Materials such as polyurethane, synthetic nylon or silicone are strong, lightweight and durable and often have a tacky texture that aids grip and contributes to a positive feel to your hands. Most contemporary bar tapes are made from a lightweight and durable synthetics, in combination with a foam or gel core for cushioning. The main advantage of cork is that it absorbs shock and sweat like nothing else. Cork tape is typically too thick for designs such as the harlequin or other pattern making. Take care with cork blends, stretch them too tight and they will break. Cork/synthetic tape needs to be stretched carefully when wrapping the bars, otherwise it looks untidy and is prone to unravelling. Cork/synthetic tape is more expensive than cotton, but typically also comes with a with a small strip of adhesive backing. Cork/Synthetic Bar Tapeīy 1987, cork tape had for the most part replaced cotton as the tape of choice. Contemporary cork tape is actually a synthetic blend of cork and ethylene vinyl acetate. That’s why some older bikes seem to have shiny handlebars.
Cycling purists like to give cotton tape several coats of shellac to protect the material and prevent it from unwrapping. Cotton tape comes in a roll with an adhesive backing that is easy to apply to a clean set of bars. Cotton tape is very cheap but it’s not widely available, and your best bet may be to go shopping online for it. Any bike built before about 1985 probably has cotton bar tape. It’s worth experiencing the subtle differences in comfort, feel, and performance offered by different brands and materials. There are plenty of options to explore too, and new tape will always rejuvenate a tired-looking bike. Types of Handlebar Tapeīar tape is prone to wear and tear, but luckily most is relatively inexpensive. The truth of it is, you should chose whatever tape feels the best in a colour that catches your eye. Some say your bar tape should match your saddle, or your kit, or your head tube…the list goes on. There are all sorts of unspoken rules out there. Many cyclists choose to double wrap their bars for a little extra cushion, especially when riding on rougher roads. Choose tape that provides the right amount of padding for you and the type of riding you do. Handlebar tape provides a nice bit of cushioning for your hands, reducing the vibrations that travel from the road up into your arms. This is especially important if you are riding without gloves. Look for something with a tacky finish to ensure you get grip even in wet conditions. So, it’s important to choose tape that provides adequate grip for the handling of your bike. Handlebar tape does more than just make your bike look good, it serves as your main point of contact. It can get pretty nasty looking, especially if it’s white, so you’ll want to make a habit of changing it out. Think of how much your hands sweat out on a hot ride, or the dirt and dust from the road making it’s way to your handlebars. How often should you replace handlebar tape?Ĭyclists know that certain items, tires, chains, and gears should be replaced at regular intervals, but how often should you replace your bar tape? This will be dependent on how much you ride, but it should be done at least a once a year. So, if you’re looking for a way to spend some quality time with your bike, changing your handlebar tape can be a great way to do it. Historically, handlebars were wrapped in simple white cloth tape, but now there are a ton of options when it comes to material and colour. The tape will work to absorb some of the bumps in the road, as well as provide grip for your hands. It covers the essential contact point between you and and your bike, so it’s the easiest way to make your bike feel like new. Handlebar tape is an often overlooked aspect of your bike, but it effects both how your bike looks and feels.
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