I have been riding this year so far, without bar tape on my extensions. Does anyone else do this? If so, why?
Always in years past i’ve used it,but for some reason I am digging the feel of just the extensions and the shifters in my hands.
Anyways, if you don’t use bar tape, do you put anything on at all? And if you do use bar tape, what kind?
I see a lot of athletes these days not using it and it makes me wonder why?
Thanks!
I don’t like it on the TT bike mainly because I find it frequently unwraps. So I use grip tape from the hardware store that is meant to put in a shower or on stairs.
Plus the added bulk of tape seems unnecessarily un-aero.
Having nothing seems fine until the first time you ride in the rain, on a descent where you want to be on the extensions. Then I found I needed the grip tape to confidently grip the bar.
I like using wilson racquet grip tape. It’s crazy thin and grippy.
Edit: Has anyone ever tested tape vs no tape? in the tunnel.
No bar tape on extensions ever. Just do not need it.
I don’t like it on the TT bike mainly because I find it frequently unwraps. So I use grip tape from the hardware store that is meant to put in a shower or on stairs.
Plus the added bulk of tape seems unnecessarily un-aero.
Having nothing seems fine until the first time you ride in the rain, on a descent where you want to be on the extensions. Then I found I needed the grip tape to confidently grip the bar.
Also on a hot and humid day with lots of sweat. You don’t want your hands slipping forward when in aero, even if you have ski-tip bars it can happen. Probably fine in most situations to not have any tape, but helpful when extra grip is needed.
I like using wilson racquet grip tape. It’s crazy thin and grippy.
Edit: Has anyone ever tested tape vs no tape? in the tunnel.
+1 on racquet grip tape (I’ve used Gamma grip for the base bar and extensions).
My solution
.
Isn’t that stuff crazy expensive?
My solution
No tape for me on extensions or base bar. When I upgraded my cockpit, I decided it was not necessary and could only add weight, and drag turbulence.
I just go with some strips of electrical tape to mace sure my (mechanical) cables stay in place and go into the extensions as they should
Over that I got strips of skateboard grip tape
It’s not one of that hardcore tapes - really nice to grip and doesn’t hurt.
As I found myself to move slightly forward and overgrip I find this the perfect solution for me
I use hockey stick tape. Super thin, grippy and it comes in all different colors
I think around $9 a set . I guess it depends on your definition of expensive.
I’ve used no tape on the extensions - works fine, sweat not an issue.
Tennis racket grip, hockey tape, like others have stated both work great.
But if you really want to up your game - .5mm Lizard Skins baseball bat tape. It’s like when Boom met Shakalaka.
Bar tape. With adhesive backing. (Yes they unravel too easily without adhesive.) Not sure which brand sorry. Replaced the tape 2 years ago and it’s still solid.
I’ve had lizard Skins 2.8mm tape on for over a year now and shows no signs of unraveling or being worn out for that matter.
Heatshrink tubing.