What’s the go-to gravel handlebar tape these days? I see Enve has a handlebar tape. There’s the fizik terra. Supacaz has some crazy designs and a claimed thick and super sticky kush tape. Am I on a triathlon forum or weed forum? Or is this all nonsense and double-wrapping is sufficient?
Little bit of a Silca fanboy but hard to imagine anything would be better than their new extra thick stuff: https://silca.cc/collections/bar-tape-1/products/nastro-cuscino-bar-tape
Certainly more expensive but I’ve used both of the two thinner versions and it’s fantastic.
The best tape with the best self fusing finishing tape.
https://esigrips.com/rct-silicone-wrap
I dont know who makes Moots bar tape but I love that stuff.
I second the Silca product.
Rides really nice and I don’t feel too beat up when riding on chunky gravel roads.
I had a bit of trouble on the install, but that could just be me.
Thanks for the recommendation. Hadn’t heard of this new handlebar tape but, aside from the price, it looks pretty good from the description.
The best tape with the best self fusing finishing tape.
https://esigrips.com/rct-silicone-wrap
Do you wear gloves?
I’ve never had luck with silicone tapes / grips with my sweaty, glove-less, hands.
On the gravel bike, I like the Silca tape or Supacaz. Both are more cushioned than what I prefer on the road, CX, or TT/Tri setup, where I’m mostly focused on grip.
If you need thick bar tape on your gravel bike, you need to lower your tire pressure.
Not everyone has the same size hands. Bigger diameter barwrap can help with ergonomics and fit, not just comfort.
Ok sure. In that case I recommend Selle SMP bar tape. Yup, the company that makes saddles makes brilliant (but thick) bar tape.
Wolf tooth components has some new cushy bar tape out now. I’m waiting for some reviews but I generally like their products
lizard skins rec here and i have some silca tape for when i next replace it.
I tried a double wrap as well as the fizik gel things. All made my hands go numb (padded gloves do as well). What really helped was first moving to a carbon bar (EC90 SLX) and then getting a redshift stem. I personally dont notice any stem deflection (tho i’m sure there is some) more what i feel is the elastomers soaking up so much road chatter. It’s a beefy stem, but the comfort is very nice.
The key to hand comfort turns out to be as little damping as possible… which is basically the opposite of what the industry has been designing for the last 20 years. We pair the pebax foam used in the Nike Next% shoes, super high cushion/low damping with a hydrophobic TPU top layer to tune the grip… low damping, high wet/dry grip.
Anyway, don’t take my word for it, our first bar tape won a Tour Magazin lab test against all the major brands a few months back:
1st place in cushion
1st place in wet/dry grip
3rd place durability/tear resistance
out of 20 different brands.
will post a pic when I find the replacement for tiny pic!!
Available in 3 different thicknesses for hand size
J
I am using Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Galaxy Single wrap on my bike and it’s great. I like the look and feel of it.
Use same on my road bike too.
The silca stuff is great with real R&D. For a more budget option with better tactile feel try Shimano PRO gravel comfort tape. Great feel and wraps nicely.
Doesnt anyone use gel pads like what Fizik and Bike Ribbon and Felt make?
Zipp CX tape. I’ve tried the Silca products and keep coming back to the Zipp tape.
I also use the Zipp Service Course CX tape, it’s great.