Leather bar tape

[Walter]

Does anyone have any recent experience with leather bar tape (Leh, Brooks, HandleBra, etc.)? Does any particular brand stand out from the others?

I did a search for prior threads already.

Thanks!

[jr59]

I have used Brooks, and a few others. NONE compare to Handle Bra. It is by far and away the best stuff out there.

[jchasse]

I've got HandleBra on 3 bikes. Pricey, but it holds up nicely and it's easy to wrap. One thing to note is that it's fairly thin. I like that, but if you like thick cork tape, you'd probably want to wrap a layer of something under the leather tape to add some girth.

[VTCaraco]

I wrap all of my bikes in Handlebra.
The feel, the durability is incredible.
Honestly, can't imagine anything being much better....wrapping as tightly, giving the same tactile feel, and wearing as nicely.

Didn't intend to become so zealous, but put opted to try it on one bike and loved it so much that I slowly upgraded the others, including my wife's bikes.

Plus, Ray is a forum member and unless things have changed, can do all sorts of customizing with leather/stitching combinations.

[VTCaraco]

... you'd probably want to wrap a layer of something under the leather tape to add some girth.

I like thicker, so wrap it over some cheap cork-tape.

[BlueFly]

Thanks for the thread.

I read an article recently on Sagan's TDF bike that uses this....

https://supacaz.com/

Any one here able to share a review?

[rnhood]

Thanks for the thread.

I read an article recently on Sagan's TDF bike that uses this....

https://supacaz.com/

Any one here able to share a review?

I have read that this tape is extremely good. Its not cheap at $40, but there is probably a good reason some of the top pros use it.

[ColonelJLloyd]

I've used Brooks and Velo Orange (both the wrap and sew on stuff). I think I actually preferred the VO to Brooks. Never used HandleBra.


I have read that this tape is extremely good. Its not cheap at $40, but there is probably a good reason some of the top pros use it.

That's pretty reasonable considering it comes with aluminum bar ends.

[dave thompson]

I've been using HandleBra for years. I've reused it multiple times on multiple bikes. Unwrapped it, rewrapped it. Love the stuff.

[bouldergary]

Deda has a nice faux leather tape

[Shadwhand]

I picked up the Grand Bois leather tape in Japan when I was there. Very nice, made by the same guys as the Brooks tape, but it comes in a nice single line rather than in 2 parts.

[Peter B]

About to try the Leh tape. Will report back.

[crankles]

I'm in with the handlebra crowd. Way better than the brooks. Worth the money. I wrapped mine over some cloth tape as suggested here. Feels great.
I've had it on my commuter for two years now. holding up just fine.

[Gsinill]

I used Fyxation Cahill tape for my last build; not cheap but I like it better than Brooks and it seems to hold up well.

[djg21]

The stuff lasts forever and ends up saving you money in the long run. I clean it occasionally with Lexol and spray on 303 aerospace protectant (maybe once or twice per season). I wrap it over Fizik bar gel and a layer of hockey tape which keeps it from migrating even slightly.

[Dromen]

Used brooks and Hbra. No more brooks for me. 3 bikes with Hbra. Will outlast me.... Dig all the stitching options.

[Frankwurst]

Handlebra. Brooks and any others pale by comparison IMO. Wears like iron, easy to clean. :beer:

[Frankwurst]

Used brooks and Hbra. No more brooks for me. 3 bikes with Hbra. Will outlast me.... Dig all the stitching options.

And this. ^:beer:

[Dromen]

Xxxxx

[molly47]

I just used the fabric buffalo tape,came out beautiful and is great on the hands..

[Llewellyn]

Yet another vote for Handlebra :hello:

[daker13]

Thanks for the thread.

I read an article recently on Sagan's TDF bike that uses this....

https://supacaz.com/

Any one here able to share a review?

Big props for naming their bar tape 'Super Sticky Kush.'

[beeemmjay]

Big fan of Adarga.
I can't speak first hand to any colour other than black (in terms of wear, patina, etc.), but I love it; it's super durable and very comfortable.
Have a new build pending and a new roll waiting.

[Elefantino]

Handlebra®.

It is simply the best and Ray is one of our own who gives back to this forum.

:hello::hello:

[rccardr]

Smootape. Edges are nicely skived to reduce layer buildup. Better with a layer of cork tape underneath.

Excellent quality, long lasting, and the red and green are bright but normal hues. Brown gets stained from sweaty hands very quickly but lasts well.

[gpendergast]

Brooks tape went from made in italy to made in china about 18 months ago. Somebody had a side-by-side photo up on instagram, was pretty obvious which was which. Once mine wear out I will be looking elsewhere

[bart998]

I've used Velo Orange and Selle Italia... the VO is very good, the Selle Italia is very poor...

[SPOKE]

Get you some handlebra. It's great product👍

[Pegoready]

I have read that this tape is extremely good. Its not cheap at $40, but there is probably a good reason some of the top pros use it.

The reason some top pros use this tape is because Supacaz is Mike Sinyard's son's company. So naturally there is a tie in the Specialized. 95% of the pics on the site show pros on S-Works bikes.

It might be good tape, but it's pro's aren't backing some indy tape just because they like it.

[Walter]

Thanks for all of the feedback...

I am exchanging emails with Ray and look forward to trying some of his product.

[thairish]

About to try the Leh tape. Will report back.

Any feedback on the Leh bar tape? Looks gorgeous and thinking about picking some up.

[buddybikes]

Handlebra - putting my second set (below has lasted 8 seasons!) on my Alchemy coming in


1698022196

[10speedcognitio]

Leh tape all the way for me. I have the green camo and it’s amazing. I’ve re wrapped bars 5-6 times with it and still perfect, rain has no lasting effect, and it develops the nicest patina. Worth the $$ atmo.

[NHAero]

I don't know the brand of leather tape on my Firefly, but I haven't had leather before, and I find that it loosens up and gaps on the tops periodically and I have to re-wrap. Any tips?

[SPOKE]

Handlebra is the way to go....first wrap bars with hockey stick grip tape then wrap Handlebra over top of that. Works great and no slipping or gaps.

[Bob Ross]

I had Handelbra on my Sachs when I first got it. Fabulous feeling bartape; if I had money burning a hole in my pocket I'd probably use that exclusively.