How To Choose Handlebar Tape
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- Not all handlebar tape is made equal, as Jon is set to find out. We take a look at this cycling essential to help you choose your next roll.
In association with fizik.
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Handlebar tape, it’s not as simple as it may seem from the outset. It’s often cast aside or forgotten about, but one thing's for sure, bar tape is one of the three contact points between you and the bike. There are hundreds of different combinations to choose from including the material such as silicone, rubber, cork, leather, cotton and then, there’s the texture of the tape, the amount of padding, not to mention, arguably the all important colour choice.
So let's look at a few of the different types and exactly what they are. Oh, and there is no denying that new bar tape always makes a bike look good. And luckily our friends at fizik have sent some of their new range in for us to take a look at too!
It may not be blindingly obvious to many out there why we actually use bar tape. It’s primary function is for grip. Imagine trying to hold onto shiny alloy or carbon bars with either bare hands or a pair of gloves, it’s not going to be a really secure point of contact. The other function of bar tape is probably the one which is most obvious, to give you some extra comfort when putting the miles, or kilometers in.
Walking into a bike shop and looking at quite often a pretty large section of wall space filled with handlebar tape can be a daunting situation to find yourself in. And it’s quite common for someone to leave with added confusion along with possibly some new bar tape.
The appearance of the bar tape is for some, one of the most important aspects of selection, but for others, the last concern when making a selection.
The classic look. This style, the Tempo from fizik is one of the most traditional looking tapes you can get and the reason for this is that it stands out due to the perforated holes you find on it. So if you’ve got a bike that deserves a touch of nostalgia then this could be the stuff for you.
On the flipside, something that is perfectly smooth, the Terra from fizik is new to their range, I am this is going to clean up a bit easier than the Tempo as it doesn’t have the holes for dirt to get into and it’s also their off-road tape, so something for cyclocross and that type of riding really. So dirt won’t show up that much.
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What kind of bar tape is your favourite? Do you have different tape types on different bikes?
I love the factory standard Merida bar tape on my Reacto 400.
From a gravel grinders perspective - SRAM SuperCork or Pro Sport Comfort. But all of my hard bitumen riding friends go Super Sticky Kush Classic from Supacaz nowadays.
Bought cheap tape online with rubbery honeycomb pattern. Grips are good.
Yeah, I'd love to put some red bartape on my black & red Trek Checkpoint ALR4 but that gel tape from Bontrager that came with it is really, really comfy and I'm afraid that new bartape won't match that, so I'm pretty hesitant about it. Especially cause I don't have any bike shops in the area which specialize in road or gravel bikes so I'd have to order something. I'd appreciate any suggestions, though.
I like silicone tape. It's easy to install, pleasant grip and won't cut your finger. The original handlebar tape that my merida cyclocross bike had, was something 3mm thick foam with microtex top layer, I think. But the edges were sharp and cutting the back side of finger on hot day when hands get sweaty.. Normally it did not cut, but when my back got tired from too far reach. And I was holding the handlebar tops with just fingers.. the little finger and thumb rear of handlebar and other fingers from front. The edge was cutting into skin of back side of pinky. NowI have 2 layers of handlebar tape. Bottom layer is PRO sportcontrol and top layer is quee sio dura... black! I did chose by material and length.. Price too, but there wasn't much choice all the silicon tapes were expensive and kinda short for second layer. It's not like my hands are big, rather little smaller than average hand of male person. But.. I really feel much more comfortable with little thicker handlebar..
After the Covid bike rush, my preference changed to bartape that is in stock
Yeah, the same with virtually every component. Use that what's in stock and ride those damn bikes.
I like bar tape that doesn't cost $20+.
Electrical tape is the way to go. Lol
@@jerryjin3427 LOL, now that's a bit too cheap, $10 is the sweet-spot.
True that bro
Fabric Knurl costs about 15-20 £$€apples
Badminton grip tape and bar tape is similar
Been using Fabric's Knurl tape for about half a year now. Very cheap, comfy due to the rubberized top and silicone backing, grippy due to the knurled texture pattern and I like its low-key look. Blends well with the look of my daily steel commuter.
I like that even in a sponsored video you managed to give really decent universal advice. Thanks for that! Also, perforated handlebartape looks best!
Fantastic and helpful video as usual!
For me, my preferred bar tape is thick bar tapes with padding to absorb road vibrations. Hats off to Jon.
Cheers Omaris!
Anytime! (^_-)
I used ESI last round. It is very long lasting, and the customer support is incredible. I broke it while wrapping, and they sent me a new roll. On this go around, I got a call from Peter Sagan, and he told me to try Supercaz. I like the installation and feel. Hopefully, it will be long-lasting.
Editors... Please turn down the music when the presenters are talking. This is true across all videos. It is very distracting! otherwise, wonderful work....
I 100% agree
@Jeff-King's-comment "Editors... Please turn down the music when the presenters are talking. This is true across all videos. It is very distracting! otherwise, wonderful work....":
I second that. (Or since @Tomi-Saaranen said it first, I third that).
Darn muzak...awful stuff!
Only shellacked cloth bar tape for my vintage bikes(with twine instead of electrical tape of course!)
Can GCN make a video about gloves next?
theyre not fans of gloves because of the tanlines
My 1982 Guerciotti has original hand stitched leather handle bar tape. I put 20+ k on this bike before making it my winter rollers bike. Not much padding, but its lasted nearly 40 years!
My fav >>> Black Marine Canvas Edging Tape ! Looks perfect for years, easy to re-wrap, too. Low-cost & available everywhere.
I double-wrap over old inner-tube inner wrap. Old Italiano tip :-)
Lizard Skins DSP 2.5. Easier to install than the superfat 3.2 but still very comfy. Very grippy and lovely looking as well. And with the best fixing tape for people who wrap from the bottom up.
Got some amazing tape with my cannondale, wasnt able to find anything closely as good as that was. Really sticky, no slip even when totally soaked, and soft enough to have no aches in my hand. I want them baaaaack :'(
Danke Stefan, I'll take a look at that. I've even contacted cannondale to know what grip they are shipping the superx with, but no answer yet :(
Best cycling channel out there. Keep up the excellent work.
Thin and black (I cant stand the look of 6 week old white bar tape that's grey in the middle already) is the common criteria...
Other than that, I have a rubbery one for my gravel bike, a velvety one on my road bike and on my touring/commuting bike I have the same indestructible leather/leatherette tape it came with, and it looks as good after 25,000 km as the day I bought it.
I like fizik classic bar tape and i dont use gloves, only mountain bike do i wear gloves. I do have superkaz tape in box for next year use. Using this in up till new years day when i change my bar tape as a celebration!
Just bought a set of supacaz kush silicon gel for my next bike, last pair I had was fizik performance tacky, and before that was lizard skin. Haven't even put it on my bike yet and the supacaz is already my favourite
1st don't be afraid to ask questions, because your hands need all the comfort while riding your bike. I've used an array of bar tape. From high end to low end. I've tried Cinelli, Bontrager, State, and now I've made a home at Serfas. Serfas has the best from top to bottom tape choices. I've, tested them all. My favorite is the 2 tone stitched bar tape, classic look with modern feel. An my 2nd is their woven and then silicone.
Even before I wrap my bars I insert gel pads to add extra comfort. Color does play a roll so take your time in making the right choice. Call ahead or scout it out before making a purchase. I've never been a fan of cork that's just not my preference.
Great video & presentation!
I've got a question about something you did NOT cover.
What about those of us who like to put bar-gel UNDER handlebar tape?
What type of tape is most compatible with bar-gel? ...so that it keeps it from moving around, or the tape loops bunching up etc.?
Personally, I like the fizik bar-gel.
I only put it on the top, straight portion, but in two layers (fizik bar-gel is fairly thin, so on ROUND bars two layers does the job).
The purpose is to create comfort for the forearms, when riding "puppy-paws" (i.e. "elbow steering" in TT position)
I typically do about half my rides in "puppy-paws", but do NOT wish to switch to real TT bars -- for reasons both of travel convenience (bike box packing), as well as position on the bike (you get a fair bit LOWER with "puppy-paws" than TT bars).
Thanks for any hints.
The thicker bar tapes will bunch up using the gel pads. I've used regular thin cork bar tape with good success.
Bontrager's non-adhesive cork tape is lovely, goes on dead easy and cleans up almost like new every time! (I like white bar tape!)
Lizard skins 2.5 is my favorite kind of bat tape. Perfect grip and comfort, intertwined.
Everyone loves a nicely taped bat.
Pete Smyth That is why you have to mix lizards with bats.
I totally disagree unless you get black. It is nearly impossible to clean, peels within a couple of months, and isn't worth the cost.
The Cannondale Synapse and S-Wrap Roubaix bar tapes are the best I've found for riders who don't wear gloves, but for some reason, Cinelli, Fizik, Lkzard Skin, Supacaz, etc, all refuse to make that suede finish EVA foam with gel backing.
I'd really appreciate some pictures of how the tape does actually look on the bars.
Can you go into more detail about bartape material types and features - cork, leather, modern gels etc.? Ive noticed that compared to old styles, modern grips are much more reliable in terms of grip in wet.
I prefer thin bar tape since I use gloves. For me the colour matches the brake wires (orange).
Black... Silicone type or similar... Some kind of interesting pattern stamped on it. Basically Fabric or Supacaz. Job Done. =)
Hi Jon!!!!! I have to bikes one road and one mtb and I use in both bikes lizards skins brand with dsp material. Also in the road bike it’s 2.5 mm thick and two color way. See you later!!!!
>how to choose a handlebar tape
>Includes paid promotion
I've found handlebar tapes, especially the more recognized brands, to be terribly over-priced. I mean $45 - $70 for BAR TAPE???
This is perfect thanks
I put £40 I got for £30 Specialised HD pearlescent purple stuff on mine wanted heavy duty stuff as I destroyed the original tape on my 1st ride on it.
Seemed like a subtle ad for Fizik
Is it weird that i match the bar tape color with the accent color (not the body color) on my frame. For example the triban rc 520 has an orange strip running down the seat stays... So pair it up with orange bottle holders and orange bar tape... Personally, with the dark blue frame color, the orange accents look sick.
Great vid 👍 silly question but does one side have adhesive or is the tape secured another way? I want the tape for a different use. Thank you.
I have Fizik bar tape :)
I bought gel cork, when it drys after a rainy day white residue gets all over it!
Lizard skin 3.2 black ,nothing better!
Nope. It sucks. Doesn't last long at all.
@Aramintai not how it is wrapped. Where my hands spend most of the time, the surface just starts coming lose or off. I've not had that issue with others I've used. It is comfortable and has great grip even when wet though.
90% of pro teams still by simple EVA foam tape by the barrel. It's the best stuff out there. Supacaz and LizardSkins are okay but get dirty fast and it's hard to wrap.
Do I need a roll for each side of the bar or can one roll cover both sides
I was using a Bontrager tape on my kayak paddle, but I discovered that when I paddle in salt water it was tearing my hands up - I guess the tape was holding the salt and it was acting like an abrasive on my hands. Surprisingly most reviews of bar tape don't tell you whether it absorbs salt water or not.
Default option is to go for thick tape, especially for newbies, but 2mm just gives great road feel. Anything thicker just feels horrible to me, and don't believe the stuff about absorbing road buzz, it's barely noticable.
where has Jon gone...he is dang good.
I'm using hockey stick tape! hahaha!! it has a great grip, & I've got tons of it in a variety of colors .. it only cost $3/roll -~Just kidding...but not a bad idea; I'll try it sometime :)
3t microfiber bar tape for my fast touring. Never rips or wears. Cant fault it.
Brooks began bar tape same reliability but feels a bit too solid for some. Waterproof however.
Fwe microfiber bar tape. 17.99 identical virtually to lizarskinz without paying the price and its alot more durable than lizardskinz.
Then i would choose bontragers microfiber minimalist bar tape if i really wanted to munch miles and keep weight down. Remember narrower bar tape actually gives you more control vs thick but most thin tapes don't last long. This stuff lasts years. I was recommended by a trek enthusiast and ex time trialist. It's the only tape he'd use for its price and reliability. Again you feel the road a tad more but you eventually enjoy the feel of this tape
F
When you like it on your handlebars, you'll likely enjoy it on your tennis racket.
Haha lol
The problem with being sponsored is showing only one brand. Terror tape? Maybe subtitles will help.
His voice isn't so bad that it needs to be covered by music.
The thing I find annoying when shopping for bike stuff at bike stores is how each store seems to only stock one or a Max of two brands. I always walk away thinking "maybe the perfect product for me isn't even at that store but at another one", but who has the time to visit every shop? Hence I blindly buy online and suck it up if it's crap.
The 5 euros one. Always black. As good as any other, 4 times cheaper.
All black bike including brand labels, but I have white LOOK Keo pedals and White bottle cages (both salvaged from my previous bike when I upgraded) should I do white bar tape to help tie the pedals and cages in or just wait till I can afford to change out the pedals and cages?#GCNpimpmybike (that needs to be a thing) thanks GCN
Get Supacaz!
Cloth bar tape finished with shellac is the best, bar none.
So what I'm hearing is that the classic bar tape is the best choice for those of us with "grubby little hands"??? :-)
Fabric Knurl is THE handlebar tape. You're welcome.
#askGCNanything
Why no one wrap bartape over hud rubbers? I think that best table feel better on hand than slippery rubber.
John found his true calling! Love the elevator music
Ad for Fizik.
Is tape with adhesive better? I currently have one with none which I've had to rewrap
Can ya get it in orange?
TO GNC tech who won the FSA groupset? havent announce the winner?
it will be announced this week on the GCN Tech Show.
Thankz im just too excited
No cloth tape? :(
Closely related is the poor grip on the hoods while riding in the rain. Scary.
Its also for the cold. Hands on bare metal on a cold day !
I swear by the original tape can u buy the original bar tape to replace
supacaz super sticky kush silicone
Anyone out there tried the Supacaz super sticky Kush tape? thoughts on it?
Evan Williams yes. It tore when fitting it around Di2 sprint shifters. Returned. I've gone back to Lizard Skins.
Sponsored by Fizik
My road bike is a black , gray and green for the memes
Hockey tape! 👍
Lizard skin 2.5 or 3.2.
Otherwise I really like the $5 cork tapes from eBay.
I use ductape or electrical tape :)
Cork and it must be orange.
I bought my bar tape at Wal-Mart 🐴
🌻
All one brand so is more like an advertisement. I like the guy who did this video but I would have rather liked to get an overall view on different types and brands.
Heya - as we have mentioned before we don't do reviews, and we're using fizik bar tape here as they're our sponsor. Hope that helps!
Of course handlebar tape should match your saddle. They are to be white, and of Italian make.
#orec
W T F cotton track tape is fine for me and my dad 50 years ago !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best tape is no tape because weight wheenism and weight over function.
One company makes almost all the bar tapes in the world so... it's quite funny to compare them when they all come from the same factory.
Supcaz all the way ! :))
Brand$ are overacted &
The rules says... BLACK BLACK BLACK
This video is an ad
Lizard skins. 3.2mm. YELLOW!
Focus game strong at 5:02
I am disappointed. I ride on fizik tape for years and it is not great. It wears down way too fast and does not like heavy weather. It literally disintegrates. I was hoping to get some information on leather bar tape, but instead it was a generic video on trivial aspects of bar tape. You can do better.
Zwift commercials are annoying!
DISSAPPOINTING, GCN...Just a repeat flash of the sponsor's new product introductions, which Si already did on the "more motivational" (read: Giveaway) vid.
Is it "laterally stiff yet vertically compliant"?
Say something NEW! Test some, provide data (how grippy/long-lasting, soft?). Bah.
They are just saying what they want them to say.
There is nothing wrong with making 7 min long add for a single sponsor. So stop being ashamed of it and finish that video title ...from Fizik range.
And they don't even make foam tape
there are so many options ....... but our friends at fizik ..... .... Do you know that this is illegal in many countries? (mine included) this is an obvious advertisement and you should state it. I like your channel but this is pathetic.
@sysPanda: Why do you think there's a repeated blend in of "Sponsored Promotion" in the beginning?! And in the info box they explicitly state "in association with fi'zik" too! Seriously, what more do you want? A blinking neon sign running across the whole screen "we were bought!"?
You might gripe with their amount of sponsored content. That would be a reasonable discussion. Bearing in mind, that beloved GCN started as part of Google's TH-cam original channel initiative. And it's owned by a media company (and now Eurosport too), to promote not only cycling and quality cycling content, but "to provide a media channel for the promotion of the parent company's client brands."
But I've NEVER seen it not suffiently declared by GCN - whether it's Alta Badia, Oman, Canyon, Trek, Gran Canaria, or the horrible chemical nutrition and protein stuff... It's always with a declaration on the video and in the info box! And they certainly never claim their sponsored brands are the only ones who work. In fact they usually state there are a variety of good options available! So, no. Unless you live in a country where sponsoring and declared product placements itself are illegal, what they do is perfectly fine and legal.
1 - It is OK to title the video "flat vs drop" and then test them on Orbea bikes "kindly provided" BUT it's not OK to title the video "how to choose handlebar tape" and then show only fizik tape as if this is the only option - it should be called "how to choose fizik handlebar tape"
2 - the "sponsored promotion" label is in the player and not in the video itself which is legally different thing and on top of that does not always show - try rewinding the video from the beginning
Can I use handle bar tape on a regular handle bar like not those weird curved ones can I use the tape on a regular handle bar