LGHT

I have an older spec roubaix that I replaced the handlebar tape on and noticed they had nice little "gel pads" under the tape. I noticed how much more comfortable my hands are over my tarmac on long rides and this is probably why.

I'm about to replace my tape on the tarmac and want to pic up some gel pads. Anyone have feedback or suggestions on what ones work the best.

I prefer not to ride with gloves or very thin gloves if I do so gel pads would really help.

MikeyBoyAz

fizik makes some nice ones. I used them on my FSA bars. Didn't need them on my superlogic bars though, just microtex with no gloves.

DTSCDS

I just put on the Fizik. I read where people were having a hard time getting the tape pulled tight enough to make it all the way around with the added thickness so I only put it on the top of the bars--I skipped the drops since I am too old/fat/inflexible to spend much time in the drops. I think it's okay, but I don't think it is nearly as nice as the Specialized Bar Phat that I had on another bike. It seemed to be much 'cushier'.

indyfabz

Lizard Skins. It comes in a variety of colors and thicknesses. Just had a new bike built with it and am loving it. But it's not cheap.

LGHT

I was looking online and found a page that has a few various vendors listed, but no real feedback on them.

Here is more info.

Bontrager IsoGel
A self-adhesive backing keeps it from slipping under the bar tape. The gel portion for the top wraps nearly around the entire bar circumference, while the padding for the drops covers the top of the drop only. IsoGel pads are available sold separately for $20.

Specialized SuperPhat
Specialized has several options to pad road bars underneath bar tape. One is BG Bar Phat, which is available in 2.5mm and 4.5mm thicknesses. Both are durable enough to be cut to size and reused multiple times. The gel pad is self-adhesive and wraps around the top-most part of the tops and drops, adding minimal thickness to the handlebar. Standard black, suede-texture Roubaix bar tape is included to wrap over the top of the padding.
BG SuperPhat
Is bar gel is made of lightweight foam padding with supplemental gel inserts in key areas. It is molded and tapered to fit the contours of a road bar, and offers thicker, more substantial padding. SuperPhat is also packaged with suede texture Roubaix tape.

fi'zi:k BAR:GEL
Fi'zi:k's kit includes Technogel pads for the top and drops, black Microtex bar tape, decals and end plugs. The Technogel pads are self-adhesive and cut to shape, but can be trimmed as necessary. Technogel uses no silicone and is a non-toxic, volatile-agent-free material, so it is durable over time, will not harden, and is tacky enough to stay in place. Microtex bar tape is thin and more durable, stretch-resistant and breathable than cork. The gel pads are also available separately.

Aztec Vibewrap
Aztec offers a lightweight, closed-cell foam pad and bar tape set called Vibewrap. Ergonomically molded pads are included to fit both the curves of a road handlebar and the shape of a rider's hands. They are designed to reduce pressure on the Ulnar nerve. The foam pads can be trimmed for a custom fit, and have an adhesive backing to keep them in place. Black, lightweight, non-adhesive bar tape and soft rubber end caps are included.

Cinelli AVS Gel Pad
AVS (Anti Vibration System) Gel pads are not packaged with bar tape, and are sized specifically to fit the tops or drops of Cinelli bars (although they can easily be retrofitted to other bars). The pads are clear with black lettering, self-adhesive, and have a tight, tailored shape. They do not wrap around the entire bar, but sit just on the top surface, and fit underneath any handlebar tape. One pair of AVS Gel pads is included per package.

LGHT

Do you recall what fizik gel you got? I found 2 types medical techno gel (it's blue) and regular gel that's seems to be clear both made by fizik. I couldn't find any info on thickness for either.

Here is a pic of the medical one


Here is the regular

DTSCDS

I have the regular--I didn't know there was a difference.

I couldn't find a current link to the Specialized Bar Phat that I used before. It looks like you found that some of the companies offer different thicknesses. Maybe my Bar Phat was a thicker version and the Fizik is thinner?

At any rate, one good thing is you can reuse the gel padding with new tape so you don't have to take that hit every time you change tape.

LGHT

Well I went to the specialized website and on the info page it says it comes in 2.5 or 4.5. However when you click on the pick size / color only 4.5 comes up so not sure how or where to get the 2.5 from at this point. I know the old stuff I had was pretty thick so I'm sure it was the 4.5. Probably is it's doubtful I'll find a shop that has either in stock so I can see and feel the difference between them to help make a decision.