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What do you look for in a good bar tape?For me personally, I like to have a durable covering for my handlebars, and it is also nice to have lots of options on colours as the mood or bike dictates. Fi'zi:k have used a material to make their tape that differs from the norm, in that it is not made from the almost standard cork. By using Microtex, which is a leather substitute, they are using a material that they are well versed in. It has been used on the excellent Fi'zi:k saddles for many years and has proved to be very hard wearing.The thickness of the tape can be a difficult thing to get right, some preferring a very thin tape while others wanting a little more bulk to absorb the shock. Fi'zi:k have taken a very sensible approach to this problem by making the tape super thin, thinner than most cork, which allows a very precise feel to the cockpit. If you prefer a tape with a little more comfort you can add the Gel pad kit underneath the bars. This feels in use very similar to quality Gel tapes like the Cinelli or Specialized options out there. But you have the added benefit of two things. One, the extended life that the Microtex material provides over a regular cork tape. Two, and an important thing to note, compared to other Gel pads, the Gel used will not harden over time, is not effected by heat, sweat or any other outside influences. I have had a set on for over 9 months now with no problems to report at all.If you prefer white tape but in the past have been plagued by the dirty hands syndrome, this is the tape for you. Over the period I had the white tape on my bike it did lose some of that crisp white look, but after the 9 months it has been on I thought that this was fantastic. As you can see in the pictures I have recently changed to black. It is important to note that the black has a different texture to the white and the coloured tapes. The black has a cork/rubbery feel to it where the colours have a smoother finish. All things being personal I actually prefer the feel of the black. As I have not spent a long time on the black I can't comment on the longevity as yet but I cannot see a reason why it shouldn't perform any different to the white. This should mean that I will be able to leave it untouched for another 9 months and longer, or until I have another whim and decide to change the colour.
In my opinion this tape represents excellent value for money, even if it costs twice as much, using this set-up. The durability is second to none. Combined with the Gel pads it'll cost you just over the £20 mark, and that is money well spent in my book.
Going by this handlebar tape, MicroTex is a stretch-resistant and breathable material with a rubbery outer layer. Not sure about how breathable it is, but the stretch resistant claim has credibility; it is not that easy to fit without leaving a wrinkle somewhere.Do it right, however, and you have a good-looking finish to any road bars with a surface that offers a distinct - and agreeable - tactile sensation. It feels good when wet, too, but does not offer much by way of cushioning.Nor should it be expected to resist a crash; the tape may be tough, but the rubbery finish comes away without much resistance. So, those wanting low-rent utility might want to look elsewhere. Anyone wanting an attractive, grippy, lightweight finish that will last with care but needs careful handling can buy with confidence one of the many shades of MicroTex tape on offer.Kit includes bar ends and extra strips for behind the brake hoods.
Attractive, comfortable, grippy and colourful bar tape
During the day this is pretty standard, quality, high density bar tape, but at night....it glows! Both a gimmick and a safety feature, the Lumen really does light up your handlebars, getting you noticed by traffic and passers by. It also comes with some snazzy reflective bar plugs.
A real bargain
You'd be excused for thinking flowery bar tape might look a little... flowery. But this Pro tape is very subtle, with its embossed floral pattern more cool than garish. Thanks to its 'dry glue', it's easier to fit than most tapes and is flexible enough to contour tight turns, although a pair of classier bar-end plugs would have been more fitting. On the road the gel formula, which looks like any other bar tape, was as comfortable as any cork tape and the feeling was soft yet secure. The tape comes in white, light blue, pink or light grey.
A subtle and easy way to add a feminine touch to your bike
Lizard Skins forego the usual pseudo-cork compounds for their new road handlebar tape, instead opting for a unique 'Dura Soft Polymer' foam.The closed-cell material plus its 2.5mm thickness make for a distinctly cushy and comfortable feel, and it's also remarkably grippy even when wet, especially in combination with the built-in surface texture.Roadies who find themselves on rough surfaces will undoubtedly welcome the way the DSP material takes the shock out of their hands - and maintains feeling in their fingers.At 63g for the complete set, it's no heavier than standard stuff but far lighter than bar tape sets that include separate underlying gel pads. That and the reassuring no-slip surface make DSP an easy choice for cyclo-cross riders.Installation is a snap as the DSP material is very stretchy and a full-length adhesive backing helps keep things under control. Finishing tape and bar plugs are included, too, and there's a generous range of eight colours available to suit your bike's paint scheme.The rubbery feel won't suit riders who prefer a more natural sensation, though, and not everyone looking for something grippy wants something so squishy (for those riders we recommend black Fizik bar:tape, Arundel Gecko Grip or Bontrager's paper-thin Grippy Tape). It's also quite expensive at £24.99 a set.If grippy and squishy is exactly what you're going for, however, and you don't mind the artificial look and feel, Lizard Skins Dura Soft Polymer tape is an easy choice.
Remarkably tacky surface even when wet, cushy feel and easy installation, but artificial look and feel won't suit everyone's taste, and it's expensive
This company cut its teeth producing wraparound frame-protecting bands for MTB chainstays, and the ever expanding range includes this wrap for dropped handlebars. While some tapes have a tendency to fold when bind them around tight bends, this stuff stretches very effectively so it's quite easy to get neat and tidy and resists tearing better than most. The texture is similar to the kind of tape you'd cover a tennis racket handle with and lie gel layer is a highly effective shock absorber. The length of tape is generous so it's long enough for 46cm handlebars
Probably the best handlebar tape available