

I’ve been using the smooth Fizik microtex in chaulk white for many years on multiple bikes. There is no other tape that will stay white like it does, as in 2-3 years. They also make the brushed version. It may work well in black but the white was dirty before the bike even left the garage, literally. Avoid that version.

I now live in San Diego and on hot days without gloves and lots of sweat, the Fizik can be a bit slick. I opted to try the Lizard tape about 2 months ago. Same story as others, dirty and never going to be white again. It does have a fantastic feel to it however. I’d say black or skip it.