Favorite thick bar tape for wide gravel/cross/adventure bars?

[Cantdog]

Got a set of Nitto/Crust Shaka bars (53cm at hoods, 56 at drops) and wanted to pair it with some new bar tape. Currently running some fizik tape that is decent. I like a thicker bar, and even though I always wear gloves, appreciate the extra grip when riding gets sloppy/I get tired.

Ideally it would be white, neon green, or black with neon green/white accents. What are folks running? I've been curious about the supacaz stuff, and heard good things about bontrager grippytape, but it seems thin, Also wanting to make sure it covers the bars completely.

[Hilltopperny]

This is what I used until switching back to leather. Highly recommend for your intended purpose and I still have this sitting here if you are interested. $20 shipped?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200401/61f8a79563ae01e9cea56c63f0c35972.jpg


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[mtechnica]

Are you using the thicker style Fizik with the padding (3mm?)?

The normal Fizik is very hard but the thick kind is much better.

[mac.]

I've had good luck with Lizard Skins DSP tape (https://lizardskins.com/road/bar-tape/product-title-dsp-bar-tape-v2-32-mm) on my gravel bike. A little bit on the spendy side for tape, but it's a quality product. The neon green color-way looks pretty awesome as well.

[dave thompson]

RedmonkeySports Big 40 bar tape is my absolute favorite. https://redmonkeysports.com/collections/road-gravel-bar-tape/products/big40-road-gravel-bar-tape-single-color

[scoobydrew]

Zipp Service Course

https://zipp.com/accessories/accessories/service-course-cyclocross-handlebar-tape/

[Billybob62]

I really like the Salsa tape:
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/salsa-gel-cork-bar-handlebar-tape?v=drkbrwn&adl=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw95D0BRBFEiwAcO1KDGWsLvr4UpJ2AZk6wDSq kLfvBjFh6tsihgdhJZGJCfhcydaC3uFPmBoCYNIQAvD_BwE

[2metalhips]

I just double wrap.

[kingpin75s]

I just double wrap.

^ This.

Fizik Gel Pads
Cloth Tape
Finishing Tape

[HTupolev]

If you like a particular bar tape, but want the grip to be higher-diameter, putting something down below the bar tape is an option. Cotton cloth tape, another foamy bar tape, an old inner tube... whatever gets the desired result.

There are also pads made to add size and/or damping to areas on the bars, to place underneath bar tape: Bontrager IsoZone, Fizik Bar Kit Gel, Nitto Monkey Banana...

There are lots of options.

[jefenger]

Are you using the thicker style Fizik with the padding (3mm?)?

The normal Fizik is very hard but the thick kind is much better.

^this. I've heard good things about the 3mm thick Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic and bought a set that I'll be installing in a few days. It also comes in tacky and a soft microseude-like versions.

[mtechnica]

^this. I've heard good things about the 3mm thick Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic and bought a set that I'll be installing in a few days. It also comes in tacky and a soft microseude-like versions.

It made a big difference in comfort to me on my cross bike.

Here is how I would rate bar tape comfort:

Fizik 3MM bondcush style
Fizik 2.5mm perforated looking kind
Lizard skins
Cinelli cork
Generic cheap cork
Fizik lightweight
Leather bar tape
Fabric old school bar tape
Benotto bar tape

[robt57]

I double wrap from the below the shifters to the ends. I find myself down in the drops more for the comfort and out of the air more and faster, need all the help I can get...

[dmurphey]

ESI is the dog's dangles for bar tape and grips, silicone.

https://esigrips.com/rct-silicone-wrap

be there or be square, just sayin'

[Dromen]

Silca nastro cuscino

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[Cantdog]

I guess bar tape is like opinions...

I *think* the tape I have on my bike now is the fizik bondcush. Going to give something different a try, and then maybe pick up some of these suggestions as backups to try later in the year. Thanks yall.

[AngryScientist]

i just started a thread about this last week, and like you, got a variety of opinions.

note that i ride 42 compact bars, and i attempted supacaz tape on those bars. i like a nice tight well overlapped wrap, and i didnt have enough length to cover my bars with that tape, so with bars as wide as you're talking about, length of tape may be an issue too, just FYI.

[Gummee]

I just double wrap.

I would suggest a small tweak: add a layer of tape along the tops of the bars and in the drops where you grab and wrap one layer over that.

About the same shock absorbtion, less bulk

HTH

M

[2metalhips]

I would suggest a small tweak: add a layer of tape along the tops of the bars and in the drops where you grab and wrap one layer over that.

About the same shock absorbtion, less bulk

HTH

M

This is true, but I like the extra bulk as well as shock absorbtion. I feel it gives better control in the chunk.

[teleguy57]

For those focusing on bulk/larger grip I'm a big fan of the Deda Trentacinque. That said, the Deda RHM shape need to work for you to go that route, and you need a new stem too which only comes in 8 degrees. If those both work for you solid option.

I realized he OP asked about gravel/CX bars; Dedas don't build these with any flare.

And you still have the fun of choosing tapes! :)

[bigbill]

My gravel setup is for riding in the drops. The drops are double taped.

[joshatsilca]

Thanks for calling out Cuscino.. Tour Magazine just lab and field tested tapes and Cuscino was number 1 in both cushioning AND wet/dry grip (and 1st overall)
It was also one of the longest tapes tested to help get full coverage on wider bars.

https://cdn.gethypervisual.com/images/shopify/b5773e19-eaac-4e52-b7b5-ff6c02963537/29be_tourmagazin_fullcomparison.jpg

[stumpyjr]

Thanks for calling out Cuscino.. Tour Magazine just lab and field tested tapes and Cuscino was number 1 in both cushioning AND wet/dry grip (and 1st overall)
It was also one of the longest tapes tested to help get full coverage on wider bars.

https://cdn.gethypervisual.com/images/shopify/b5773e19-eaac-4e52-b7b5-ff6c02963537/29be_tourmagazin_fullcomparison.jpg
Thats a handy comparison

[estilley]

zipp service course

https://zipp.com/accessories/accessories/service-course-cyclocross-handlebar-tape/

+1

[BdaGhisallo]

RedmonkeySports Big 40 bar tape is my absolute favorite. https://redmonkeysports.com/collections/road-gravel-bar-tape/products/big40-road-gravel-bar-tape-single-color

This tape was formerly sold as Zevlin Big 40 for those who may not know.

This is the best tape I have found in 30 years of cycling.

[kppolich]

This tape is great, cheap, and mimics the best tape I've ever used: Shimano Pro Digital Smart Silicone which is no longer made.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXTRA-LONG-Gel-Bicycle-Handlebar-Bar-Tape-Wrap-Road-Bikes-Cycling-Domain-Cycling/202044677798?var=502054782063&epid=738204203&hash=item2f0acd1ea6:g:6BYAAOSwD8ZZ-TYD:sc:USPSFirstClass!53222!US!-1

[sw3759]

This tape is great, cheap, and mimics the best tape I've ever used: Shimano Pro Digital Smart Silicone which is no longer made.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXTRA-LONG-Gel-Bicycle-Handlebar-Bar-Tape-Wrap-Road-Bikes-Cycling-Domain-Cycling/202044677798?var=502054782063&epid=738204203&hash=item2f0acd1ea6:g:6BYAAOSwD8ZZ-TYD:sc:USPSFirstClass!53222!US!-1

lol its cheap unless you want white..thats $100 a set