(Zappy sounds)
- [GNC rep] Handlebar tape.
It's not as simple as it may actually seem from the outset.
And, for many people out there, they do in fact cast it
aside or they're not that bothered about it.
But let's not forget it's one of the three main
contact points between you and your bike.
And while shopping around for new bar tape
you could well be faced with hundreds of
different possible combinations. Of course, you
have the material of the tape, you got the texture,
the amount of padding, not to mention the all
important color choice. So today let's take a look
at some of the different versions and varieties
available out there. Luckily our friends at Physique
have just launched a brand new range so we can go and
have a look to see what might suit your needs the best.
(Upbeat music)
Now it may not be obvious to everybody
out there the reason why we actually use handlebar tape.
First reason is for grip. So imagine trying to hold
on to some anti minion or carbon bars without handlebar
tape on. And yeah, your grip is not gonna be very
good at all. Especially once you start to get a little
bit sweaty or riding over rough terrain. And the other
reason, which is probably the most obvious, is actually
for extra comfort when you're putting in those miles
and kilometers all year round.
(Spunky music)
Now walking into a bike shop is probably
one of the most exciting things for a cyclist. But when
you go when you check out that different type of
handlebar tape on the wall quite often it's daunting,
to be honest, because you don't know what you should be
looking for. And whilst you normally would leave with
some handlebar tape, quite often you do wonder in
the back of your mind, is it really what you wanted?
So let's have a look then at this range from Physique
and see what you should be looking for depending on
your riding needs.
(Zappy music)
Now the appearance of handlebar tape for
some people is the most important thing to consider
when buying a new roll of bar tape. But for others,
they don't really care what it looks like
which, kind of pains me really 'cause I always think
handlebar tape on a bike makes a big difference
quite often. Now, if you've got yourself a real
classic looking bike, then you're gonna need some
of this classic looking tape. This is the Tempo tape
from Physique so this adds, well I think personally,
a little bit of class to an old retro bike or if
you're looking for a traditional look on your modern
race bike even for that matter, wrap it in some of this.
I mean look at tiny little perforated holes, this is
the sort of tape that riders were using say 20, 25
years ago before that spongy cork tape really started
to take off. Personally, it's my favorite. I still
wrap my bars in this. I totally and utterly love it.
On the flip side then from that Tempo tape, we've
got this. This is brand new. This is called the Terra
tape. So, as you can see it's pretty different. It's smooth
for a start. It hasn't got any of those perforation holes
what dirt's gonna hang around. Unless it is designed
for off road riding, such as cyclo cross, it should clean
up a little bit easier, too. Next up we've got something
which is pretty modern looking in its appearance, not just
by the color of it, but actually in the texture of it.
So you can see here you've got a lot of grooves running
along the length of the tape and I think that could
come in handy for what we're gonna come onto next - comfort.
(Jazzy music)
First up then on this Microtex classic you
can see it's just 2 mm thick so it's not gonna give you
loads and loads of comfort or padding when riding along,
but it is gonna give you really great control over your
handlebars 'cause you can feel everything that's going
through it. But, for those of you who think maybe it's
a little bit too thin - I mean I've used that for about
20 years now, I think it's absolutely spot on, that's
my own personal choice, though - you could get something
like this. So it has exactly the same texture and look
about it but it is a millimeter thicker. But having
done that they've added a middle layer of foam here
in the center of the bar tape and we actually wrap
it on your bars it does transform the feel significantly.
A millimeter, it doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're
holding on to your handlebars, it does make the world
of difference, I find. Then pick up another roll of tape
and this one, sub-named Soft, has a slightly different
feel to it actually there. So, the comfort is gonna
vary just very, very slightly. This one has a more
velvety appearance to it. Quite premium and posh
really to the touch. I quite like that. Now this
same methodology can be applied to probably most
different variants of handlebar tape out there.
So the Vento, for example, that comes in different
thicknesses and also these ridges, too. For some
people they're gonna find that quite comfortable
on their hands especially for those of you who don't
like using gloves. Now, the tape itself has a kind
of rubbery type feel to it. So, when your hands
start to sweat or the rain starts pouring down, the
grip, or stickiness, between you and the handlebar
tape is only gonna improve. Something which a lot
of riders out there absolutely love.
I did say at the start there were literally hundreds
of different combinations, didn't I? And I've not
let you down so far. So, here's another one into
the mix. The type of adhesive that your handlebar tape
applies with, so on this Terra tape we've got ourselves
in here a layer of gel which is gonna help you with
comfort. But, also, that layer of gel isn't quite
as sticky as what you'd find on some types of
bar tape like that so you could remove and refit
it without the chance of tearing your bar tape
as well as leaving that sticky residue behind.
So, you could probably even put this in the washing
machine to clean it up. Well, maybe not. (Water swooshing)
Now if you're happy and satisfied with your current
bar tape I've got a little tip for you though before
you go rushing into that shop. Take a length of that
current bar tape with you. That way you can be sure
you're gonna get as close to it as possible from the
display. Because quite often we go into a shop and we
think "oh that's exactly the same bar tape as I've got".
When in actual fact it's not. And that's only accompanied
with an embarrassing return to the shop for an exchange
for the correct tape. Now, if after all of this you're
still not sure, go into the shop and have a feel
around of different handlebars on bikes on display.
And think to yourself "Is this what I want to be
riding along with?". If it is, go over, grab that
helpful assistant and say "Shopkeeper, this is the
tape I'd like." and they'll find you something
from their display I'm pretty sure. Now finally,
we've got the all important decision of color.
Now, here at GCN we do in fact joke around sayin'
that your bar tape should match your saddle and
vice versa, when in actual fact it doesn't matter
because your handlebar tape can be a really great
way of expressing yourself on your bike. Now, I hope
that this has been of great use to you and you can go
out there now and get yourself the most comfortable,
or most minimalistic maybe, bar tape that you desire.
Now it rumors well to like and share this video with
your friends. Give it a big thumbs up. Share it with
someone who needs some new bar tape. We've all got
a friend of ours who has some really grubby stuff
on their bike. Remember as well to check out the
GCN shop at shop.globalcyclingnetwork.com where
we have a whole heap of different products for
you. And now, for a video on how to wrap your
handlebar tape, click just down here. (Points down)