Top 10 best Bike Handlebar Tape products

Unwrapping Comfort and Style: A Comprehensive Guide to Bike Handlebar Tape

Utilized on road bikes, handlebar tape serves the dual purpose of providing a secure grip, enhanced comfort, and contributing to the aesthetic appeal of your bicycle. It significantly influences these aspects, as modern handlebar tape transcends the simplicity of basic foam. Contemporary options comprise various materials, enhancing both comfort and ease of application to your handlebars. In this buyer's guide, we will elucidate the key considerations when purchasing your next handlebar tape, offering guidance in navigating the diverse world of handlebar tapes.

What Is Bike Handlebar Tape?

Bike handlebar tape is a wrapping material used to cover the handlebars of bicycles. This tape serves multiple purposes, contributing to both the functionality and aesthetics of the bike. It is designed to enhance the rider's grip, provide comfort, absorb vibrations, and add a personalized touch to the bicycle.

Importance of Bike Handlebar Tape

• Comfort and Grip: Bike handlebar tape is the primary point of contact between the rider and the bike. A quality tape ensures a comfortable grip, minimizing hand fatigue during long rides. The right tape can also absorb road vibrations, providing a smoother and more enjoyable cycling experience.
• Style and Personalization: Beyond its functional benefits, handlebar tape is a style statement. Cyclists can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, and materials to match their bike's aesthetics or express their personal flair. It's a simple yet effective way to customize the look of your bike.

Types of Bike Handlebar Tape

Cotton Bar Tape

Cotton bar tape, a relic from the past, was prevalent before 1985. While it's cost-effective, finding it might require an online search due to limited availability. Application is simple with its adhesive backing on a roll. Enthusiasts often coat cotton tape with shellac to safeguard it and prevent unraveling, resulting in a glossy appearance on older bikes.

Cork/Synthetic Bar Tape

By 1987, cork tape emerged as the preferred choice, mostly replacing cotton. Today's cork tape is a blend of synthetic materials and cork, slightly pricier than cotton. Its adhesive strip aids application, but careful stretching during wrapping is necessary to avoid a messy look or potential unwrapping. Cork's thickness might limit intricate designs, yet its shock-absorbing properties and sweat absorption are unparalleled.

High-Tech Bar Tape

Contemporary bar tapes predominantly feature lightweight, durable synthetics coupled with foam or gel cores for cushioning. Materials like polyurethane, synthetic nylon, or silicone offer strength and a grippy texture, enhancing hand feel. Varying surfaces—perforated, smooth 'microfiber,' or textured—exist. These modern compositions efficiently dampen vibrations without the bulkiness of traditional tapes like cork.

Leather Bar Tape

At the pinnacle sits leather bar tape, akin to the renowned Brooks saddle. The luxurious feel comes at a higher price point, approximately $100, but promises enduring quality. Some cyclists suggest it improves over time, akin to a Brooks saddle. However, it lacks the vibration dampening capabilities of cork or gel. Opting for yearly tape changes might not align well with leather's longevity.

What To Look For In Handlebar Tape

Grip

Beyond aesthetics, handlebar tape serves as your primary point of contact with the bike. Prioritize tape that offers a solid grip, especially crucial when riding glove-free or in wet conditions. Opt for a tape with a tacky finish to ensure a secure hold, enhancing handling.

Padding

Handlebar tape plays a role in cushioning, diminishing the impact of road vibrations on your arms. Select tape that offers the desired level of padding based on your comfort preferences and the terrain you ride on. Doubling the tape for added cushioning is a popular choice among cyclists navigating rougher roads.

Appearance

While unwritten guidelines suggest coordinating bar tape with various bike components, the ultimate choice should prioritize comfort and personal preference. Opt for tape that not only feels comfortable but also appeals to your visual taste, disregarding arbitrary matching rules. Your choice should reflect what feels best and catches your eye in terms of color and design.

How Often Should You Replace Handlebar Tape?

Cyclists are aware of the regular replacement needs for certain components like tires, chains, and gears, but what about bar tape? The frequency of replacement hinges on your riding frequency, yet it's generally recommended to change it at least once a year. Consider the impact of sweaty palms during hot rides or the accumulation of dirt and road debris on your handlebars. Over time, especially with lighter-colored tape, it can become quite unsightly, prompting the need for habitual replacement.

How To Change Your Handlebar Tape

Removing Old Handlebar Tape

Remove the old bar tape by carefully pulling it off, using tweezers or pliers if needed. Sometimes, simply removing the plugs might cause the tape to unravel.

Cleaning the Bars

Utilize a bike-specific cleaner or any suitable substance to eliminate adhesive residues. Ensure the bars are dry and free from any leftover residue for a proper bond with the new tape.

Making Adjustments & Securing Cables

If replacing existing tape, the hoods should be in the correct position, but this step allows you to adjust them if necessary. Use a 5mm hex wrench to make adjustments and firmly secure the hoods to the handlebars. Before wrapping the bars, it's advisable to ride the bike to confirm the hoods' placement since adjusting them afterward might disturb the newly applied tape. Use black electrical tape to secure brake cables to the bars if required. Some bars have designated holes for this purpose, eliminating the need for electrical tape. Usually, it takes 3 or 4 strips of electrical tape to secure the brake line on drop bars.

Wrapping Technique

The direction of winding, clockwise or counterclockwise, is a matter of personal preference. Some start from the center, on each side of the handlebars, while others prefer anchoring the tape with plugs and working toward the handlebars. The wrapping procedure can vary significantly based on your chosen design and preferences.

Conclusion

Bike handlebar tape is more than just a functional accessory; it's an integral part of your cycling experience. Choosing the right type and maintaining it properly can significantly enhance comfort, control, and the overall aesthetic appeal of your bike. Whether you're a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, investing in quality handlebar tape is a small but impactful way to elevate your time on the saddle.