Upgrading your bike’s handlebar tape is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your riding comfort. Beyond just aesthetics, the right Bike Bar Tape can significantly reduce hand fatigue and vibration, especially on longer rides or rougher terrains. Having experimented with various components like handlebars, suspension stems, and carbon forks to maximize front-end comfort, I turned my attention to bike bar tape. This review dives into my subjective experiences with five different bar tapes, focusing on comfort and feel, to help you find the perfect match for your ride.
The Subjectivity of Bike Bar Tape Comfort
Initially, I attempted to use vibration measurement equipment to quantify the comfort differences between bar tapes. However, I found that my equipment lacked the precision needed to detect any meaningful variations. Even the impact of gel pads, known for their damping qualities, wasn’t measurable with my setup.
Measurements taken at the bar tops proved particularly inconclusive. It seems that hand movement on the bar tops during riding generates consistent vibrations, overshadowing any subtle differences the bar tape might offer.
Therefore, this article shifts away from vibration test results. Instead, it’s based entirely on subjective assessments of bar tape comfort and overall hand feel during real-world cycling conditions. This hands-on approach provides practical insights into how each tape performs where it truly matters – under your hands.
The Foundation of Comfort: Gel Pads
Fizik Gel Pads for Handlebars
My Jamis Renegade, used as a benchmark bike for comfort testing, originally came equipped with Fizik Superlight Microsoft Touch bar tape. I immediately noted its exceptional comfort. However, the secret to this comfort wasn’t solely the tape itself; it was the hidden gel pads underneath.
Upon replacing the original bar tape, I couldn’t reuse these gel pads. The immediate and noticeable decrease in comfort highlighted a crucial lesson: gel pads are fundamental to handlebar comfort. Regardless of the bar tape’s thickness or material, gel pads offer a unique level of vibration damping and cushioning that is hard to replicate.
Consider starting with gel pads. They are an invaluable addition beneath any bike bar tape to maximize comfort. Fizik Gel Handlebar Pads and Bike Ribbon Gel Pads are readily available options to enhance your handlebar setup.
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape: Maximum Grip, Divisive Feel
The Supacaz Super Sticky Kush is a bike bar tape frequently praised for its comfort. Its 2.5mm thickness and foam layer contribute to substantial cushioning.
The ‘super sticky’ outer layer is a defining feature. While some cyclists appreciate the enhanced grip, especially in wet conditions or without gloves, I personally found it excessively sticky. It also tended to attract dirt quite readily.
While the stickiness provides a secure hold and excellent control, the overall hand feel wasn’t to my personal preference. Furthermore, the tape’s stiffness and limited stretch made wrapping more challenging, requiring extra care for a neat finish. For a premium-priced bar tape, the edges didn’t always present a clean look.
Despite these subjective drawbacks, the Supacaz Super Sticky Kush excels in vibration reduction. When paired with gel pads, it undoubtedly created one of the most comfortable setups in this test. If ultimate grip and vibration damping are top priorities, and you don’t mind the sticky feel, this is a strong contender.
Cinelli Gel Cork Tape: The Unexpected Comfort and Value Leader
Cyclist's hands wrapped in comfortable Cinelli Gel Cork bike bar tape
The Cinelli Gel Cork tape was a genuinely surprising revelation. At 3mm thick and heavily utilizing Vibra Absorb foam, its comfort level rivaled the Supacaz tape, but with a more pleasant feel.
Wrapping the Cinelli tape was significantly easier, resulting in cleaner edges. The outer layer provided ample grip without being overly sticky. Additional advantages included exceptional tear resistance and re-wrappability. Surprisingly, it’s also one of the most budget-friendly options among premium bar tapes.
The Cinelli Gel Cork tape delivers a remarkable balance of comfort, user-friendliness, and value. Its performance challenges more expensive tapes, making it an excellent choice for cyclists seeking high comfort without breaking the bank.
Lizard Skins DSP 3.2 Bar Tape: Premium Feel and Refined Aesthetics
The Lizard Skins DSP 3.2 is among the pricier tapes tested, but it justifies its cost with a luxurious look and feel. The surface is exceptionally pleasant to touch in all conditions, offering a refined tactile experience.
Notably less sticky than the Supacaz, the Lizard Skins DSP 3.2 provides a clean finish, and its easy-to-clean nature makes it suitable even in lighter colors like white.
The 3.2mm thickness delivers excellent comfort, although subjectively, it felt marginally less plush than the Supacaz or Cinelli options. The thicker 4.6mm version may bridge this gap for those prioritizing maximum cushioning. Wrapping is straightforward, and it can withstand a few re-wraps if necessary.
While the Lizard Skins DSP 3.2 comes at a premium, its exceptional feel and aesthetics may justify the investment for cyclists who prioritize these qualities. It’s a top-tier product that blends performance with a touch of luxury.
Specialized S-Wrap Roubaix Bar Tape: Balanced Performance and Pleasant Touch
Currently installed on my benchmark bike, the Specialized S-Wrap Roubaix bar tape has consistently impressed. It offers a compelling combination of affordability, ease of wrapping, and a quality finish.
The ‘suede’ finish provides good grip, performing well even without gloves. While wet grip isn’t quite as exceptional as some competitors, it compensates with better resistance to dirt and grime compared to the Supacaz.
In terms of comfort, the vibration-absorbing EVA foam effectively dampens road buzz. The S-Wrap Roubaix comfortably matches the Lizard Skins DSP 3.2 and comes very close to the Cinelli Gel Cork in overall plushness.
The Specialized S-Wrap Roubaix shares similarities with the Cinelli Gel Cork in grip, wrapping ease, and comfort. The primary distinction lies in the tactile sensation – the S-Wrap Roubaix offers a slightly more agreeable feel to the touch. It stands out as a well-rounded bar tape that excels in multiple areas without a high price tag.
Coefficient Wave Bar Tape: Thin and Specialized for Unique Handlebars
The Coefficient Wave bar tape stands out for two key reasons. First, its extra length accommodates the wider Coefficient Wave handlebar, requiring more tape for complete wrapping. Second, it’s the thinnest tape in this comparison group.
Thinner tape, even with gel pads, generally provides less cushioning than thicker options. However, the Wave bar tape’s extended length allows for significant overlap during wrapping. This technique effectively creates a double layer in some areas, enhancing comfort, though it still doesn’t quite reach the plushness of the thicker tapes in this test.
Despite its thinner profile, the Wave bar tape excels in wrap-ability and tear resistance. The overall feel is also exceptional – grippy yet soft, making it a pleasure to hold. And it remains a competitively priced option. This tape is specifically designed for handlebars like the Coefficient Wave, where its unique properties come into play.
Conclusion: The Most Comfortable Bike Bar Tape Champion
For my personal preference, the Cinelli Gel Cork tape emerges as the top pick. It delivers an outstanding level of comfort, a pleasant feel, reliable grip, and exceptional value. Its ease of wrapping and tear resistance further solidify its position as a well-rounded performer.
This result might surprise some, highlighting that the most expensive option isn’t always the most comfortable. The Cinelli Gel Cork tape proves that excellent comfort can be achieved without a premium price.
If enhanced grip is a priority and budget is less of a concern, the Lizard Skins DSP tape is a particularly appealing alternative. It offers a less sticky feel than the Supacaz, is easier to clean, and arguably boasts the most refined aesthetics.
Ultimately, the best bike bar tape is subjective and depends on individual preferences and riding conditions. However, this review provides a detailed comparison to guide you in selecting the tape that best suits your needs for a more comfortable and enjoyable cycling experience.
(Support CyclingAbout by purchasing through these Amazon links): Cinelli Gel Cork tape, Lizard Skins DSP tape, and Supacaz tape.
