Handlebar tape review: 23 handlebar tapes ranging from 8 to 50 euros put to the test by TOUR

Matthias Borchers

· 08.05.2024

23 handlebar tapes put to the test: Bike Ribbon Grip Evo

23 Images

Photo: Kerstin Leicht

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Small accessories with a big impact: handlebar tape defines the look of a road bike and determines how comfortable the handlebars feel. We tested 23 models – sometimes it was a breeze, other times a real struggle.

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This article first appeared in TOUR (04/2020) and was revised in May 2024.

Just as wallpaper only enhances a room if the wallpaperer knows his craft, handlebar tape only looks good if it has been wrapped properly. The difference is that wallpaper is pasted onto the wall in straight, butt-jointed strips, whilst handlebar tape winds diagonally and overlaps around the handlebars and brake/gear levers. However, our test reveals not only significant differences in how easily the tapes can be wrapped, but also in their finish, grip and shock absorption.

Handlebar tape: Prices start at under ten euros

Prices start at under ten euros; for the most expensive handlebar tape in the test, the manufacturer Silca charges 50 euros. The grip and shock absorption of handlebar tape depend on the material, its thickness and the surface texture. The level of shock absorption can vary depending on how tightly you wrap the tape. Most models are around three millimetres thick and three centimetres wide. The Lizard Skin handlebar tape is available in three thicknesses (1.8/2.5/3.2 mm). If, for example, you’re planning a race on cobblestones, you should wrap the tape more tightly, use two layers, or pad it with foam. If you opt for the inexpensive but well-reviewed tapes from Merida or Rose (12 and 14 euros respectively) when using two layers, you’ll also get away quite cheaply. Speaking of value for money: the cheapest handlebar tapes are usually made of a cork-like material. Although they’re relatively easy to wrap, they can snap suddenly if you pull too hard.

VIDEO: Guide – how to wrap handlebar tape

During this test, we wrapped around 46 metres of handlebar tape around our standard handlebars (31.8 mm thick, 42 cm wide). Several of the models tested exhibited the same shortcoming: they barely reached the stem. This may be down to the length of the tape, but also to the elasticity of the material – or both. However, with standard handlebars, it’s quite easy for the tape to run out. It’s frustrating when the adhesive surface of the handlebar tape doesn’t allow for a second attempt. Tip: Opt for a stretchy model with a silicone grip rather than an adhesive surface. The FSA HB Gel Tape, the Fizik Vento or the Btwin Light Tape are the easiest to wrap; they also allow for a second attempt. The tapes from FSA, Jagwire, Rose (Soft AR) and Silca, on the other hand, provide good shock absorption and give your hands a secure grip – even in the rain, when rubber-like handlebar tapes with a diamond pattern or similar texture offer the best grip.

Handlebar tape accessories

One thing all handlebar tapes have in common is that the set includes handlebar end plugs, which can be used to tuck the overlapping part of the first layer into the end of the handlebar. In cheaper sets, the plugs are made of plastic and have barbs that wedge themselves into the handlebar tube. On aluminium models, an expander is spread within the handlebar tube using a screw. They look more stylish and often grip more securely. Other accessories usually include a couple of extra strips of handlebar tape to cover the gap around the brake and gear levers, as well as two strips of finishing tape to neatly cover the diagonally cut end on the top of the handlebars.

We have tested the following road bike handlebar tapes

Handlebar tape in individual testing

Bike Ribbon Grip Evo

Photo: Kerstin LeichtBike Ribbon Grip Evo

Price: 14 euros >> available here
Country of production: N/A
Set weight: 70 grams
Length/Thickness: 1,930 mm/2.9 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.5
Winding (25 %): 4.0
Grip (25 %): 3.0
Damping (25 %): 4.0

Overall mark: 3.4

Conclusion: The protective film keeps tearing. The tape is light, but very stiff, so it’s far too short and curls up.

Bike Ribbon Maze

Photo: Kerstin LeichtBike Ribbon Maze

Price: 29 euros >> available here
Country of production: N/A
Set weight: 77 grams
Length/Thickness: 1,970 mm/3.3 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.8
Winding (25 %): 2.0
Grip (25 %): 2.0
Damping (25 %): 2.0

Overall mark: 2.2

Conclusion: The Maze is easy to wind. Its adhesive tape sticks even the second time round.

Btwin Comfort Gel

Photo: Kerstin LeichtBtwin Comfort Gel

Price: 8 euros >> available here
Country of production: Taiwan
Set weight: 48 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,060 mm/2.5 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 3.0
Winding (25 %): 2.3
Grip (25 %): 4.0
Damping (25 %): 2.0

Overall mark: 2.8

Conclusion: It’s easy to wind, but tears easily if too much tension is applied; it offers good shock absorption, but only satisfactory grip.

Btwin Light Tape Handlebars

Photo: Kerstin LeichtBtwin Light Tape Handlebars

Price: 12 euros >> available here
Country of production: Taiwan
Set weight: 76 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,050 mm/3.2 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.3
Winding (25 %): 1.7
Grip (25 %): 4.0
Damping (25 %): 4.0

Overall mark: 3.0

Conclusion: A flexible tape that is easy to wind. The surface has a striking sheen and offers little grip.

Cinelli Cork Ribbon

Photo: Kerstin LeichtCinelli Cork Ribbon

Price: 16 euros >> available here
Country of production: N/A
Set weight: 70 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,010 mm/2.5 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.8
Winding (25 %): 2.3
Grip (25 %): 4.0
Damping (25 %): 3.0

Overall mark: 3.0

Conclusion: Sufficiently long, well-made, but not very flexible and offers little grip in wet conditions.

Cinelli 3D Ribbon

Photo: Kerstin LeichtCinelli 3D Ribbon

Price: 37 euros >> available here
Country of production: N/A
Set weight: 73 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,030 mm/2.8 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.5
Winding (25 %): 4.0
Grip (25 %): 1.0
Damping (25 %): 4.0

Overall mark: 2.9

Conclusion: Too short, as it has hardly any stretch; very stiff, can only be wound with a great deal of skill; plenty of grip, little cushioning.

Physics Tempo

Photo: Kerstin LeichtPhysics Tempo

Price: 20 euros >> available here
Country of production: China
Set weight: 94 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,350 mm/2.0 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.0
Winding (25 %): 2.3
Grip (25 %): 2.0
Damping (25 %): 3.0

Overall mark: 2.3

Conclusion: The long strap fits any handlebars, but it takes a bit of practice to wrap it round as it’s a bit stiff.

Fizik Vento

Photo: Kerstin LeichtFizik Vento

Price: 38 euros >> available here
Country of production: China
Set weight: 110 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,350 mm/1.9 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.3
Winding (25 %): 1.0
Grip (25 %): 1.0
Damping (25 %): 3.0

Overall mark: 1.8

Conclusion: The long, thin strap is easy to wrap round, even for beginners. It offers plenty of grip, but provides very little cushioning.

FSA HB Gel Tape Power Touch

Photo: Kerstin LeichtFSA HB Gel Tape Power Touch

Price: 21 euros
Country of production: Taiwan
Set weight: 80 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,120 mm/2.8 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.0
Winding (25 %): 1.0
Grip (25 %): 2.0
Damping (25 %): 2.0

Overall mark: 1.8

Conclusion: Very flexible; it’s easy to wrap and can be wrapped several times. The long strap offers good grip and provides excellent cushioning.

Jagwire Pro Bar Tape

Photo: Kerstin LeichtJagwire Pro Bar Tape

Price: 35 euros
Country of production: Taiwan
Set weight: 83 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,150 mm/3.0 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.3
Winding (25 %): 3.3
Grip (25 %): 2.0
Damping (25 %): 1.0

Overall mark: 1.8

Conclusion: Good grip with effective shock absorption. However, the thick, stiff, non-stretch strap is difficult to wrap. Screw-in plug.

Lizard Skin DSP

Photo: Kerstin LeichtLizard Skin DSP

Price: 35 euros >> available here
Country of production: China
Set weight: 75 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,120 mm/2.5 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 1.8
Winding (25 %): 3.3
Grip (25 %): 2.0
Damping (25 %): 5.0

Overall mark: 3.0

Conclusion: The rather inflexible strap curves in tight bends and offers no cushioning at all. Handlebar end caps with screw-in expanders.

Merida Diamond Handlebar Tape

Photo: Kerstin LeichtMerida Diamond Handlebar Tape

Price: 12 euros
Country of production: Taiwan
Set weight: 107 grams
Length/Thickness: 2,120 mm/3.2 mm

TOUR rating

Processing (25 %): 2.3
Winding (25 %): 2.0
Grip (25 %): 2.0
Damping (25 %): 2.0

Overall mark: 2.1

Conclusion: A tyre with no weaknesses: wraps round the rim well, offers good grip despite its relatively smooth surface, and provides good shock absorption.