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Stupid question, I know, but what characteristics are important when buying handlebar tape? The last time I had to replace mine was back in the late 1980s, and it was a non-adhesive ribbon-like tape... not unlike a thicker version of something you would use for wrapping a gift.
My current tape is spongey, and (I assume) adhesive, and I wouldn't mind replacing it with something similar. But there are lots of choices on eBay, and I am left wondering what the differences are between the various names and types.
Are some tapes better than others, or are they all just differently-branded versions of the same stuff?
Bontrager gel stuff is nice and also cheap and comes in mega colours. Lizard skins dsp is awesome but expensive
There's a lot of variation in thickness, sponginess and grip.
Lizard Skins DSP usually features highly on here. It's wonderfully grippy (hence requiring less of a tight grip on the bars) though I do like to use it over some gel (fizik or Specialized) for the touring bike.
The black and white Cinelli zebra tape is clearly the coolest looking bar tape money can buy. It also happens to be comfortable and reasonably grippy. You can get the gel pads to go under it to improve comfort.
Pop over to Evans and get some of their own brand stuff, I would. In fact I did. I would also not recommend the version with the gel pads - it makes the bar too big, imo.
Another DSP lover here.
Got it on all my road/gravel/drop bar bikes..
Soft, spongy, and bloody comfy IMHO.
I was recommended on here and like Giant SLR tape. Mid sponge, adhesive but not overly so that it can be undone and redone, seems to be wearing very well.
Another fan of Bontrager Gel here. DSP is also nice stuff.
Zipp service course bar tape is very good. Much better than bontrager foam/Cork tape that fell to bits looking at it. Zipp tape lasts and has a soft gripping feel to it.
I like Zipp service course CX tape
The only time I use anything other than DSP is on a new bike. Use the stock stuff until it's worn out then replace with DSP.
If I am not racing against anyone except myself, and like a bit of comfort under my hands, what thickness of the DSP would you suggest?
Would 2.5mm suffice? Thicker better? Thinner?
Thicker better if you're not using gel.
Thinner better if you are (unless you have big hands)
Dsp and Spesh Roubaix fan here.
I use Easton bar tape on summer bike. Nice designs and comfy enough. Never use any tape/wrapping on the winter bike.