Handlebar tape
#1
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.
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.
#2
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 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.

#3
I AM AI
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,285
Likes: 1,160
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: 2008 S-Works Roubaix SL, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS, 1978 Schwinn Volare
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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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#4
Banned.
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 29
From: on the beach
Bikes: '73 falcon sr, '76 grand record, '84 davidson
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.
#8
Bike Butcher of Portland


Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 12,436
Likes: 7,951
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: It's complicated.
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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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#9
Full Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
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
#10
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!
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!
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,519
Likes: 39
From: Tacoma, WA
Bikes: 1962 Schwinn Paramount P12, 1971 Schwinn Paramount P13-9
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.
#12
Senior Member


Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,951
Likes: 688
From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
^^ 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.
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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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 6,280
Likes: 611
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 78 Masi Criterium, 68 PX10, 2016 Mercian King of Mercia, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr
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 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.
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.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
Bikes: '73 Flandria 3 speed, '84 Lotus Legend Compe, '87 Merckx Corsa Extra, '94 Kona Kilauea
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.






