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Handlebar tape

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Old 02-12-16, 08:37 PM
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Handlebar tape

I had some Newbaum's tape on my PX-10 and while it looked quite nice it didn't give me the padding I like. I put some cheap eBay cork tape but while comfortable, it seems bulky and...well it is cheap.

I had a look at some Fizik 3mm tape but I've never used it. The 2mm seems too thin. I'm looking for all black and perforated is ok.
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Old 02-12-16, 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Narhay
I had some Newbaum's tape on my PX-10 and while it looked quite nice it didn't give me the padding I like. I put some cheap eBay cork tape but while comfortable, it seems bulky and...well it is cheap.

I had a look at some Fizik 3mm tape but I've never used it. The 2mm seems too thin. I'm looking for all black and perforated is ok.
I've got the Fizik 2mm tape on a couple of my bikes and it's my favorite bar tape. I've got dark grey on my Jeff Lyon and red on my Rawland. I really like the Fizik because it has the feel of leather without feeling slimy when wet, with just enough cushioning but not too much, and it cleans very easily. It's super durable, too.



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Old 02-12-16, 08:44 PM
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I've actually used the 3mm Fizik black perforated "leather-like" tape. Really liked it. Padded, but not overly so. Not too expensive. I think you'd do well to try it.
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Old 02-12-16, 08:53 PM
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fizik comes in regular, soft touch (suede-like), and gloss, so if you buy on ebay (like i do), make sure you ask the seller or check the pics for type.
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Old 02-12-16, 09:07 PM
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You've probably thought of this but what about wrapping an inner tube around the bars and then going cloth over that?
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Old 02-12-16, 09:13 PM
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I like the Fizik soft touch!
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Old 02-12-16, 09:15 PM
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Wrap the Cotten twice? Worked back in the day.
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Old 02-12-16, 10:02 PM
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Old tube, slit lengthwise, wrap that first, tape over that. Been doing it for maybe 30 years. It builds up the bar diameter for my big mitts, and provides just a bit of cushion.

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Old 02-12-16, 10:15 PM
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I haven't used Fizik, but I've used this stuff, they had it my LBS and it was cheaper than the Fizik for me. I'm a big fan, I've put it on a lot of bikes. I hate cheap foam cork stuff and I don't want it too tacky either. This has a perforated look, is cushiony without adding too much mass, sticks well without being tacky... and yeah, I like it =) Amazon.com : PRO Microfiber Smart Silicon Bicycle Handlebar Tape Set w/Endplugs - Black : Bike Handlebar Tape : Sports & Outdoors
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Old 02-12-16, 10:32 PM
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I like the regular Fizik (2mm, I think?) a lot, running it on a couple of bikes.

Newbaum's has a classic cloth tape aesthetic, but definitely just a layer grippy texture on top of your bars...and I've found colours I've used to fade *fast*.

I can't offer an informed opinion on the thicker/padded Fizik tape, but I'd be inclined to give it a go...and would love to hear your impressions if you do.

Also: You have a PX10? I might have missed that thread...or (more likely) possess a faulty memory!
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Old 02-12-16, 10:50 PM
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I first wrap the bars with a couple layers of hockey tape (should be easy to find in B.C.) prior to wrapping Newbaums. This adds a little extra diameter and cushion to the bar while retaining the cotton look.
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Old 02-12-16, 11:39 PM
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^^ This is how I do it nowadays, when I want the cloth tape look.

And if you want a bit of a two-tone look, you can leave a little of the underlayer showing, like it's a finishing tape.

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Old 02-13-16, 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Narhay
I had some Newbaum's tape on my PX-10 and while it looked quite nice it didn't give me the padding I like. I put some cheap eBay cork tape but while comfortable, it seems bulky and...well it is cheap.

I had a look at some Fizik 3mm tape but I've never used it. The 2mm seems too thin. I'm looking for all black and perforated is ok.
FWIW, I just wrapped my 'new' PX10 bars with VO's comfy tape. I'm not sure it would be thick enough for you, but it's twice as thick as the old Velox stuff, and subjectively feels a lot softer and more comfortable. It is looks like cotton tape, because it is, though it doesn't go on quite as neatly as traditional cotton tape.

The Fizik tape might be best for you. I think I'll try it on my new Mercian this summer. BITD cotton tape or occasionally Benotto was enough for me, but now that I'm older, a bit of cush is appealing.
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Old 02-13-16, 05:56 AM
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I just used the Fizik 2mm tape for the first time and I think I'm sold. It's a bit pricey but it feels very high quality and seems like it will last a long time. The smooth black looks and feels like thin leather. For me it's the perfect thickness- cork feels too fat and cloth is too thin.
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