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Bar Tape

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Old 03-27-06, 09:52 AM
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Bar Tape

I have searched the forum and could not find any answers to my question, I did not look too hard. What is the best bar tape on the market now?
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Old 03-27-06, 12:29 PM
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Not sure about 'the best' but I use the Douglass Gel bar tape from Coloradocyclist.com and I really like it.

I have a feeling you are going to get many opinions on this thread, with very few being the same. Similar to saddles, everyone has their own personal preference.

When you say 'the best' are you looking at durability, shock absorption, etc? What are your important criteria?
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Old 03-27-06, 12:38 PM
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Cinelli Cork gel

I always try to use a color not found anywhere else on my bike or team jersey.

I'm not down with OCP . . . . yeah you know me.
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Old 03-27-06, 12:44 PM
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Cinelli Cork Tape
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Old 03-27-06, 12:45 PM
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When I say best, I am talking comfort and durability I guess.
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Old 03-27-06, 12:58 PM
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Cineli cork. I'm also using some Bianchi bar tape https://store.bianchiusa.com/cgi-bin/store/H1015.html right know made by spiral I think. It's nice so far very very similar to Cineli. I don't know about the durability yet, only have a few rides with it.
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Old 03-27-06, 02:03 PM
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ditto cinelli cork
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Old 03-27-06, 02:25 PM
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specialized bar phat
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Old 03-27-06, 02:49 PM
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A vote for Deda but just slightly ahead of Cinelli.
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Old 03-27-06, 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by mimis
specialized bar phat
Me too. Luv the stuff.
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Old 03-27-06, 04:06 PM
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I really like the Specialized S-Wrap. Maybe not "The Best" but certainly a "Great Buy". I used the Cinelli Cork briefly and while I like it when it was on - it was difficult to work with. Strong adhesive back that won't let go of any cork under it that it touches - resulting in a mess if you need to redo a section. The S-Wrap has a tacky backside that keeps the wrap in place but allows you to unroll - redo sections easily. Holds up and cleans up well.
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Old 03-27-06, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by caloso
A vote for Deda but just slightly ahead of Cinelli.


I'm very impressed with Deda tape.
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Old 03-27-06, 06:01 PM
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I had the same Cinelli cork on my road bike for years. When I upgraded it, I went with the Performance branded imitation and it's been solid. Plus, no adhesive on the back which made it easier to use in some sense, as I could make a mistake and correct it (OTOH, it's tricky to get it started).
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Old 03-27-06, 06:06 PM
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I love Cinelli cork as well (and I too used the Performance knock-off brand... tricky, but no residue when I do the next job). My only problem with cork tape is it doesn't clean up well, so it you ride a lot of miles and use a light color, it will always look dirty. Aside from that, I think it does a great job of keeping a grippy, dry handlebar.
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Old 03-27-06, 06:36 PM
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I've used Cinelli and Profile tape for years. Profile was inexpensive but didn't last as long. Cinelli stayed in place.

But last year, I tried Deda and was pleasantly surprised. It feels good, lasts long, and does not creep on the bars. Its quickly become my favorite tape.
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Old 03-27-06, 06:44 PM
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Pinarello Padded Foam!! It matches the bike too.
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Old 03-27-06, 06:47 PM
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Pinarello Padded Foam!! It matches my bike too!
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Old 03-27-06, 07:11 PM
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I prefer Stella Azzurra Elegante. It feels and looks just like leather.
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Old 03-27-06, 07:17 PM
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I have Fizik Microtex and I've been happy with it. I really like the look of the Stella Azzurra Eleganza tape and may try that next.
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Old 03-27-06, 07:20 PM
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Tressostar cloth. Anything else is uncivilized.
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Old 03-27-06, 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Stubacca


I'm very impressed with Deda tape.

+2 for Deda. Just got my new bars wrapped with it and have been really happy wiht it so far!
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Old 03-27-06, 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by caloso
A vote for Deda but just slightly ahead of Cinelli.
Deda for the win.
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Old 03-28-06, 05:32 PM
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Specialized and Deda are GREAT!
I want to try the Brooks leather bar tape......any experience oriented opinions??
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Old 03-28-06, 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by umd
I have Fizik Microtex and I've been happy with it.
+1 I just wrapped my bar with the Fizik Microtex and really like it. I bought it at a out of town LBS, only to later discover you can buy it online for 1/2 of the price they charged. Still good tape, and I like the holes.

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RY.ID=27&MODE=

John
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Old 03-28-06, 08:26 PM
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one more for deda.
i have some of the stella azurra eleganza stuff on a bike cause it looks so cool, but that stuff is murder on your skin should you skip wearing gloves.
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