Buyer's Guide
Bar tape is used to protect your hands from the heat generated by riding a bicycle. The type of bar tape you use depends on what kind of riding you plan to do. Road bikes have flat bars, mountain bikes have drop bars, and BMX bikes have step ups. You also need to decide whether you want to use a single layer or double layer of tape. This article explains everything you need to know before buying a new set of bar tape.
Bar tape is a thin strip of material that attaches to the ends of bicycle handles to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the handgrips. The most common type of bar tape is made of rubberized fabric, but there are many different types of bar tape available for different purposes. For example, some bar tape has Velcro strips attached to both sides of the tape, while others only have Velcro on one side.
Bike riding is an activity that requires a lot of physical effort. This means that your hands will get sweaty and dirty after just a few minutes of riding. If you don't want this to happen, you'll need to take care of your hands before and during your ride. One of the best ways to protect your hands is by using a good pair of gloves. However, if you're looking for something more than just protection, you may consider wearing a bar tape instead of gloves. There are several reasons why you might choose to wear a bar tape over gloves.
Bar taping isn't just for mountain bikers anymore. Road cyclists use bar tape to protect their hands and wrists while riding. But did you know that bar tape has other uses?
It can also be useful for protecting your hands and wrists during training rides. For instance, you could wrap your hands before doing strength exercises such as pull ups or chinups. Then, after your workout, you can remove the tape to let your skin breathe.
Another reason to invest in bar tape is to prevent blisters. Blister prevention is one of the most common reasons for stopping cycling. When you ride long distances, your palms sweat which causes friction against your skin. This can lead to chafing and blisters.
To avoid this problem, apply a thin layer of bar tape over your palms and fingers. This will reduce the amount of friction and help prevent blisters.
Finally, bar tape can be used to secure items to your bicycle. For example, you could attach a bag to your frame using a piece of tape.
The best part about bar tape is that it comes in various colors and patterns. This makes it perfect for any cyclist. Whether you're racing, commuting, or training, bar tape can be a valuable tool in your arsenal.
If you ride a bicycle, then you probably already know how important bar tape is. Without proper bar tape, your hands could slip off the handlebars. This would obviously be very dangerous if you were riding down the street. So, it's important to purchase a quality bar tape. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying bar tape:
Look for a durable material. Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a bar tape. You want something that won't break easily. Look for a material that is strong and flexible. A material that is too rigid may become uncomfortable after extended use.
Consider the length. When looking for bar tape, think about the distance between your hand and the end of the handlebars. Make sure that the bar tape is long enough to cover the entire length of the handlebars. If you have short arms, you might find that the bar tape doesn't reach the ends of the bars. This could leave gaps where dirt and debris can collect.
Make sure that the bar tape is wide enough. If you have large hands, you'll need a wider bar tape. Otherwise, you might find that the bar tape isn't wide enough to protect your hands. If you have small hands, you might want to go with a narrower bar tape.
Check the price. There are many different types of bar tape available. Some are cheap, others are expensive. Before making a purchase, do your research. Compare prices and read reviews online. Ask friends who they recommend. Take advantage of sales and discounts. Check out coupons and rebates. These are great ways to save money.
Don't forget to buy extras. Sometimes, you'll find that the bar tape you bought is just fine. But, sometimes you'll find that the bar tape needs replacing. Buy extras so that you never run out of bar tape.
Bike accessories. Whether you ride mountain bikes, road bikes, BMX bikes, or even fixed gear bicycles, there are plenty of ways to customize your bicycle. One way to personalize your ride is through bar tape. This accessory allows you to add color, style, and function to your bike.
Bar tape options. There are many types of bar tape available. Some are made specifically for road bikes while others are made for mountain biking. The type of bar tape you choose depends on how you plan to use your bike. Road cyclists often prefer flat bar tape, while mountain bikers tend to favor tubular bar tape.
Functional features. Many bar tapes are designed to protect your hands from wind and rain. Others are designed to hold onto your handlebars during rough terrain. Still other bar tapes are designed to prevent scratches and scrapes on your frame.
Colorful options. While most bar tapes are black, there are several colors available. These range from bright yellow to neon green. Some riders even decorate their bikes with custom designs.
Wearability. Bar tape doesn't just cover your hands. In fact, it covers more than half of your hand. That means you may end up wearing it under gloves if you wear them. Make sure you test this feature before purchasing.
Safety. Before using any new equipment, always read the instructions included with the item. Don't assume that you know how to properly install the bar tape. Always follow the manufacturer's directions carefully.
Value. Like anything else, bar tape has its price. As a rule of thumb, you should spend no more than 10% of your total bike cost on bar tape.
There are two main categories of bar tape; Road and Mountain. Each category has its own advantages and disadvantages. We will go through each of these below.
Road Tapes. Road tapes are designed to protect your hands from bumps and debris on the road. They are typically made from neoprene and rubber. Neoprene is a synthetic material that provides excellent grip and protection against abrasion. Rubber is a natural material that offers good flexibility and durability. Road tapes are often black in color and offer a smooth finish. These are commonly seen on mountain bikes.
Mountain Tapes. Mountain tapes are designed to protect your hands from rocks and branches on the trail. These are typically made from nylon and polyester. Nylon is a manmade fiber that is strong and durable. Polyester is a natural fiber that is soft and flexible. Mountain tapes are often white in color and offer a rougher surface than road tapes. Bar Tapes are commonly seen on hybrid bicycles.
FAQs
Bar tape is a type of tape that attaches to your bicycle's handlebars. There are two main types of bar tape: grip tape and mud-and-waterproofing tape.
Bar tape originated in Europe during the early 1900s. Riders would use their hands to pull off pieces of paper from a roll of tape and then attach those pieces to the bars of their bicycles.
Many people use bar tape to protect their hands from the cold weather. They also use it to keep dirt out of their gloves when they ride outside. Finally, some people use bar tape to make their bikes look more stylish.
Some people believe that bar tape helps to reduce friction between your hand and the handlebars of your bike. If this is true, then bar tape could potentially reduce injuries caused by cycling accidents.
You don't necessarily need to buy expensive bar tape. Many companies sell cheap bar tape online. However, you will want to get quality bar tape. Cheap bar tape won't last as long as high-quality bar tape.
If you're looking for good bar tape, you'll probably want to choose a brand that has been around for awhile. Look for a company that sells its own line of bar tape rather than selling products under another name. Also, check to see if the product comes with a warranty.
Most bar tape uses either double-sided tape or glue. Double-sided tape sticks well to most surfaces, but it doesn't stick as well to plastic. Glue is less likely to peel away from plastic, but it isn't as strong as double-sided tape.
No matter what kind of bar tape you purchase, you should always try to remove it yourself. Otherwise, you risk damaging your bike.
Clean your bar tape regularly. Dirt and grime build up quickly on bar tape. When cleaning your bar tape, wipe it down with soap and water. Then let it dry completely before applying new bar tape.
Washing your bar tape after each ride isn't necessary. However, washing your bar tape occasionally will help to keep it cleaner.
To apply bar tape, first cut off a section of the tape. Next, fold back the edges of the tape. Then press the folded edge against the surface of your bike's handlebars. Finally, smooth the tape across the entire area where you plan to install it.
When ordering bar tape, measure the distance between the center of your handlebars and the end of your seatpost. Add about 1/2 inch to this measurement. That's the amount of space you'll need to leave between the top of your handlebars and the bottom of your seat post.
First, loosen the clamp holding the tape in place. Then slowly lift the tape upward until it peels away from the bike. Be careful not to tear the tape!
Store your bar tape in a cool, dark location. Don't put it near heaters or air conditioning units. And never expose it to direct sunlight.
