Bar Tape?
 

What sort of bar tape are people using on extended touring?
I'm maybe 1000mi in and am on my third set, which is already developing holes.
I've been relacing with what I can find, one fizik and two sets of bontrager.
I'm at the end of my rope and would just like to not have to replace it anymore.
Something that I could buy online and have drop shipped would be nice as the selection in Eastern Montana's a bit sparse.

Cinelli cork gets good reviews.

Now that Brooks is selling leather bar wrap (for a small fortune) I have wondered how raw hide or suede would work...you might be able to get that material from a tack shop (ie. horse oriented accessories) in Montana.... It lasts pretty well on the cow.

I wrapped my bars in Cinelli cork tape, then a layer of cloth tape over that. Comfy, durable, feels nice on hands. Better than just cork tape (comfy padding, but fragile, feels kind of bleh) or just cloth tape (feels nice, but no padding). I'm happy now :).

I use cloth tape and brush on a few coats of shellac. Not much padding, but it's extremely durable and weatherproof. I rely on good gloves and fat tires to keep my hands rom getting sore.

I use Cinelli cork tape that is patched up with electrical tape due to all the wild riding I do...... hmmmm

Cork tape and shellac. Wrapped with polyester whipping cord and patched with electrical tape where it started to unravel. Be creative, its all good.

I've also used faux leather steering wheel wrap from Canadian Tire.

Or, when you just can't stop spending money, try Brooks leather bar tape to match your Brooks saddle! It feels great, and looks terrific. However, I only have 15 miles on the bike with the new tape, so I can't give much or a qualified durability report.

Oh, and then I looked on the back of the box and discovered Brooks bar tape is made in China!

Ok, I'm so tired of torn tape, I have just organized to have this stuff drop shipped to me. I figure the leather's got to last a lot longer. Given that bar tape costs ~$20, I figure as long as this lasts another 1000mi, it'll save me some time and money.
I'm still buying some backup stuff at the next bike shop.
I'll give you all a full report when I finish or they tear/wear out.

I've stopped replacing bar tape (name brand) along time ago, I have either a foam covering or cork as my base layer and just replace the cloth tape on top as needed. I might have have 4 layers of cloth before I pull it all off and start with new cloth tape. The cloth tape I'm referring to is sold at most sport's stores used for hockey stick handles and baseball bat grips, not at all intended for bicycle use.

I like my Brooks so far. Seems to be more durable then the cork, at least enough to be worth the money. I've had no peeling or creeping that I sometimes get with cork.

The "tape" is several strips stitched together. Watch out for the sewn joint, you don't want to pull too hard when you go past them while wrapping. Make sure they disappear on the downside of the bar during the wrap and you will never think of them again. I proofided the leather to water proof it for WA use. It felt a little greasy at first but is reasonably oblivious to the rain.

Long time ago I had some leather bar covering on a Falcon. It was one long strip that folded over the bar and was hand stiched together at the seam. When I finally got it on right it was very nice looking. Lasted years and years and even one gentle drop. It never actually failed, just got really faded and tired looking. I could never find more so went to cork. The cork wrap doesn't last but feels better then that type leather or the cloth.

So I was eager to try leather again. The Brooks looks nice, feels as plush as cork, has 'Brooks' embossed in the wrap, and matches their great saddles.

this is just rediculous.