Bar Tape (specifically, which one?)
Discussion
Over the winter I'm going to strip down and service my best bike. Replace cables, brake blocks, chain, clean and regrease everything.
One thing I want to swap is the bar tape. What's on there is fine but has a couple of nicks in it and us a bit dirty in places.
Ideally I want something very similar to what is on there (can't buy the exact stuff anywhere I can find as its OEM).
What I want is something that has a texture to it i.e. not shiny, with a small amount of padding to it but not bulky. Also something that lasts well and I'd easy to clean would be good as I want it white as I'm a tart (my other two bikes both have black tape!).
Myriad choice online but it's obviously something you need to feel or get good advice on before buying.
The Fizik microfiber stuff looks like it might be ok but I'm not exactly sure of the finish and the 3 LBS I've tried either don't have it or have none in stock.
One thing I want to swap is the bar tape. What's on there is fine but has a couple of nicks in it and us a bit dirty in places.
Ideally I want something very similar to what is on there (can't buy the exact stuff anywhere I can find as its OEM).
What I want is something that has a texture to it i.e. not shiny, with a small amount of padding to it but not bulky. Also something that lasts well and I'd easy to clean would be good as I want it white as I'm a tart (my other two bikes both have black tape!).
Myriad choice online but it's obviously something you need to feel or get good advice on before buying.
The Fizik microfiber stuff looks like it might be ok but I'm not exactly sure of the finish and the 3 LBS I've tried either don't have it or have none in stock.
Benmac said:
Over the winter I'm going to strip down and service my best bike. Replace cables, brake blocks, chain, clean and regrease everything.
One thing I want to swap is the bar tape. What's on there is fine but has a couple of nicks in it and us a bit dirty in places.
I'd suggest cutting short this plan and perhaps doing it in an afternoon instead of a couple of months.One thing I want to swap is the bar tape. What's on there is fine but has a couple of nicks in it and us a bit dirty in places.
as for bar tape, I've tried cheap and expensive, and found very little difference
Jimbo. said:
The Fizik microtex is nice, if a bit on the thin side.
The tape that's fitted to the Genesis Equilibrium is also very good (I'll have to ask them what it is): similar to the Mixrotex, just a bit thicker/plusher. Keeps clean too.
zis?The tape that's fitted to the Genesis Equilibrium is also very good (I'll have to ask them what it is): similar to the Mixrotex, just a bit thicker/plusher. Keeps clean too.
http://www.petracycles.co.uk/essential-tape-brown-...
in white
http://www.petracycles.co.uk/essential-tape-white-...
Edited by GBDG on Monday 24th September 21:56
I just replaced mine with Brooks leather tape in white - It feels great
http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/ba...
http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/ba...
Spyder5 said:
I just replaced mine with Brooks leather tape in white - It feels great
http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/ba...
It looks good, but costs 3x or 4x (£30 at halfords at the moment) the synthetic stuff and doesn't perform as well!http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/ba...
Chicken Chaser said:
Is it a good idea to wrap your new tape over the top of your old one? I've heard stories that doubling it up can make it more comfortable but wasnt too sure whether it would work or not....
Probably not. You can, however, get gel strips to apply to the bars and provide additional cushioning in the places that matter.Chicken Chaser said:
Is it a good idea to wrap your new tape over the top of your old one? I've heard stories that doubling it up can make it more comfortable but wasnt too sure whether it would work or not....
Best not to really, the sticky glue on the new tape won't adhere well to old stuff that is soaked in sweat and will tend to bunch upFizik Microtex is my personal fave. The gloss stuff cleans up very easily with baby wipes, I prefer the matt finish myself.
Chicken Chaser said:
Is it a good idea to wrap your new tape over the top of your old one? I've heard stories that doubling it up can make it more comfortable but wasnt too sure whether it would work or not....
Yes, a lot of pros use two layers of tape for the grand tours. If you pull the outer layer tight enough you shouldnt have to worry about it moving about.
I haven't done it myself but know a few guys who have doubled up the tape on their winter bikes.
NitroNick said:
Yes, a lot of pros use two layers of tape for the grand tours.
If you pull the outer layer tight enough you shouldnt have to worry about it moving about.
I haven't done it myself but know a few guys who have doubled up the tape on their winter bikes.
They will use 2 new rolls of tape though, never an old layer and then a new layer on top If you pull the outer layer tight enough you shouldnt have to worry about it moving about.
I haven't done it myself but know a few guys who have doubled up the tape on their winter bikes.
Cheers all, I'm going to give the specialized Roubaix stuff a go to start with as it appears to be the closest to what I currently have. If that isn't any good then fizzy microbes it'll be and I'll just have to MTFU if it's not as comfy or buy their gel pads to go with it.
Interesting someone posted up some Petra cycles links. I love their site, so useful for finding odd bits and bobs that nobody else seems to stock. Ordered new axles and freehub springs and pawls yesterday for one of my wheelsets as they're getting a total overhaul as part of this winter service.
Interesting someone posted up some Petra cycles links. I love their site, so useful for finding odd bits and bobs that nobody else seems to stock. Ordered new axles and freehub springs and pawls yesterday for one of my wheelsets as they're getting a total overhaul as part of this winter service.
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