Top 5 Best Bar Tapes 2024

Handlebar tapes play a vital role in every bicycle’s equipment. They enhance handling and control while also providing a degree of comfort for long or difficult rides. With so many choices on the market, selecting the right tape for your bicycle can be challenging. Our team has invested numerous hours in research, testing, and real-world riding to compile a comprehensive guide on the top handlebar tapes available today.

Some key products to consider include the materials the tape is made from. The best bar tape should be cushy yet durable, offering an excellent level of grip without creating uncomfortable bulk around the handlebars. Moreover, the tape should be moisture and cold-resistant and easy to clean, maintaining its shape and properties session after session.

As consumers, it’s critical to understand that purchasing top-quality bar tape not only guarantees improved performance on the road but also aids in preventing hand fatigue and injuries. Based on our extensive testing and research, we’ve whittled our choices down to give you the essential details on the best bar tapes available.

Best Bar Tapes

When selecting bar tapes for your bike, key features to consider include cushioning, durability, grip, weather resistance and ease of maintenance. Additionally, the choice between smooth or textured finish largely depends on personal preference. The ideal bar tape should strike a balance between these features to better enhance your biking experience.

We’ve done the legwork and tested various brands and types of bar tapes, allowing us to compile a list highlighting the best ones to meet your needs. By the end of this article, you will have a clear picture to ensure your bike is fitted with the most suitable and high-performing bar tape.

ALIEN PROS Bike Handlebar Tape EVA (Set of 2) Black – Enhance Your Bike Grip with These Bicycle Handle bar Tape – Wrap Your Bike for an Awesome Comfortable Ride (Set of 2, Black)

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If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish handlebar tape, the ALIEN PROS Bike Handlebar Tape EVA is a great option.

Pros

• The 3.5mm thick EVA foam provides excellent shock absorption, making it more comfortable to ride.
• The high-quality non-adhesive velcro ensures a secure fit and easy installation.
• The set comes with two rolls of 2100mm x 25mm handlebar tape, which is enough to wrap most bikes.

Cons

• The tape may not be wide enough to cover the entire handlebar, requiring additional tape or overlapping.
• The black color may show dirt and grime more easily.
• The tape may not be as durable as some other options on the market.

We recently used the ALIEN PROS Bike Handlebar Tape EVA to wrap the handlebars on our road bike, and we were impressed with the results. The thick foam provided excellent shock absorption, making it more comfortable to ride on rough roads. The non-adhesive velcro was also a plus, as it ensured a secure fit without leaving any residue.

One thing to note is that the tape may not be wide enough to cover the entire handlebar, so we had to overlap the tape in some areas. Additionally, the black color may show dirt and grime more easily, so it may require more frequent cleaning.

Overall, we would recommend the ALIEN PROS Bike Handlebar Tape EVA to anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish handlebar tape. It provides excellent shock absorption, easy installation, and a secure fit.

BV EVA Road Bike Handlebar Tapes, Bicycle Bar Tape, Cycling Handle Wraps – 2 Rolls

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If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish way to wrap your bike’s handlebars, the BV EVA Road Bike Handlebar Tapes might be just what you need.

Pros

• The 320T waterproof EVA tape provides a comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
• The self-adhesive tape is easy to install and doesn’t require any tools.
• The package includes two rolls of tape, which is enough to wrap most road bikes.

Cons

• The tape is not very wide, which might make it difficult to cover larger handlebar diameters.
• The adhesive tape might not stick very well to some handlebar materials.
• The tape is not very thick, which might not provide enough cushioning for some riders.

We’ve been using the BV EVA Road Bike Handlebar Tapes for a few weeks now, and we’re pretty impressed with their performance. The tape is easy to install, and it provides a comfortable grip, even when our hands are sweaty. We also appreciate that the tape is waterproof, so we don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in wet conditions.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tape is not very wide, so it might not cover larger handlebar diameters very well. Additionally, the adhesive tape might not stick very well to some handlebar materials, so you might need to use some additional adhesive to ensure a secure fit.

Overall, we think the BV EVA Road Bike Handlebar Tapes are a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish way to wrap their bike’s handlebars. Just be aware of the tape’s limitations when it comes to width and adhesion.

LSSH Bike Handlebar Tapes, Cork Bike Handlebar Tape, Bicycle Bar Tape, Cycling Handle Wraps, EVA Road Bike Handlebar Tape – 2 Rolls (Black)

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If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish handlebar tape, the LSSH Bike Handlebar Tapes might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

• The double-sided adhesive tape and high-quality EVA foam make the handlebar tape durable and long-lasting.
• The non-slip design of the tape ensures a firm grip, even during intense rides.
• The 30% thicker foam than ordinary handlebar tape provides extra comfort and shock absorption.

Cons

• The tape might be a bit difficult to install for beginners.
• The black color might not be the best choice for those who want to match their bike’s color scheme.
• The tape might not be as waterproof as some other options on the market.

We’ve used the LSSH Bike Handlebar Tapes for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with their quality and performance. The tape is thicker than most other handlebar tapes we’ve tried, which makes it more comfortable to hold onto, especially during long rides. The non-slip design of the tape also ensures that our hands stay in place, even when we’re riding at high speeds.

One of the things we appreciate most about this tape is its durability. The double-sided adhesive tape and high-quality EVA foam make the tape resistant to tearing and wear, which means it will last for a long time. We also like the fact that the tape comes with two rolls, which means we can use it on both of our bikes.

However, there are a few things we don’t like about this tape. For one, the installation process can be a bit tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before. We also noticed that the black color might not be the best choice for those who want to match their bike’s color scheme. Finally, while the tape is water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof, which means it might not hold up as well in heavy rain.

Overall, we think the LSSH Bike Handlebar Tapes are a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable handlebar tape. While they might not be perfect for everyone, they’re definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new handlebar tape.

Fizik Performance Bicycle Bar Tape – Soft, Tacky & Classic Professional Bike Handlebar Tape (2mm, 2.7mm, 3mm)

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If you’re looking for a high-quality handlebar tape that offers both comfort and durability, then the Fizik Performance Bicycle Bar Tape is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The tape is soft and tacky, making it comfortable to hold onto for extended periods of time.
• It comes in a classic design that will look great on any bike.
• The tape is durable and will last for a long time, even with frequent use.

Cons

• The tape is quite expensive compared to other handlebar tapes on the market.
• The tape is only available in black, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
• The tape may require some additional installation steps to ensure it stays in place.

We’ve been using the Fizik Performance Bicycle Bar Tape for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The tape is incredibly soft and tacky, which makes it very comfortable to hold onto. We’ve also found that the tape provides a good amount of grip, even when our hands are sweaty.

One of the things we really like about this tape is its classic design. It looks great on our bike and adds a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. We also appreciate the fact that the tape is very durable and will last for a long time, even with frequent use.

While the tape is quite expensive compared to other handlebar tapes on the market, we believe that its quality justifies the price. The tape is also only available in black, which may not be to everyone’s liking. Additionally, the tape may require some additional installation steps to ensure it stays in place.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Fizik Performance Bicycle Bar Tape to anyone who is looking for a high-quality handlebar tape that offers both comfort and durability.

SUPACAZ – Bicycle Bar Tape [Length: 2,200mm Width: 30mm] +Plugs – Super Sticky Kush Classic –Black

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If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish handlebar tape, the SUPACAZ Bicycle Bar Tape is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The tape is made of high-quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting.
• The unique patterned weave design provides a comfortable grip, even during long rides.
• The tape is easy to install, thanks to the self-adhesive design.

Cons

• The tape may not fit all handlebar sizes, so it’s important to measure your handlebars before purchasing.
• The tape is relatively expensive compared to other handlebar tapes on the market.
• The tape may not be suitable for riders who prefer a thicker or thinner tape.

We’ve used the SUPACAZ Bicycle Bar Tape on our road bike, and we’re impressed with its overall quality and performance. The tape is made of a high-density foam layer that provides excellent shock absorption, making it comfortable to hold onto, even on rough roads. The non-slip surface of the tape also ensures a secure grip, even when your hands are sweaty.

The tape’s unique patterned weave design is not only stylish but also provides a comfortable grip. The double-sided adhesive tape ensures easy and secure installation, while the included bar plugs make for a clean and professional finish. The tape is also waterproof, making it ideal for wet weather rides.

While the tape may be a bit expensive compared to other handlebar tapes, we believe that the quality and performance make it worth the investment. However, it’s important to note that the tape may not fit all handlebar sizes, so it’s important to measure your handlebars before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and stylish handlebar tape, the SUPACAZ Bicycle Bar Tape is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best bar tape, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various bar tapes, and here are the factors that we found to be the most important:

Material

Bar tape material is an essential factor to consider when purchasing bar tape. The most common materials used for bar tape are leather, gel, and cork. Leather bar tape is durable and provides a comfortable grip, but it can be expensive. Gel bar tape is soft and provides excellent shock absorption, making it a popular choice for riders who experience hand fatigue. Cork bar tape is eco-friendly and provides a comfortable grip, but it can be challenging to install.

Width

The width of the bar tape is another crucial factor to consider. Wider bar tape provides a more comfortable grip, but it can also be more challenging to install. Narrower bar tape is easier to install, but it may not provide as much comfort as wider tape.

Adhesive

The adhesive used on bar tape is also an important factor to consider. Some bar tapes come with a reusable adhesive that can be removed and reapplied, while others have a permanent adhesive that cannot be removed once applied. It is essential to choose a bar tape with an adhesive that will stay in place and not peel off after a few rides.

Texture

The texture of the bar tape is another crucial factor to consider. Some riders prefer a smooth texture, while others prefer a textured surface that provides better grip. It is essential to choose a bar tape with a texture that feels comfortable in your hands.

In conclusion, when choosing the best bar tape, it is essential to consider the material, width, adhesive, and texture. By taking these factors into account, you can find a bar tape that provides a comfortable grip and stays in place during your rides.