Fifty Plus (50+) - Bar Tape

What is the lifespan of bar tape? I have about 1700 miles on this tape and it is worn pretty bad and doesn't have much "cush" left in it. :cry:

Tape on my new bike lasted some 5,000 miles before starting to go.

What is the lifespan of bar tape? I have about 1700 miles on this tape and it is worn pretty bad and doesn't have much "cush" left in it. :cry:

Mine never lasts very long either. But it's cheap and new tape really makes your bike look and "feel" better.

I have just under 6000 miles on my bar tape. It is black and doesn't show dirt. However it is not torn or overly worn out anywhere. On the other hand my Bianchi has celeste colored tape and while it is not worn it is showing dirt after 1800 miles. The bad news is 1700 miles seems way too little usage. The good news you can replace it relatively inexpensively and it will last at least 5000 miles.

Mine never lasts very long either. But it's cheap and new tape really makes your bike look and "feel" better.

What's the hot ticket? Gel/cork combo?

What's the hot ticket? Gel/cork combo?

That's what I go for. But there are lots of options.

I don't know the manufacturer but the bar tape sold under the "Price Point" house label (Sette) is pretty good stuff. It is thick and cushy and has a hint of stickyness when damp. Its worth a try.

I just put some Fizik on and it was great. Normally I hate my bar-taping jobs, but this one looks half-way decent.

What color is it? White bar tape looks great but is really dumb when you think about. If you want it looking good you have to scrub the life out. Just pick your nose and the tape gets grubby!

I have had bar tape last as short as 500 miles before needing to be replaced.

I just replaced my Cinelli yellow/black marble tape after about 6000 miles. It still felt good, but had some tears in it. I replaced it with some FSA tape with the same pattern. Don't like it as much. The Cinelli was tape-backed and came with better bar ends. The FSA didn't wrap very well. I will change it soon, I think.

I just recabled and my cinelli tape had about 5000 miles. I use the natural cork and even when dirty it gets a nice patina to it. I've gone 7000 miles on cinelli tape. If you put it on right, without excessive stretching, it last a very long time.

Nashbar cork tape has worked well for me, lasting for years.

Would "forever" be ok? I've got cork with cloth over it and a couple layers of shellac. Given the continued availability of shellac, I don't see why the tape would ever show any signs of wear.

I use the natural cork and even when dirty it gets a nice patina to it.

Natural cork? Hmmm, I never thought of that. Maybe next time. It's times like this that make me wish that handlebar tape didn't last so darn long.

Cork with cloth. Thanks! That's a great idea. And I always have shellac or spirit varnish around. Although I imagine a nice coat of any instrument finish would work!