The ideal bar tape (which, when and why)?

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one60
Posts: 57
Joined: Sun May 31, 2020 1:37 pm

by one60

there are a few ways to achieve that look....once you've cut the bar to size, unwrap the last turn or so of bar tape and apply the electrical or self-fusing tape to the underside of the tape (sticky side down). Once its in place, rewrap the bar tape and secure it by folding over the electrical tape onto the bar tape.

artiebulger
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Dec 27, 2020 9:54 am

by artiebulger

Burgh "X Stealth" is my personal favourite. Tacky feel, lays well, and looks incredibly cool.
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Ymerej
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed May 29, 2019 11:41 am

by Ymerej

Supacaz works well for me in black.

kroem
Posts: 435
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2019 4:37 pm

by kroem

artiebulger wrote:
Mon Feb 15, 2021 7:14 am
Burgh "X Stealth" is my personal favourite. Tacky feel, lays well, and looks incredibly cool.
Those looks really nice!
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ODC
Posts: 373
Joined: Mon Aug 14, 2017 9:40 am

by ODC

In the past I was happy with Specialized Roubaix handlebar tape. Then since last year using the supacaz super sticky kush and never want something else anymore.
I have hearth that specialized is going to stop with producing handlebar tapes and it would take over supacaz. Don't if those rumors are truth.

rides4beer
Posts: 690
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2018 5:27 am
Location: VA

by rides4beer

I've had good luck with Zipp Service Course CX tape. Tried Lizard Skins and it was horrible, kept sliding, had to rewrap the bars twice, maybe I just had a bad set? Have Supacaz on the new bike, like it so far.

London9921
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon May 10, 2021 9:14 am

by London9921

ODC wrote:
Mon Feb 15, 2021 6:11 pm
In the past I was happy with Specialized Roubaix handlebar tape. Then since last year using the supacaz super sticky kush and never want something else anymore.
I have hearth that specialized is going to stop with producing handlebar tapes and it would take over supacaz. Don't if those rumors are truth.
Specialized founder Mike Sinyard's son founded Supacaz (using his dads trade contacts for sure). That's why you'll find Supacaz on all WT Specialized sponsored bikes for instance. Their logo was even on Bora Hansgrohes Specialized bidons. Sinyard Sr has done all he can to promote his sons business.

I've also used the S-wrap Roubaix tape and it's been incredibly good. Can't find it anywhere.

B0tt0mline
Posts: 85
Joined: Fri Jun 02, 2023 8:47 pm

by B0tt0mline

I love the ENVE bartape, have it on all bikes.
Colnago C68- Enve SES 4.5
S-Works Aethos - Enve SES 2.3
Open MIN.D - Enve SES AR 4.5
Mosaic GT2-45 - Enve SES AR 3.4
Open WI.DE - no money for Enve

stevec1975
Posts: 552
Joined: Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:37 pm
Location: London

by stevec1975

I love the Lifeline (Wiggle) Professional Bar Tape, (https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/l ... d-bar-tape)

Cheap, Light (approx. 32g wrapped on my Aero bars), feels great dry or wet, doesn't seem to wear at all, have it on all my bikes, have tried pretty much every other brand out there and always come back to this.

voicycle
Posts: 170
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2021 8:38 am

by voicycle

stevec1975 wrote:I love the Lifeline (Wiggle) Professional Bar Tape, (https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/l ... d-bar-tape)

Cheap, Light (approx. 32g wrapped on my Aero bars), feels great dry or wet, doesn't seem to wear at all, have it on all my bikes, have tried pretty much every other brand out there and always come back to this.
Pretty sure I have that (or possibly the same thing branded as Vel, the Sigma Sports house brand) on my city lockup bike. Bought it on price alone and I was really pleasantly surprised. Definitely outperforms its price point, and it’s really not even much of a step down from the supacaz stuff I’m using on all my ‘good’ bikes. Perhaps slightly less shock absorbing but otherwise just as good.


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X5SAE
Posts: 75
Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2023 7:16 pm

by X5SAE

I love my Silca Nastro Cuscino 2.5 mm tape. Very grippy and brilliant vibration damping.

I have the 3.75 mm on my gravel bike, but that's a pain to get into the bar ends and to put the plugs IMHO.
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Kurt1980
Posts: 319
Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:41 am

by Kurt1980

Looking for a firmer bar tape.

Currently running some Cinelli cork tape, which is way too soft for my liking. Feels vague and too squishy when sprinting.

Is there something thinner and firmer out there?

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C36
Posts: 2471
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2017 3:24 am

by C36

Velox cork type are way firmer, too much for me but that may be perfect for you!

Flasher
Posts: 258
Joined: Fri Mar 27, 2009 8:10 pm

by Flasher

stevec1975 wrote:
Tue Jun 06, 2023 11:25 am
I love the Lifeline (Wiggle) Professional Bar Tape, (https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/l ... d-bar-tape)

Cheap, Light (approx. 32g wrapped on my Aero bars), feels great dry or wet, doesn't seem to wear at all, have it on all my bikes, have tried pretty much every other brand out there and always come back to this.
Bought this after the recommendation, just lovely stuff and so cheap, now on 3 bikes :thumbup:

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BdaGhisallo
Posts: 3261
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2004 1:38 pm

by BdaGhisallo

Kurt1980 wrote:
Sun Jul 02, 2023 2:41 pm
Looking for a firmer bar tape.

Currently running some Cinelli cork tape, which is way too soft for my liking. Feels vague and too squishy when sprinting.

Is there something thinner and firmer out there?
Acros silicone bar tape is excellent.

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