I’ve searched, didn’t find a whole lot. I’m curious–what bar tape do you guys/girls use? Is there one that you just can’t live without or you think is better than the rest? I’ve tried 3-4 different brands, but haven’t really found anything spectacular. Most have been cork or had cork in them. Any input on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Deda
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fizik microtex.
i prefer the sueded version on my road bike b/c it’s got a bit of extra grip for weight being on the bars.
smooth version on tt bike.
i have yet to come across, but hear good things about, arundel gecko tape.
Fizik. Hands down. It may not be the most spongy or softest, but the stuff stays clean (i run white and all you have to do is simple green and wipe it down and voila clean tape). It kind of has a leather like feel to it.
http://www.fizik.com/catalog_accessories.aspx?subid=Bar_tape_
Prince tennis racket grip overwrap tape. Seriously. You don’t really put any weight on your hands on a tri bike so you don’t need the cushion, and the grip is great soaking wet or dry. I’m talking about the overwrap tape, not the replacement grip. Just wrap the overwrap over your bare bars. It’s light, grippy and lasts a long time. And it’s cheap…
The new Specialized tape is amazing looking, and pretty comfortable too… pricey though.
I started using the Arundel about a year ago and love it. I have used Fi’Zik stu, Cinnelli/Deda etc cork before as well and like the Arundel stuff better. It has the cushion of cork but is a little grippy so you don’t fear sliding around. Even better is that it is under $10 (and cheaper than the other types) at my local shop. I originally won some in a race and have recently bought my first set.
you are referring to the gecko grip, not the cork, right?
I’ve thought about using hockey stick tape. Anyone try this? I like a thin wrap.
fizik or cinelli gel tape
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Specialized Roubaix. Works great when you have wet hands.
I really like Lizard Skins. Grippy, comfortable, easy to clean.
Looks like most people prefer Fizik. I might go with that then–I’ll be using white bar tape as well. Any others worth mentioning? (it’ll be for a tri bike if that matters)
ESI Grips road grips. They replace tape, are super comfortable, and grip better when wet. I like them so much I have a small stockpile just in case.
A bit of a pain to put on though, but worth it.
man you’re really on a mission for a white-out eh?
Hahaha yes i am. Hopefully all the white will compliment a black bike well enough. Also it gets pretty miserably hot where I live, and white seems to be my best bet to stay as cool as I can.
I have hockey tape on the ends of both my base bar and extensions and have been very happy with it. Light, thin, and has sufficient grip.
x2. I don’t think enough people have tried Lizard Skinz to know how good the stuff really is.
Is the lizard skinz as easy to keep clean as the fizik microtex? has anyone experience with both?
I feel like it is, but it’s like a rubberized grip with more cushion than the Fizik tape. I especially like it on my road bike for crit racing. No worries about slipping when I’m cranking on the bars during hard efforts.