Bike Setup: Merlin Extralight w DA etc, Trek w DA etc.
Summary: Their CYCLECROSS bar tape is the best I have ever used.
Strengths: The same tape has been on one of my bikes for over 10 years. One side I had to replace after a hard crash, which is to be expected, the other side is still on the bike. I have been riding road bikes since 1972, with plenty of racing in the 1970's. Plus, I was in the bicycle industry for 17 years with my own shop, and then in wholesale, I probably have tried most of the competition available, and nothing else comes close. It is very "sticky", ie; you don't have to hold onto the bars with a death grip, even on very bumpy roads or in the rain. Plus, the fact that I just cannot wear it out, I have no idea when it will need replacing. If you can buy this tape, you will never want to ride with any other brand. I'd rate this product a 10+.
Weaknesses: None, other than it may have been discontinued. I'm going to call Off The Front tomorrow.
Similar Products Used: Pretty much everything else available.
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Bike Setup: Touring, road, foldable, single speed.
Summary: Hands down the best tape ever manufactured anywhere! Its currently out of production owing, according to the business owners, to its wear and tear longevity - the stuff lasts forever. I've got ten years plus on one of my bikes - it looks like I wrapped it yesterday. Shops stopped stocking it because customers who bought it never came back for more - they never needed to since it lasts indenfinately! A real shame it can't be had anymore.
Strengths: Lasts forever.
Weaknesses: None (other than the fact you can't find it anymore).
Similar Products Used: Nothing comes close.
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Bike Setup: C'dale with 105, Profile fork, Cosmics
Summary: Seems like good tape for those with small hands, or with
the need to add color. The instructions could be clearer, though -
you need to really stretch the tape to do a good job. The instructions
also say to cut a section of foam off, and use the tape's adhesive to
start and end the wrap. It works, and is very neat, but it's impossible
to remove without tearing the covered part, so reusing it can be
difficult.
Seems pretty durable, but once damage occurs, it grows pretty fast.
I find myself wanting more padding on long rides
Strengths: Lots of design options.
Easy to rewrap - no adhesive backing
gives a good grip
Weaknesses: No more durable than cork
adhesive (if you apply as per instructions)
sticks too well to the tape, so it's hard
to reapply.
Awfully thin - no padding effect.
Similar Products Used: Cinelli, Ambrosio, Profile.
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Summary: Adhesive backed tape is necessary for cork tape. Since cork tape is not as strong if you try to wrap it very tightly iy will break. The Off the Front bar tape is very strong and stretchy. Wrap this tape tightly and it won't slip or wear excessively. If your tape starts to slip, take it off and wrap it even tighter, you didn't wrap it properly, don't worry the tape will stretch this is what you are supposed to do.
Additionally, the big bonus is that this tape can be re-wraped as many times and on as many bikes as you want. The material will reform to the new shape and you can wash it safely. Not to mention the great ride.
5 of 5
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4 of 5
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