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Who makes the best Gel Cork Handlebar tape?

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Who makes the best Gel Cork Handlebar tape?

Old 09-03-10, 07:48 AM
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Who makes the best Gel Cork Handlebar tape?

Since most people can afford the best handlebar tape, what would you recommend for touring? I don’t really see a lot of reviews on handlebar tape.

Two that appear to be comfortable are:

Salsa Gel Cork
Bontrager Gel Cork
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Old 09-03-10, 08:15 AM
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Soma Thick 'n' Zesty (Really should be a Salsa brand)
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Old 09-03-10, 09:28 AM
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I use specialized bar phat with the full gel pads underneathe. For $20, pretty good.
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Old 09-03-10, 10:04 AM
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I like the Cinelli gel cork. I used to go for the standard (non-gel) version but recently realized that the gel one doesn't have the super-sticky adhesive strip, but rather a removable tacky one - so it's much easier to rewrap if you need to do that. You can also stretch it a bit while putting it on the bar, to make it smooth around the bends. I don't know if it's the best or most durable out there, but it is comfy and feels nice on the hands.

https://www.google.com/search?q=cinelli+gel+cork

I have also successfully double wrapped it on the top portion of the drop bars - this makes the bars thicker and perhaps less likely to cause ulnar nerve damage.

Neil

p.s. I also like the 3M Scotch Super 88 Vinyl Electrical Tape for finishing the bar wrap:

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/revie...hread_id=76821

Last edited by NeilGunton; 09-03-10 at 10:41 AM.
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Old 09-03-10, 10:38 AM
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Cinelli.
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Old 09-03-10, 10:50 AM
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Personally love the Cinelli gel cork tape as well. About $20.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...ls.php?id=5052
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Old 09-03-10, 11:09 AM
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I've been happy with the feel and longevity of the Bontrager Gel Cork. I have small hands, so I like the Bontrager bar/tape combination I have as the total width is on the narrow side. Don't really like thick bars or double tape.

Also easy to re-wrap and stretches well around the bends.
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Old 09-03-10, 02:30 PM
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I just put some nashbar tape on with some gel pads underneath. Though not cork, it was easy to put on & with the pads it works well for me
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Old 09-03-10, 05:06 PM
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yip hard to beat cinelli
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Old 09-03-10, 07:04 PM
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I have large hands (XL gloves), so I put gel pads on, then wrap with one layer of whatever is handy, then wrap over that with Cinelli Gel Crok tape. Makes it fat enough for my big mits!
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Old 09-03-10, 07:18 PM
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Looks like Cinelli Gel Cork handle bar tape is pretty popular. That is what my local bike shop stocks as well.

I just ordered my bike build kit and included Cinelli Gel Cork for my selection.
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