Has anyone found that single layer wrapped handle bars are more comfortable than double? The drops on my handlebars are a bit short, and when I double wrapped the the bars, it reduced the amount of space for my palm and made riding in the drops uncomfortable. Curiously, I don't find a single layer to be less comfortable than a double when my hands are placed on the tops or corners.

My shop used to wrap my bars in two or maybe three layers of tape, with the assumption that since I was touring, I "needed" it.

I didn't. I've gone all the way down to a single layer of tight-fitting Fizik tape, where there's almost nothing, and with my gloves I was perfectly happy. Right now I have Sram Supercork tape, just the cheap $20 sram tape, and that's it, and I've never had hand pain. Never!

I chalk it up to good, wide tires on the front (though, I have no problems with my narrower 28's either).

On top of that, my riding position is good, with my elbows slightly bent to absorb shock. If your arms are straight, no amount of tape will protect your wrists.

Yes, I'm finding that slightly bent elbows seems to work better than additional tape in terms of maintaining comfort.

split the difference .. double wrap the upper portion , single wrap the drops..

OR, you might like wiggle.com | Fizik MicroTex Handlebar Tape with Gel Pads | Bar Tape

Thanks for the suggestion!

I like my Fizik 3MM tape and my new ergo bars, plus a good pair of gloves. The tape is thick and comfy (but not too thick) and the flat section has good palm support so I am not so tightly gripping the bars as I would on round bars.

If you need added comfort you could go with some Barfat/anti vibe pads. I know Fizik makes some of that and it goes under the tape, however you might need more tape.

I had 4 or 5 layers of tape on mine by the time we reached Argentina. It wasn't so much for the padding and cushion, but for a natural hand grip. I found that having the small bar to wrap my hand around wasn't a natural position. My bars ended up being about 2" in diameter.

I certainly value the experience of someone who has made such a long trek! Did you have multiple layers covering all of your bars, or did you some areas have more layers than others?

I like gel pads on the tops.

All of it. I found I really only used 2 hand positions on my butterfly bars, and wanted both of them big and fat.

80s I use half a Grab On set on the Rando Bar tops , and cotton bar taped over them.

Now I too use Trekking bars . R'off grip shift compatible .. 22.2 tube ..

Yes that makes a big difference. Look at the pro racers and you will see a lot of them with elbows bent quite a bit. Many ride with their forearms parallel to the ground at least some of the time and you will never see them with locked elbows. Not everything from the racing set translates well to touring, but I find that for me this does.

Also it helps to not have a death grip on the bars. Fingers draped loosely over them is the ticket IMO. Relax those shoulders as well.


A strong core and a relaxed upper body are key to comfort on the bike.

Bontrager (Trek) makes a couple different types of their gel bar tape, some being thicker than others. I find one is adequate and quite comfy. Pete's got it right, a loose relaxed grip, try not to lock your joints and change hand positions frequently.

+1

Personally I do double wrap my touring bike. I like the extra thickness as much as the cushion. I don't wear stinky riding gloves, except as needed for warmth.