Hi guys and gals,
Looking to change a new bar tape,my old one is starting to wear off.Just wondering,what brand of bar tape provides the best shock absorption/comfort?
Thanks!
The fizik gel inserts are pretty nice.
i like the fizik dual.
it’s a bit clunky, im sure somebody will tell you that fat bar tape isn’t aero.
but chicago roads are shit, i like it.
I also like the Fizik tape.
But nearly as nice is the el-cheapo nashbar synthetic cork-like tape.
Used 'em all. Don’t like cork. Like the Fizik Dual as well (esp for TT bike). Also like the Specialized Roubaix (slightly “fuzzy”) for cross bike. I don’t like my tape too “fat” so no gel inserts, etc.
Cheap enough stuff to find your preference for thickness, tack, color, ease of cleaning, etc.
+1 for Fizik. Easiest to clean. Even the white just wipes clean with Simple Green. I use the gel inserts on my road bikes. I think it helps with numbness, but it makes for a thicker grab and is easier than double wrapping.
For my road bike I have just plain old white tape from Profile Design. For the Tri bike I use the same tape (black) for the ends of the base bar and then this year I went with the tennis racquet tape for the aero extensions. It turned out to be real comfy and will definitely do it again at the start of next year. A bit unorthodox but worked well for me.
Thicker, more padding - fizik dual. Love this stuff. Gotta pull it hard to stretch though.
Thinner, but still grippy - Arundel Gecko tape. Not very durable but cheap enough, and easy to wrap.
if you ride with gloves, the Fizik tape is really nice. Like others have mentioned, its easy to keep clean and with the gel inserts provides some nice padding.
If you ride without gloves, try the Stella Azzura Fabwik. It’s a little grippier (especially in the wet) and cushier (is that a word?).
I’ll second the Arundel Gecko tape, especially if you’re riding without gloves. Better grippiness, especially in wet conditions or with sweaty hands, than I found in other tape.