Thread: Handle Bar Wrap
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Old 07-20-20, 08:39 AM
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Happy Feet
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Depends on your price point and whether you are thinking of keeping it or selling it.

Bar tape is one of those options that many people have a personal preference for, like saddles and pedals. So, if you ask 10 people you'll probably get 10 different answers. If you were just fixing to sell, you might want to keep it clean but not too expensive as the next person will likely want to change it. That's why manufacturers put generic saddles, tape and pedals even on expensive bikes (plus it keeps the production price down). If it's a keeper you may want to splurge.

Another thing is the amount of padding. Some prefer a thin wrap, others like me (who have some nerve issues) prefer added padding. For a touring bike I usually double wrap the bars, first with foam or cork, then with a nicer top layer.

Probably the cheapest option that is suitable for touring (some padding) is synthetic foam or cork tape. The down side is it tends to tear if dropped or scuffed.
https://masibikes.com/products/masi-cork-tape

Then there are some synthetic tapes that stand up to wear a little better
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5049-2...Handlebar-Tape
https://www.brooksengland.com/en_row...-bar-tape.html

A little pricier, but I have found the Brooks Cambium rubber tape to be durable and reusable on different bars
https://www.brooksengland.com/en_row...tape-1237.html

Last edited by Happy Feet; 07-20-20 at 08:52 AM.
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