What kind of handlebar tape is best

Check our help guide for more info. By : Kelly Lynton Updated : October 11, Looking to replace the worn off handlebar tapes on your road bike? With hundreds of choices, comes the hard part. Which one is for you? How do I choose the best ones? What color should I get?

Budget Picks. Photo Credit : Cinelli. View at Competitive Cyclist. View at Bike Inn. Pros : Value for money. Cons : Not as durable as other materials. SRAM Supercork. View at Jenson USA. What does this mean? Pros : Good durability for a cork bar tape. Value for Money Picks. Zipp Service Course CX. Photo Credit : Zipp. Pros : A lot of padding and grip. Cons : Not durable. Fizik Vento Microtex. Photo Credit : Fizik.

Pros : 3mm thick padding provides plenty of comfort. Cons : Wrapping is more difficult due to its material. High Quality Picks. Supacaz Super Sticky Kush. Photo Credit : Supacaz.

Willing to pay for the best handlebar tape? Still skeptical of the high price tag? Pros : Nice, sleek design. Cons : Expect to pay x more than a standard cork bar tape. Photo Credit : Lizard Skins. The choice of a large number of pros in the WorldTour peloton, this Lizard Skins is one of the most luxurious feeling handlebar tapes on the market. As well as this 2. Pro might not be best known for its handlebar tape, but it's done a great job with this Smart tape. It's made form silicon, meaning that it is strong enough not to tear, while also being thin enough to make for easy application.

Having a silicone strip rather than glue on the back means that it can be refitted too. If you want a handlebar tape that can be easily matched to your bike and kit, then the 27 different colour options that this Fizik tape is available in should offer just about enough choice. It's very thin, meaning that there are more comfortable tapes out there, but that also makes it very easy to fit, and it can also be wiped down easily, so white tape can be kept looking good for longer.

For a classic finish for a bike, the Specialized S-Wrap Classic handlebar tape is hard to beat. The synthetic leather finish looks great and is dead easy to clean.

Available in four different colours, the only problem we found was the lighter colours were a bit harder to keep clean. You might think that your handlebar tape is mainly there to make your bike look good, but this is probably the most important contact point between yourself and your bike, so it's important that it gives you secure grip so you can control your machine in all conditions. Look for a handlebar tape with a nice tacky finish that you help you maintain grip when riding in wet conditions - something that is particularly important if you're riding without gloves.

Another very important aspect of handlebar tape, especially for those riding without gloves, is its padding. Especially on long rides over rough roads, your hands and wrists can take a real pounding, so look for some handlebar tape with plenty of padding to reduce the vibrations being transmitted to your body. If you're riding on particularly rough roads or even cobbles then consider wrapping your bars with two layers of tape for even more protection.

Assuming you've watched the video above and are planning to fit your own handlebar tape, then it's worth looking around for a few reviews to see how easy it is to wrap. And for the perfect finish, there are finishing tapes that keep the edges securely in place and end bars for a clean, decent look. The material itself can be stretched when installing it on the handlebars without fear of any heart-breaking rips. It stays firmly in place without pulling out when it comes in contact with water or sweat.

For a professional and classy new look and a comfortable riding experience, the SRAM definitely lives up to the hype. A lot of traditional bikes had handlebars without adequate taping around the surface. Of course, this resulted in tired, numb and blistered palms. Being a major means of transportation back then, that was definitely a lot to bear. However, times have changed; comfort and class are both being re-emphasized.

Designed to be longer in length than its competitors, this bike handlebar tape saves you the stress of re-wrapping over and over again. With an extra-long length that covers the entirety of both handlebars, enough tape would probably be left over for the levers.

Measuring about 92 inches long and 1. The adequate cushioning ensures your hands stay comfortable throughout the riding period, eliminating blister occurrences. With a non-slip surface that has you covered in wet or dry periods; enjoy a pleasurable ride without the fear of going the extra mile. This is why not just any tape will do, but one that has the properties adequate enough to cushion and dampen vibrations. The Cinelli Special Edition Handlebar Tape is designed to bring maximum comfort and plush cushioning to the palms on the go.

The streets may be rough and the off-roads bumpy, but your hands will remain softly pampered by the texture of this road bike handlebar tape. Made with a polyurethane base, its form is quite lightweight and easy to handle. The top is reinforced with a soft velvet cover that provides the luxury comfort every cycler, male or female deserves. This set includes finishing strips, bar end plugs and more than enough tape to cover the length of the handlebars.

Are you a fan of wearing gloves when cycling? Does the mere thought of it make your palms sweat? And now with modern and high-tech options that provide comfort anyway, you never have to feel guilty going out without a pair of gloves. Made with a durable and sturdy microtex material, the Fizik Performance Bicycle Bar Tape is lightweight enough for an easy application.

With an ultra-thin form for a more flexible and stable fit, the sizes run in 2mm, 2. It comes in more than 12 colors that would definitely suit any bicycle regardless of the brand and type. The variety of colors also makes it easy to pick out a design that best suits your personal taste. With 0. It also comes with a distinctive file tread texture that enhances the grip while providing a smooth surface where the hands can move smoothly.

The tackiness of this handlebar tape is on par with what is expected of high tech tapes. Even when the handlebars get wet due to sweat or rain, the texture remains viscous enough to stably keep the palms on. Cycling is an amazing hobby and sport. Handlebars determine the control you have over the bike and how much it can be accurately maneuvered.

It has been reinforced with even more padding providing a satisfying, cushiony feel on the palms whether they are resting on the handlebars or gripping tight while cycling. Your weight shifts mostly to the arms when cycling especially if the bike is on top speed. This tells on your elbows and wrists when they are not comfortably positioned.

Your comfort can only be assured if the right materials are used and in place for enhanced riding experience. It promises to be soft on the palms and gentle on the skin while providing a secure and easy grip. The tape comes in multiple colors that would suit a wide range of bicycle saddles and personal style.

All the available colors and designs come UV-protected to ensure you enjoy their vibrant look and feel over time. It equally sports a durable construction that will last a long time. Even when it drizzles or you work up a little sweat when cycling, these handlebar tapes remain tacky enough for a good and secure grip.

Unclothed handlebars deserve appropriate dressing that protects them from the sun and other elements while providing you with optimal comfort.

Good handlebar tape actually lengthen the lifespan and appearance of the actual handlebars. The Fizik Performance Bicycle Bar Tape is designed to promote top performance while providing the required fitted protection the handlebars need.

The design puts comfort, convenience, and optimal performance first by innovatively combining the required technology with innovative ideas. The materials form and texture is anatomically designed to appropriately cushion the hands during every ride while the form remains beautifully lightweight. With different designs and colors to choose from, Fizik is definitely a reliable option for the rider who loves comfort, sophistication and drive. Leather has to be one of the most attractive types of handlebar tape materials found in the market.

Their expensive, classy and shiny finish definitely adds a lot of swag to the bike. They also serve as great protection for the handlebars as well, and thanks to their long term durability they are changed out less.