gel pads for handlebars
09-14-15, 09:33 AM
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gel pads for handlebars
I'm building up a vintage mtb (a 1992 trek 950) for gravel grinding duty.
I haven't decided on the handlebars yet but I'm thinking of running either with a trekking bar or VO crazy bars. Both will require handlebar tape.
I saw that fizik, planet bike, and serfas make gel inserts that you can tape over. That seems like a good idea for a bike that will see a lot of offroad duty.
Has anyone used gel pads for handlebars? If you have what is your experience with them?
I haven't decided on the handlebars yet but I'm thinking of running either with a trekking bar or VO crazy bars. Both will require handlebar tape.
I saw that fizik, planet bike, and serfas make gel inserts that you can tape over. That seems like a good idea for a bike that will see a lot of offroad duty.
Has anyone used gel pads for handlebars? If you have what is your experience with them?
09-14-15, 09:43 AM
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I fit A Fizik Gel Pad and Tape set on my Road bike's Drop bars .. they come 2 curved and 2 straight per pack ..
havent ridden the bike much .. no gravel races here. there is some vibration reduction , without adding thickness .
the pads have a plastic release sheet backing you remove, to stick & stay on the bare bar while you wrap the tape..
havent ridden the bike much .. no gravel races here. there is some vibration reduction , without adding thickness .
the pads have a plastic release sheet backing you remove, to stick & stay on the bare bar while you wrap the tape..
09-14-15, 09:57 AM
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There are a few different kinds. The ones I like the best, because they are thicker are the specialized gel pads, and the tape that comes with the pads. There are/were two different thickness pads from Specialized. I like the thicker pads.Or the Fizik tape over the specialized pads. Two other types I tried are not thick enough to do much.
09-14-15, 09:58 AM
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You may not need gel pads when you consider the tires will play a large role in minimizing road shock and chatter. Large volume tires is what will give you the comfort. I had gel pads on my Trek Portland which I removed after I changed out the bar tape. It just wasn't needed and I never missed it. Yes, it is comfortable and it such a small cost to experiment, why not try it and see what you think?
09-14-15, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by blakcloud
You may not need gel pads when you consider the tires will play a large role in minimizing road shock and chatter. Large volume tires is what will give you the comfort. I had gel pads on my Trek Portland which I removed after I changed out the bar tape. It just wasn't needed and I never missed it. Yes, it is comfortable and it such a small cost to experiment, why not try it and see what you think?
09-14-15, 06:41 PM
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I am using the Fizik gel pads, wouldn't go without with my hand issues. Tire size I upped from 23's to 25's, doesn't look to me like I could go any larger.
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09-14-15, 07:36 PM
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I can't ride long distances without them. I've got a bad wrist and any jarring will really make it hurt. Gel in the gloves tend to cut off circulation to my hands so the bar is the best place for it for me. I used both the Fizik and Specialized inserts. Both are great.
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