Best bike handlebar tape according to redditors
We found 100 Reddit comments discussing the best bike handlebar tape. We ranked the 69 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 100 Reddit comments discussing the best bike handlebar tape. We ranked the 69 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I had my doubts prior to making this purchase. How could bar tapes that cost this little possibly be of decent quality?
However, upon opening the package, the first thought that came to mind was that this bar tape is suspiciously similar in feel and appearance to my bike's original (Cube Grip Control). And that's a good thing.
This tape goes on smoothly, stays in place well with a generous adhesive strip and includes probably the best finishing tape I have ever touched.
Lizard Skins, Supacaz — eat your hearts out.
Came in a set of 4 so my wife and I have matching bar tape now! :D
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJWVS1J
Would this bar tape work?
I've had the bike for a few weeks now and use it almost entirely for commuting. Here's what I've added since I got the bike:
The stock brakes weren't doing enough to stop me so I swapped them out for some Tektro CR720s. I dropped the yoke as far as I could to give myself as much leverage as possible. Braking is much better now and more reliable than the original set ever was.
I added a rack and trunk bag that's big enough to hold my food and clothes for the day. The only modification I had to make here was filing away some metal from rack mounting leg. It was colliding with frame near the dropout and not allowing the leg to sit close enough to the braze on.
Some of the original cable housings that came with the bike had some gouges in them so Nashbar sent me a new replacement cable set. I swapped out all the brake/shift cables and replaced the bar tape with some SRAM cork tape. The original cables from Nashbar were also a bit too long and were causing excessive friction.
I added some SKS fenders per the recommendations of users on this sub. They were a little finicky to install but I got them on in the end. This particular frame doesn't have bolt holes in either of the two rear bridges so I had to resort to the classic zip tie approach.
As far as the bike goes, it's been performing flawlessly so far. It weighs close to 30 lbs now so it's not the lightest thing in the world. However, the steel frame and the large tires really help smooth out the road quite a bit. The saddle is still the most uncomfortable part of the bike, but I'm hoping to swap it out sometime in the near future. Shifting is still very smooth and the 4 trim positions on the 105 front derailleur is a great feature.
If you're considering getting a bike from Nashbar, I'd definitely recommend them. Their customer service was fantastic and everything they shipped usually got to me door in 2-3 days (even the bike!).
I decided to add a couple lights to my commuter bike.
I used this light strip from amazon.
I wrapped over that with this clear bar tape from amazon.
I bought an 8-AA battery holder from Radio Shack, stopped by my LBS and got a cheapo cell phone bag to hold that. The battery holder has a 9volt style plug on it, so I bought a prewired plug to wire in to the LED strip. No switches were added. Just plug it in and it's on. Simple to unplug.
The strip was wired from the middle, right next to the stem. I cut off a small piece of the waterproofing and soldered to the pads in there then hot glued it all back after zip tying the wire to the strip so it won't move around. It's quite bright. I just did this a couple hours ago, so I don't know how it will look at night. I hope I'm not blinded. And I definitely don't feel like re-wrapping with that awkward-ass clear tape if it ends up being too in-my-face at night.
Here are some deals I've seen and when they come up or shut down. (All times are Pacific)
USB Rechargable Bike Tail Light on sale at 3:45
Foam Rollers go on sale at 4
Kryptonite 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock, Black Goes on sale at 3
Revolights bicycle lighting system Midnight
Womens Pearl Izumi Shorts
Pearl Izumi Jerseys 4:00
Different pearl izumi bibs
Pearl Izumi shorts 5:45
Pearl Izumi bibs as shown below 4:45
Canari womens shorts
Brooks saddles bicycle bar tap 2:45
Yakima DoubleDown 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack 4:45
Very compact sleeping bag 4:30
Compact first aid kit 3:00
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 Bicycle Ulock 3:35
headlamp 5:30
Polar Heart Rate Monitor 3:30
LED Strobe Lights 2:30
Youphoria Sport Towel ends at 3:15ish
Sram Bar Tape ends at 2:50
Kryptonite NY Standard on sale 6:50
Love'em. They take on a nice patina and hold even more grip in the cold and wet.
I suggest first wrapping the bars with some cheap cork wrap (I use this stuff for $9) and then sewing the leather grips on over it. The leather is cushy, but thin, so if you wrap it over the bare handlebar you won't get much vibration dampening or cushion. The extra-layer of cork wrap really makes it a lot more comfortable to ride with. Wear some work gloves when you do the sewing though since you'll have to pull the thread tightly to get the leather to stretch.
Here's a set I did a month or two ago (left is after an application of sno-seal).
I like Arundel Rubber Gecko
Cinelli Cork Ribbon Handlebar Tape, Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MK2KRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_fjNOTWWHBlAkw
I use Fizik Performance 3mm. Extremely classy leather-looking finish, very nice to the touch. I use the regular finish, but you have the option for soft touch or tacky finish, ~$20 compared to ~$30 for Lizard Skins
I like this one the best. More durable than the cloth material and good when it's wet outside.
https://www.amazon.com/Zipp-Service-Course-Bar-Tape/dp/B0063HO6JA/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1550859934&sr=1-1&keywords=cyclocross+bicycle+bar+tape
They have a smooth version as well.
I mean.... it very well could be, but they also make tape meant to look like that (this being very similar to Ops). You can get all kinds of colours. Generally called "splash bar tape"
Thanks! They're Weanas Vex Gel SuperSuede Handle Bar Tape
Maybe something like Cinelli's white cork tape? It has just the extra bit of texture with the natural cork speckling that would tie it into the saddle. Raw cork would be too dark, I think, but white tape generally matches quite well with most bicycles. Dunno how you feel about cotton tape, but I found this googling around and the cotton fabric seems pretty similar to the saddle.
SRAM Supercork
Road bike handlebar tape
Limiwulw EVA Road Bike Handlebar... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J45M9YF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Tools. Most people don't have proper bike tools, so that would be a great surprise. You can either get a decent multi-tool (get one with a chain-breaker and tire wrenches) or a variety of Park Tools. Here are some Park Tools that I find invaluable: 3-way hex, chain cleaning tools, pedal wrench, and/or a chain whip
This bar tape is amazing 3mm Fizik performance. Tape should be replaced semi-regularly, but most people don't, so it would be a great surprise gift. Black looks good on almost every bike.
Thanks! https://www.amazon.com/Weanas-SuperSuede-Bicycle-Handle-Mixed-Color/dp/B00K0BPPN6/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1549339759&sr=8-13&keywords=bar+tape
It’s the stock bar tape for the Marrakesh - Arundel Gecko
This is similar. This too.
Weanas Vex Gel SuperSuede Bike Bicycle Handle Bar Tape Wraps with Bar Plugs (Mixed-Color) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0BPPN6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
It's not super cushy, but it is pretty awesome.
You bought my favorite frame. That's the one I would get if I could. 👏
Just my opinion, don't fret, but the solid-black-everything-else motif isn't working for me.
This is what I would do:
The upper half that I would use when my hands are on the straight but I've just decided to replace the handlebars and levers with new trial-esque setup.
Bars (Actually going black): http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-BullHorn-Handlebar-40cm-Blue/dp/B002I7PRTM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I18KYNBPDA5LPS&colid=1JHQW4V0BH9PP
Levers: http://www.amazon.com/Cane-Creek-Trial-Levers-Black/dp/B000ZTNXCS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2TEPMUJD55N9Z&colid=1JHQW4V0BH9PP
Tape: http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Supercork-Bicycle-Bar-Tape/dp/B00142FFDA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3MX9WOPKPQ0BU&colid=1JHQW4V0BH9PP
Yeah, I plan on doing both the bar wrap and I'm changing gloves to a pure anti vibe glove (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00BHMBK22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). My impact gloves from mechanic work are not cutting it.
I'm also adding gel strips (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00649IW10/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and a closed cell foam that I took off a broken rake handle. Going to finish it off with hockey tape - something tough yet cheap. If necessary I'm going to get some cork bar tape in lieu of the hockey tape.
I'm curious as to how this will all work with the chain brake. I rarely trip it inadvertently - it could get quite annoying. You blink at those things now and they trip.
Man, those echo saws have come a long, long way. Best bang for the buck imho. You made a good choice.
yeah I've thought about both of those items.
either gel bike tape or something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Cinelli-COCUIMGEL-Anti-Vibration-Gel-System/dp/B00649IW10/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=gel+tape&qid=1555776362&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-25
Zipp Service Course is great tape, and they offer a CX tape as well which is thicker with more grip. Don't pay for Lizard Skins. ~$20 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Zipp-Service-Course-Bar-Tape/dp/B0063HO6JA
Not sure how it feels but there's this
Cinelli!
It is miserable in the rain, though.
Bar tape will do the trick for sure, I like Cinelli's Cork tape. The track grips that are on the Feather are not the most practical for casual street riding.
This is the tackiest I've ever owned. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0BPPN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Heard Lizard Skins is really good for Grippy
http://www.amazon.com/XLC-Cork-Handlebar-Tape-Clear/dp/B001BNC53K
Sorry just saw this - it's a cheap amazon brand but feels pretty nice.
I like it a lot, but it is not terribly durable so I need to replace it more regularly.
Arundel bar tape is what I’m using now, and I think I like it more than the lizard skins. It has a very rough texture (soft, but rough, in a good way), and that makes the grip really good when I’m sweaty or it rains. Not expensive either.
Can’t vouch for its durability though, I’ve only had it on there since early May. Still in fine shape though.
[](Yahill Vex Gel SuperSuede Bike Bicycle Handle Bar Tape Wraps with Bar Plugs (Mixed-Color) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016WCOVQI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lamjybHRXME55)
I swear by Lizard Skin, it's pricy but great tape, especially in the rain.
Grips - these are the ones I used. There are two rolls - more than enough to cover each handle. I used the left over to regrip the foot rests (not sure their official name).
Seat - this is the one I got. Depends on your preference - this one is firmer and more narrow than the stock seat. It is also shaped specifically for guys. It came with all the hardware I needed to switch it out.
Not totally clear on what you mean when you say "wheels are scratched and slashed", I'm guessing you mean the tires are damaged?
The front tire is probably the most important thing for safety if it's damaged, with the brake cables close behind.
So my budget for fixing all that would be (assuming it's the tires and not the wheels that's damaged):
New:
Total cost: $90-100. Only special tool you'd need is a chain tool ($9) to adjust the length of the chain.
I've found Deda Elemental tape matches my brown Spoon pretty nicely, as does Arundel Gecko
I'm a fan of this tape, double-wrapped. It's cheap, comfy, and I find it grippy enough (I'm a fellow gloveless rider) to get the job done.
Zipp Bar Tape or Zipp Course Bar Tape
Just normal drop bars with this awesome handlebar tape. Weanas Vex Gel Supersuede Bike Bicycle Handle Bar Tape Wraps with Bar Plugs (Mixed-Color) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0BPPN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_BdGxDb5HWP0CR
i bought these cause a friend of mine uses them. but i'll definitely look into these!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J4KZV7Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Okay, so with $200, assuming I was doing the work:
Wrap handlebars - $11.53 (sweet dark red, cause the red on there looks awesome already)
Cheap 700c wheels from co-op - $20? (Talk with them about the gearing to see if the range is the same, or if you want tighter range or whatever, they probably have a few sets there with somewhat different gear ranges on the rear)
Saddle from co-op - $5-10
Tubes/tires - $45 (tires, tubes)
Derailleur cables - $7 (Shimano, here)
Brake cables - $10.39 (Shimano, here)
Brake levers - $22.53 (Tektro RL340)
Brakes - $62 - (Tektro 539 rear, front)
5-speed chain - 7.98 (here)
Then I'd try to get pedals and a cheap but aluminum quill stem, handlebars, and seatpost from the co-op. Depending on where you are, you may be able to get all for $20 or less. Functional new parts suggestions: (not guaranteed to fit. These have all sorts of different diameters over the years/models, so you need to know what you have/need. Handlebars, Seatpost, stem.)
Standing fan with remote (similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V8Y64Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CGRSBbKHFFK0M)
6 pack of sweat bands to rotate (rinse after every ride) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X93QKQD?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Face towel for top tube & face
Finish line polish for frame (not sure if it actually works) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQKBMWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PERSBbF8K11BX
Fizik 3mm bar tape (sweat doesn't seem to penetrate this tape): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AONXPTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PKRSBb7S8B939
I don't know how anyone can survive a trainer ride without a sweat band (at a minimum).
Quality bar tape might help.. Lizard skins