Handlebar Tape
A handlebar tape is an accessory for your bicycle that can provide better grip and comfort when riding. Commonly, bikes come with this component
or a handlebar grip. Grips are generally used on handlebars that have one riding position and handlebar tapes are used for those that provide multiple riding positions. As time passes by though, the handlebar tape on your bike will loosen and you will find it hard to maintain your grip. If such a time comes, then replacing your handlebar tape will need to be done in order to maintain your grip on your bikes handle. Doing so will not only restore your bikes performance; it will also extend its durability as well.
To help you get one that matches your bikes specifications, there are various kinds of handlebar tapes currently available in the market. The difference between these varieties would be the material used for the tape. Materials that can be used for a handlebar tape are the following: vinyl, rubber, plastic, cotton, leather, and cork. Most bikes come with a foam rubber tube that covers the handlebars. Again, once these rubber tubes start becoming loose, and then replacement of your bikes tape is a must. Handlebar tapes made out of cork are usually the most expensive and provide the best quality. If you have no idea how you can replace your bikes handlebar tape, here is a simple guide on how you can do just that.
The first thing you need to do is to remove the end plug of your bicycle and peel the old tape off if it’s still there. Next, take your tape out and start taping your handlebars from the bar ends. That way, the point where you started can be secured by your brake clamps. Start taping the open end of your handlebar and remember to leave a little extra piece on the end so you can tuck it in and cover it with the end plug. Remember to slant your tape if ever you have to tape up some curves.
Now when doing overlaps on your handlebar, be sure to be careful and neat so everything will look nice and even. When finishing up your taping task, make a figure of eight around your overlaps and cover it with an electrical tape or any adhesive tape to prevent it from loosening. If ever your tape is short, then you will have to remove the whole thing and reduce your overlaps.
If this procedure sounds and proves too tedious for you, then you can go to a local bike shop to buy handlebar tapes and have the store personnel set it up for you. Buying handlebar tapes can also be done online. There are several web sites that sell not only tapes but also other biking accessories that your bicycle might need.
So if you’re a bicycle enthusiast or you’re starting to take interest in biking, then we hope that his article will prove helpful and informational to you. Handlebar tape may not be critical to the operation of your bicycle but having a tight and comfortable grip will not only give you a great ride but a safe one too.
Fizik Handlebar Tape Review
Fizik handlebar tape immediately became popular because it is durable, thin, and lightweight. It also cleans easier than any other handlebar tape available in the
market. As a staff favorite in most stores, Fizik is also known for its soft, suede-like texture. Aside from being very durable and breathable, it also looks better than other handlebar tapes available in the market. Its soft texture also offers more tack than the traditional smooth texture. Those made of Microtex fiber are also very easy to install because they do not tear easily and they can last long in virtually any weather condition.
Fizik handlebar tape standout features
Anyone who enjoys riding on a bike will need some sort of handlebar tape for added comfort and support. Nothing can actually make an old bike look as good as new other than a roll of fresh handlebar tape. While all companies that manufacture handlebar tape claim to offer the best bar tape available in the market, only Fizik remains true to its promise of creating the most breathable, durable, and great-looking bar tape for killing off road vibration. Here are only some of the best features of the ever-popular Fizik handlebar tape.
Fizik bar tape is not only popular for being durable and breathable. It is also the only bar tape that you can install into your bike without tearing. Its Microtex material also comes with an adhesive backing and an excellent texture that is both comfortable and smooth to touch. With every purchase of this bar tape, you also get a finishing tape and a pair of black bar end plugs. Long-lasting and durable, Fizik handlebar tape is ideal for all weather conditions because it does not tear easily like other branded bar tapes do.
If you think that the standard monochrome look of this handlebar tape is not enough, you will also enjoy the dual handlebar tape that Fizik offers. Each roll comes with a dominant color of either white or black, with a thin border made of another color. Their secondary color may also have small Fizik logos embossed into them along with elegant stitching. Since a double-stitched air cushion is also built into the dual handlebar tape, it can also guarantee you with additional foam padding for better shock absorption.
These are only some of the best features of Fizik bar tape. Whether you want to give you bike a new look or you just want it to absorb shock and road vibration better, a new roll of Fizik handlebar tape is exactly what you need.
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