Description The original Cinelli handlebar tape, in a mixture of polyurethane’s with a high content of natural cork, which absorbs shock and sweat and ensures a safe, comfortable grip. By now an indispensable par...
Bike Setup: Race: Twrek 5200, Ultegra, Rolf Vector Pro, Vittoria Open Corsa.
Commute: '73 Raleigh Fixed conversion. Wheels built by me with Surly, double butted DT and Delgado Cross rims. 25c Conti's. Track bar.
Summary: I commute AND race. For racing, this cork tape is fine, especially if you have a penchant for that vintage feel. For commuting, it is TOP NOTCH. It's textured, not too squishy but also not rigid. I find it gives me a great feel for the road. It can be expensive if purchased locally. Luckilly, it's cheaper online.
Strengths: IMHO, Cinelli has the best feel hands down. Yay to cork! It's pretty durable, gives a positive grip rain or shine, looks good, and definately stays put. I can still imagine better, but this is the best tape I've found yet.
Weaknesses: To look good and function well, this tape needs to be applied by either a careful and experienced mechanic, or a very attentive and methodical novice. It does like to tear, and in the event of a crash, may not make it. Yet applied correctly (tightly), I find it holds up reasonably well... rain OR shine.
Similar Products Used: Provile, Deda, Bontrager Ribbon, Cloth, Cloth over Cork.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Steel frames with various combinations of non-ShimaNO equipment.
Summary: I've used this stuff on and off for about 15 years or so.
By far its best quality is the unique way it provides cushion and support. It's not squishy like gel products, but it also has a plush feel that most other tapes don't have.
The wrap looks nice, too--at least if you manage to get it on the bar in one piece and it doesn't get too dirty.
Every once in a while you can catch it on sale for ten dollars or so. Buy a few sets then.
Its worst qualities is that it gets slippery in the rain, it doesn't last more than a couple of months and that it's by far the most difficult wrap to install. Other wraps and grips are easier to install the first time around than Cinelli cork wrap is even after a few dozen tries.
Strengths: The grip and feel to which I alluded.
The colors and patterns available.
If you are adamant about having a classic-looking or all-Italian bike, this tape fits the bill.
Weaknesses: Tears easier than my sheerest pantyhose.
As I mentioned, it's slippery in the rain if you're not wearing gloves.
Similar Products Used: Torelli Moda (much more durable), Deda wrap (ditto), leather wraps (can't beat 'em for looks and status), Tressostar and other cloth tapes, Benotto (remember it?)
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: Cinelli cork tape can't be beat. it's comfortable and long lasting, and stays grippy when wet. I don't wear gloves in hot weather, and the Cinelli tape makes for comfortable riding.
Strengths: comfort, long life
Weaknesses: costs more than synthetic blend tapes, the chrome coating on the end plugs scratches off, the sticky tape on the back can make a bit of a mess.
Similar Products Used: Pearl Izumi tape
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: I haven't tried any other tape, so I have nothing to compare the stuff to. However, in my experience, Cinelli tape is decent, but the roll is not long enough. I have an oversize bar, and I run out of tape about 2 revolutions too soon. I just put on my third roll, and even knowing I'd need to widen out the loops, there was still not enough. I have to end up taking old tape and adding that to finish the job. Looks kind of amateurish, but that's the only thing you can do.
Also, if you live in a hot summer climate like me, the glue on the tape can melt and then the tape slides off (where the top of the bar curves going into the hoods).
Strengths: Comfortable, looks really nice
Weaknesses: Melty glue. Not enough tape on roll for oversize bars.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: This stuff is not that great. Try something else, unless you just NEED Celeste blue tape. Generic tape is better than this. TEST: use one side of bar Cinelli, the other side anything else, and see which lasts longer.
Strengths: Good way to fit in with the crowd. Readily available.
Weaknesses: Poor durability. Adhesive too sticky. Tears easily. Not the best feel.
Similar Products Used: Profile, Selocof(?), Off the Front(many variations, at least they're trying), Neon Bike Ribbon (back in the day).
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
4 of 5
4 of 5
2 of 5
5 of 5
3 of 5
3 of 5
1 of 5
