I saw the other bar tape thread and wanted to start this one as I almost fall off the bike when gripping my current bar tape when its really hot / sweaty. What is your favorite?
Zach-
Funny this comes up-since bike shops have horrible hours and no inventory-I went to amazon just recently for a new supply. of several different types…
It’s often hot here in CT-I like Fizik cork best, but I have had luck with a few others but sadly I can’t remember which ones-so I ordered a bunch and I will let you know when I know if something beats out my fav Fizik black cork.
Dale
I saw the other bar tape thread and wanted to start this one as I almost fall off the bike when gripping my current bar tape when its really hot / sweaty. What is your favorite?
Slice Nastro… https://silca.cc/collections/bar-tape-1
or
Supacaz… https://silca.cc/collections/bar-tape-1
Both are EXCEPTIONAL, especially when wet. The Silca is seemingly the best in many areas.
Ever tried tennis tape?
since bike shops have horrible hours and no inventory
That’s too bad as I’ve got four bike shops all within a 15min drive of me that between them I can pretty much get whatever I want/need. In all honestly, two of the four I don’t ever bother going to at all and one of the other shops is my “backup” shop as I deal with the other one about 90% of the time.
I’ve been real happy with both the Wolf Tooth Supple tape and the Salsa gel cork tape. I have both on my gravel bikes that see tons of wet weather riding and lots of sweaty humid rides. No issues.
Lizard Skin
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Bontrager Grippytack Handlebar Tape is the best I have used. Really tacky.
I’m a big fan of the Supacaz and the Silca looks to be very similar. Been using Supacaz on my road and tri bike for years with great success… I’m a heavy sweater and definitely appreciate not slipping around.
Truthfully cheap cork stuff works too, but IME it absorbs sweat and I’ve had giant chunks of deposits when I change tape. The above tends to repel sweat vs. absorb and not be slick.
X2. Hands down.
I’m a big fan of the Supacaz and the Silca looks to be very similar. Been using Supacaz on my road and tri bike for years with great success… I’m a heavy sweater and definitely appreciate not slipping around.
Truthfully cheap cork stuff works too, but IME it absorbs sweat and I’ve had giant chunks of deposits when I change tape. The above tends to repel sweat vs. absorb and not be slick.
Yea, I’ve got some fellow riders who sweat a lot and Lizard Skins didn’t do that well, though it’s nice when dry. My Supcaz is amazing in both padding and tackiness. I’m moving to the Silca as it seems even better.
I just bought this:
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012MR6OKS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It has good reviews, I’ll see in a few days.
Lizard Skin
I use these and they get slippery as they get old, so I replace them once in a while.
When they are new, grip is just incredible.
after years as a fizik user, I switched to Fabric (the brand who is mostly known for their seats) and I love it. It is a little thicker than I am used to, but zero issues with sweat.
I’ve been really, really please with Zipp service course CX. I’ve put it on a few bikes now.
Fizik soft touch, I don’t ride road bikes anymore but this stuff never gave me issues and I’m a heavy sweater and don’t wear gloves on the road.
https://www.fizik.com/us_en/tempo-microtex-bondcush-soft.html
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I have been using Head tennis racquet grip for years as my bar wrap. They have 2 thicknesses, thicker one is very grippy and even with heavy sweat or rain the grip stays great and never gets slippery. It lasts the whole season and its cheaper than bar tape. My local Sport Chek always has it in stock. Highly recommend.
Lizard Skin
I use these and they get slippery as they get old, so I replace them once in a while.
When they are new, grip is just incredible.
Not a fan of Lizard Skins, found it too sticky feeling when dry, and slippery when wet.
I do like the Grip handlebar tape from Decathlon, good feel wet and dry and lasts well.
Tour Magazin in Germany did a lab test of tapes plus rider feedback… here’s a image of the test. Our tape won, but only because it’s the only stuff using pebax foam (same as Nike React) and hydrophobic tpu (same as Oakley nosepiece rubber)… though we did get knocked some points for being expensive, and for being harder to install! (note: lower is better)
Josh-
I have not tried your bar tape-so I have no comment…yet…
I’m happy to see these results, so thanks for posting that.
Dale