Lets talk bar tape

[babse]

8 hours ago, Jbr said:

I got 15k out of the road and gravel suppacaz on each of my bikes, and it’s still looking new on the road bike, on the gravel bike there’s a couple of marks on the upper part following the tumble I took at SA gravel champs, the spot has probably weakened because of the countless hours spent on this bike in winter with gloves on.
Couldn’t care less about bar tape I just ride whatever the bike came with, but must say if you’re changing bar tape every 3 months maybe you should look at putting a bit more coin and get something a bit more durable.

I had Fabric on my old bike, it was nice but not as durable.

That fabric knurl was a goodie. Dont think they around anymore.

I currently have a cheapie (avalanche i think) for about 6 months, cant see it lasting beyond winter with a TemuCaz waiting in the drawer. 

[michaelbiker]

Am loving the Ciclovation Grind Touch stuff. No sticky backing, quite thick and grippy. Tapes with adhesive are the devil. Titan racing tape seems pretty good too, but I haven't used it yet.

Also, if you ride alu bars, I'd recommend changing tape more regularly - or at least cleaning underneath the tape - so even more reason to use a non-adhesive tape. Sweat can corrode the bars and eventually they can become dangerous.

[Titan Racing Bikes]

On 5/2/2025 at 5:47 PM, guidodg said:

Best tape I have ever used has to be the Titan Racing silicone tape...amazing product which can be used over and over again, super grippy and does not need the sticky backing to adhere to the bars..

It has a smooth matt finish with no holes which can get full of grime and dust, easy to wipe clean and if you remove it it can be reused since it does not tear or deform easily....

 

That's great to hear! Thanks for your support and feedback. 

[Spinnekop]

Big fan of https://guee-intl.com/product-category/bartapes/ 

I have on the road bike and the gravel bike.

 

[DieselnDust]

19 hours ago, Bro Derek said:

For a gravel bike I have always wondered if one could slide on multiple silicone mtb grips 
 

Have the shifter mounting sticking out between 2 grips pushed up against each other and just clamp the shifter onto the grip.

 

I may try this just because

I slid a set over my bar tape on the drops a good while ago and it really made things comfortable

this is 1980's style Bro. ou need to wear a mullet to rock this and ear hang ten kaplakkies with Judron shorts or you're just not authentic....

a serious note, it is entirey possible to slide use mtb grips but the section of handlebar above the the brake hoods will require you too slit the silicone grip down its length to fit it. Think about, how will you slip the grip over the shifter cables? Whether this is a hydraulic disc brake or a mechanical brake and shier bike there is still a hose that needs to be considered. You would need to disconnect the brakes and shifter cables or brake, fit the grips and then route the hose under the grips. Behind the shifter  you just cut out a step in the grips above and below the bar clamp so they meet at the back but provide clearance to the shifter/brake hood body in front. All doable but I can spend my personal time in more productive ways, including drinking beer while watching to action this fitment. I'll sell tickets to make it economically productive and I'll throw  in a 0.5% VAT discount from 15,5% to 15.0 % FREE!!!

[Underachiever]

On 5/2/2025 at 5:10 PM, Michael S said:

Building up a gravel bike.

What is the latest on bar tape for gravel use?
Any recommendations?

Double wrap of the same tape? Mix silicone and cork? One layer of a "nicer" tape?

 

Single wrap on the drops and double wrap on the top.

Bottom wrap on the tops was what the Niner came out with. Thin and black...

Best & cheapish top layer is the Giant brand.  Lasts a lifetime and easy to wash.

[NotSoBigBen]

3 hours ago, Underachiever said:

Single wrap on the drops and double wrap on the top.

Bottom wrap on the tops was what the Niner came out with. Thin and black...

Best & cheapish top layer is the Giant brand.  Lasts a lifetime and easy to wash.

That is my go to bar tape on my gravel bikes .... single on the drops, double wrap on the top as you say. Not really that fussed what tape, whatever I can get my hands on at a reasonable price

For the 'under' layer on the top I scrounge some leftover tape wherever I can. 

[BikeisLife]

20 hours ago, babse said:

That fabric knurl was a goodie. Dont think they around anymore.

I currently have a cheapie (avalanche i think) for about 6 months, cant see it lasting beyond winter with a TemuCaz waiting in the drawer. 

Became Cannondale Knurl tape. There’s some available locally. 

[DieselnDust]

10 minutes ago, BikeisLife said:

Became Cannondale Knurl tape. There’s some available locally. 

cannondale own the Fabric brand so much of the Fabric products are now branded under the Cannondale banner