Brooks Leather handlebar tape

Product Information

If you prioritise style over everything, then the best bar tape for you might be cotton or leather, since it offers a retro aesthetic.

I've been using Brooks "honey" colored bar tape for six months on my fixie/commuter and over a year on my geared road bike. I've had issues with the cork/wood plugs on both bikes. On the Fixie they come loose regularly so it's become a habit of mine to regularly press them into place when I hop on the bike. I'm pretty certain they will eventually fall out. I've assumed it simply is too dry here for the cork and that it is drying out (and hence shrinking slightly). In a more moist climate (such as England) the cork would stay moist from the humidity - but from the comments of others it sounds like my theory may be incorrect.Bar tape can last for years, and it typically comes already installed on a new bike. It might seem easy enough; wrapping tape around bars. But it’s not thatsimple. Not all cyclists know how to wrap a bar and make it last. In fact, it’s one of the most common things done wrong on bicycles. What You’ll Need Of course, this tape will not appeal to all, however, Brooks does offer microfibre and rubber tape alternatives that match its animal-free saddles. How to choose the best bar tape What kind of bar tape do I need?

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it? Do whatever it takes to remove the old bar tape. It might just unravel when you remove the plugs, or you can use tweezers or pliers to grip it an pull it off delicately. 2. Clean the Bars

Lizard Skins DSP Bar Tape V2 4.6mm

Bar tape material has come a long way since the early days, but none of the early materials have been made entirely redundant. Over the years, we've seen cotton, cork, leather, vinyl, foam, and more. Cork and leather have been popular for decades for their levels of grip, comfort and for a classic look, but they do have limitations. The most commonly found bar tapes nowadays are made using synthetic materials which can be combined with foam or gel for padding.

Brooks Leather bar tape caters perfectly for those seeking a retro feel or a bar tape that matches their faithful Brooks saddle. Whether you're battling storms all year round or do your best to avoid the rain, grip is an important consideration when choosing the best bar tape for you. One and a half years after fitting Brooks leather bar tape to selected machines, RCUK can confidently pronounce that this is what precisely what happens to it over that period of regular usage, with one small proviso; it needs no buffing.

Lizard Skins DSP V2 1.8mm Bar Tape

If you’re replace existing tape, the hoods should already be in the right position, but this is your chance to move them if you desire. Make the adjustments, and tighten the hoods to the handlebars. It’s typically done with a 5mm hex wrench. The bolt is usually on the outside of the lever under the hood. Its a good idea to ride the bike before applying the tape, to ensure the hoods are where you want them, because after wrapping the bars, they’re difficult to move without disturbing the tape. If you want to bling up your bike with a colour-matched style, look for synthetic tape available in various colours. When it comes to wrapping, some synthetic bar tapes are high-stretch, making it easier to wrap the tape around brake levers and hoods. Cyclists know that certain items, tires, chains, and gears should be replaced at regular intervals, but how often should you replace your bar tape? This will be dependent on how much you ride, but it should be done at least a once a year. Think of how much your hands sweat out on a hot ride, or the dirt and dust from the road making it’s way to your handlebars. It can get pretty nasty looking, especially if it’s white, so you’ll want to make a habit of changing it out. What to look for in handlebar tape Grip There are all sorts of unspoken rules out there. Some say your bar tape should match your saddle, or your kit, or your head tube…the list goes on. The truth of it is, you should chose whatever tape feels the best in a colour that catches your eye. Types of Handlebar Tape