The handlebars are fundamental for cycling, and one of the most important parts of them is the handlebar tape.
Handlebar tape is the material that covers the top of your handlebars, generally serving as extra padding for your hands when you’re out on the road.
In addition to providing comfort and ensuring a more pleasant ride, the right handlebar tape can also help improve grip, so it’s important to consider the various characteristics and find an option that best fits your needs.
The handlebar tape market has something for every rider.
You can find a variety of options ranging from simple, economical monochromatic models to more sophisticated and expensive options with special designs and multiple colors.
It all depends on the rider’s preferences and budget.
In this blog post, we will be looking at 10 of the most popular handlebar tapes of 2023 and helping you determine which one would be the best option for you.
Best Handlebar Tape – Tested by Pros
Lizard Skins DSP Handlebar Tape
Lizard Skins is one of the most recognizable brands in the cycling world. It has been around for almost 30 years, since 1993. Their handlebar tape displays their commitment to high-quality materials and construction.
The Lizard Skins DSP Handlebar Tape is a lightweight, comfortable, and affordable option that provides great durability and grip. It has a shock absorbing layer which prevents vibrations and an anti-slip surface for a secure fit which does not move. Additionally, it is available in a wide array of colors, so you can choose the one you like the most.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 2.5mm
- Weight: 61g
Price: US$ 32
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape
Supacaz makes some of the most premium cycling accessories in the market. It is a company that strives to make the most premium cycling products available to riders of all budgets. They are well known for their high-end handlebar tapes.
The Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape is the brand’s best-selling handlebar tape.
It is made from high-quality aerospace foam and triple layer construction, making it the lightest and most comfortable handlebar tape in the market. It features and anti-slip texture and shock absorbing properties, making it a great option for long rides.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 0.4mm
- Weight: 30g
Price: US$ 29
Bontrager Grippytack Bar Tape
Another recognizable name in the cycling world is Bontrager. They are known not only for their bikes but also for their awesome cycling accessories. Among them, the Bontrager Grippytack Bar Tape stands out for its performance and durability.
This particular bar tape is made from a material called “Grippytack” which provides superior grip in all weather conditions. It has a thickness of 0.7 mm and a weight of 40g, making it light and comfortable to ride in. Additionally, it also provides shock absorbing properties and is available in eight different colors.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 0.7mm
- Weight: 40g
Price: US$ 37
SRAM Supercork Bar Tape
SRAM is one of the most recognizable cycling brands in the world. It’s known for producing outstanding components that are reliable, durable, and lightweight. The SRAM Supercork bar tape is no exception.
It is made from cork with a layer of foam underneath for extra cushioning. It has a thickness of 0.8 mm and a weight of 60 g, making it lightweight yet durable. Additionally, it is available in a wide range of colors and has a soft surface for comfortable grip.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 0.8mm
- Weight: 60g
Price: US$ 16
Ritchey WCS Race Gel Bar Tape
Ritchey is a brand known for making high-end cycling components. Among them, the Ritchey WCS Race Gel bar tape stands out for being one of the most comfortable in the market.
This bar tape is made from a combination of natural cork, silicone, and rubber. It has a thickness of 1.5 mm and a weight of 65g, making it one of the most lightweight and comfortable bar tapes in the market. It also has a shock absorbing layer and a special “GelFoam” technology for extra comfort when riding.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 1.5mm
- Weight: 65g
Price: US$ 40
Pro Sport Comfort
The Pro Sport Comfort bar tape is one of the most affordable options in the market. It is a fairly basic bar tape but it is comfortable and reliable. It has a thickness of 2 mm and a weight of 40 g, making it light enough to easily install. Additionally, it has a shock absorbing layer and a soft texture that provides a great grip even in wet conditions.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 2mm
- Weight: 40g
Price: US$ 42
Fabric Knurl
Fabric is not very well known in the cycling world, but their Knurl bar tape is one of the most pleasant surprises.
It is incredibly lightweight and comfortable to ride in. It does not have a thick layer of padding, but it still manages to provide great shock absorbing properties.
It has a thickness of 1mm and a weight of 42 g, making it one of the lightest bar tapes in the market. Additionally, it is available in nine different colors, so there is plenty of choice depending on the rider’s aesthetics.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 1mm
- Weight: 42g
Price: US$ 34
Fizik Vento
Fizik is a brand that is relatively new to the market, but their handlebar tape is surprisingly good. The Fizik Vento bar tape is incredibly light and provides great grip in all conditions.
This bar tape has a unique texture that ensures a good grip in any condition. It is also very soft and comfortable to ride with, making it a great option for long rides. It has a thickness of 2.5 mm and a weight of 42 g, making it lightweight and easy to install.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 2.5mm
- Weight: 42g
Price: US$ 21
Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic
The Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic bar tape is one of the most comfortable bar tapes in the market. It is made from a combination of Microtex and Bondcush, making it one of the most durable and comfortable options available.
It has a thickness of 2mm and a weight of 70 g, making it lightweight and resistant. Additionally, it has a slightly tacky surface to ensure maximum grip and an anti-slip layer to keep it in place. It is also available in five different colors.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 2mm
- Weight: 70g
Price: US$ 36
Silca Nastro Fiore
Silca is another brand that has been making high-end cycling components for decades. The Silca Nastro Fiore bar tape is one of the oldest bar tapes in the market, but it is still one of the most comfortable.
This bar tape is made from Italian leather, making it extremely durable and comfortable. It has a thickness of 3.5 mm and a weight of 114 g, making it one of the thickest and heaviest bar tapes in the market. Additionally, it has a special coating that gives it superior grip in wet conditions.
Specifications:
- Thickness: 3.5mm
- Weight: 114g
Price: US$ 46
Best Handlebar Tape Key Takeaways
In conclusion, after evaluating the provided list of nine handlebar tapes, I would recommend the Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm Handlebar Tape, the Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape, and the Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic. These handlebar tapes offer unique features and benefits that set them apart from the rest.
The Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm Handlebar Tape is an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritize comfort, grip, and durability.
The DSP (DuraSoft Polymer) material used in this tape provides an optimal balance between shock absorption and grip, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough roads.
The 2.5mm thickness is suitable for most riders, offering ample cushioning without compromising control.
Additionally, the Lizard Skins DSP tape is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The tape is available in a wide range of colors, allowing cyclists to personalize their bikes according to their preferences.
The Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape stands out for its unique combination of style, grip, and comfort.
This tape features a polyurethane layer with an exclusive “Kush” foam that provides excellent vibration damping and a comfortable feel.
The top layer is made from tacky polyurethane, which ensures a secure grip even in wet conditions.
The Supacaz Super Sticky Kush tape also includes aluminum bar end plugs and rubberized finishing tape for a clean and professional look.
With a variety of vibrant color options and patterns, this handlebar tape can add a touch of personality to any bike.
Lastly, the Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic is a versatile and high-performance handlebar tape suitable for a wide range of riding conditions.
The Bondcush construction features a layered mid-padding polymer foam that offers a balance between comfort and support, reducing hand fatigue during long rides.
The Microtex outer layer is durable and grippy, ensuring consistent control, even when wet.
The Fizik Tempo tape is available in a classic finish, which provides a traditional look and feel, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a timeless aesthetic.
While the other handlebar tapes on the list offer specific benefits and features, the Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm Handlebar Tape, Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape, and Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic stand out for their combination of comfort, grip, and style.
Each of these handlebar tapes is suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from beginners to professionals, and offers a reliable solution for those looking to enhance their ride comfort and control.
The choice between these three handlebar tapes ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences, but you can be confident that any of them will serve you well on your cycling journeys.
