Hey all,

I picked up a used Trek 520 last spring and rode it until winter hit at which point I switched to my Marin Novato. I never much liked the handlebars on the 520 and someone suggested a noodle. I am going to pick one of them up but I am wondering what would be a good bar tape? I would like something comfortable and durable but not squishy. Durable is important as I ride in all weather, the bike is kept inside though so it doesn't sit in the sun or rain when I am not riding it.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

Forte Classic Gel Tape at Performance. I have a noodle bar on one of my bikes and this tape has been quite nice. Its got enough padding where I can ride without gloves on and still be comfortable.

Cinelli cork tape and Fizik Microtex are both nice.
I couldn't stand the Forte tape... too squishy and didn't stay in place.

I still prefer cotton tape, usually with a coat or two of shellac, which will add to the durability. I wrap a section of old innertube underneath the tape on at least the flat part of the bar to add a bit of non-squishy cushion.

I've got the stock cork-mix tape on my Cross Check and it's suited me well for all weather conditions (rain, snow, sleet, freezing temps) so far. No slipping on the bars, and even when wet it doesn't get slick feeling. Plus, it doesn't get waterlogged in a downpour.

I do one layer of the cheapest ugliest cork tape, then cotton tape, then shellac. The more coats of shellac the shinier the tape.

I have never really given serious consideration to the cork type tape. Is it really that good?

I've always called kind-of squishy tape, cork tape.

I have this on my stock lht, and it is good as new after a year (much better than the cable and housing wrapped inside it, unfortunately) (well, except for the part I scraped in a wipeout and then taped back up w/ electrical...).

OT:
My xCheck came stock w/ Jagwire cables all around. No problems with them so far.

I like it, but you do have to replace it more frequently than some other tapes. In the past I've ridden cotton tape and the satin finish nylon tape (Benotto?). Back then I usually wore cycling gloves. I don't wear cycling gloves these days unless I'm out for a long ride. Of course sometimes I go on long rides spontaneously, and the cork tape has just enough cushion to allow me to ride glove-free comfortably for hours. If it were any thicker and spongier I don't think I'd like it.

The cork isn't water proof, but it seems to dry out quickly. It stays on just fine, but after a few months the heavy use areas start to show some wear. YMMV, but after a year (if not earlier) you will probably want to replace it with a new clean roll. So if you don't mind re-wrapping your handlebars once a year it's great stuff... especially if you like to ride without gloves. If you usually ride with gloves, I'd go with a more durable wrap. I really like the cotton with shellac look.

I'm just about to replace my cork ribbon as a matter of fact. I like to replace it in the late Spring.

Sean

Cenelli Cork is the only way to go. It has a little give to it but it's not "squishy"

Profile Design Shock wrap. Cheap, durable, comfortable, simple.

I've got the generic man made stiff foam "cork" tape on a lot of my commuters. One of them has had the same tape on it now for well over 10 years and it's still fine.

When I recently switched my single speed over to moustache bars a few weeks back I replaced the 7 to 8 year old foam "cork" tape with new stuff. Not because it was worn but because the tape on that bike is white to match the steering head color and it was a little stained and dirty from age. But it functioned just fine.

I like the foam "cork" tape for the cushioning I get from it as well as the increased size of the grip that helps spread out the pressure on my palms.

+1

My favourite tape for drop bars is the cinelli cork gel tape, quite comfortable, but the red gets dirty quite quickly and is fairly hard to wrap as it has no adhesive on it