Reddit mentions: The best bike handlebar tape

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I bought the frame about 2 weeks ago. Finally got in for my fit yesterday, and thought I would snap off some photos and share with you all.

Build Details

A little over 2 years ago I built up this Dengfu FM098 with the intention of building the component spec how I wanted, and then eventually migrating the parts to my dream frame.

I considered the emonda slr, the BMC Teammachine SLR01, the R5, and the tarmac. I also looked at the Canyon CF SLX, but decided against it since getting it to the US would have been a hassle.

I eventually narrowed the list down to the R5 or the Teammachine. I went with the R5 primarily because the Teammachine's non-sloping top tube combined with my short legs resulted in a frame that looked a bit oversized for me, and because realistically the R5 has been my dream frame for the past several years anyway. Combine that with the results of the Tour Magazine test, and it was a pretty easy decision to go with the cervelo.

As pictured, the build weighs in at 6.85kg, but I've got a couple things on the way that should quickly get it at least into the 6.7s


Parts List:

• Cervelo R5 Frame, 48cm, uncut fork, headset, derailleur hanger: 1144g

• 3T Stylus 0 LTD stealth Seaspost, stealth, 27.2x350, cut down (154g)

• Fizik Kurve Snake saddle

• 3T ARX Team Stem, stealth, 120mm, -6°

• 3T Team Stealth Ergonova Bars, stealth, size 40

• Fizik superlight bar tape

• Ultegra Di2 6770 group set with 3 port junction box, internal battery in the seat post

• SRAM S975 Quarq Powermeter, 50/34, 170mm (quart bb30 power meters have long enough spindles to be used with BBRight)

• Dura Ace 9000 C24 Clinchers

• Continental GP 4000s II tires

• Speedplay Zero SS pedals

• Arundel Sideloader/Othersideloader cages

• Garmin 810

The Fit

My body shape is somewhat anomalous. I'm 5'5.75" with short legs and a long torso. I have short femurs within my already short legs, hence the 0 offset post. My long torso and good flexibility combined with my forward position on the saddle mean I can take a long/low front-end pretty comfortably, so I'm running a -6° 120mm stem. My fitter suggested that I could eliminate the one remaining spacer and slam it all the way if I want to, but I'm going to ride like this for a while and see how it goes. As is, it's a very comfortable position for me.

The Ride & First Impressions

The paint looks really great in person and I really like how subtle the branding is on the frame. There's a metallic quality to the gunmetal grey, which is contrasted nicely with the relatively solid color of the black in the logos, and the red along the top tube. It's also a nice contrast to my previous bike, which was all matte black and a pain to keep clean. At some point I'm thinking I'll have the seat post painted to match the top tube.

I went for a 30 mile ride immediately after the fit, and am thoroughly impressed with the bike. The weight difference from my old frame is immediately noticeable, especially when the road tips uphill. It just wants to climb. The power transfer and acceleration are very good, and the frame feels very lively while still being comfortable.

Probably the biggest thing that surprised me though is how well the bike holds its speed. Granted, my previous "aero" frame was open mold chinese carbon, but the R5 doesn't feel like it's lacking at all in that department. In my mostly flat 30 miles (west side bike path, NYC), I didn't notice any real difference in terms of my speed/power output vs what I'm used to from my FM098, and my time to the halfway point of my ride was on par with what I was doing last year on the old frame. Hardly scientific, but it bodes well.

Ok, now go ahead and make your dentist jokes (I'm not a dentist, for the record).

OK, I'm thinking we do this in stages.

Stage 1 which will allow you to get it riding now and will be perfectly capable of a 4-5mi round trip.

Cable Cutters ($20) stick to the better units but probably no need to go for Park Tool. BBB make a nice one, although I currently have an IceToolz cable cutter because I can't find my good ones.
For the brakes you will need a 4th hand cable stretcher like this Pedros ($17) unit which is a third the cost of a Park Tool unit.
Will also need cables, easiest way is to grab a DIY Jagwire ($24) kit which has both brake and shift cables.
These Vittoria Zaffiro tyres are a good compromise of value, durability and performance. I use these a lot and they're on my training bike. Will also need tubes, and being a commuter, flats are not your friend so these Schwalbe tubes are a good idea. ($60)
Arundel cork bar tape ($20)
A new chain for your bike is probably the only way forward, and this KMC is perfect ($6)
The brake pads on your calipers will now doubt be old, and also a 30yo pad compound, so not overly efficient. Would strongly recommend these Kool Stop Continental brake pads as a starting point before we get to Phase 2 ($10)

Grease for the Bottom Bracket and Headset (and wheel hubs) is also needed, but there's absolutely no need to buy bike-specific grease, so this Valvoline tub as an example would be ideal ($10) .
The chain needs to be lubed, and in dry conditions I like Finish Line dry lube. Others will have their own preferences, but this is a good starting point.

Also should think about replacing the saddle, but this is very subjective and not something that can be recommended in terms of which saddle to buy. Maybe scoot around Craigslist for your area and see what comes up..

In terms of learning the skills, the Park Tool video channel is surprisingly good although heavy on product placement and endorsement although this is to be expected. There are lots of alternatives to Park Tool tools though, including Pedro's, BBB and others. None of the skills associated with your era of bike are all that difficult, and refurbishing this to be usable in your context is completely feasible in your garage.

May also want to consider buying one of the entry-level bike toolkits like this tool kit as a starting point ($40) although this is just an example however is the same kit as others sell just rebranded.

So phase 1 (not including the tool kit) is about $160-ish and watching a bunch of videos.

sorry for the essay, but once I started it just sort of kept going. Phase 2 is removal of existing driveline, and upgrading to a Shimano 2x8sp indexed group with modern dual pivot calipers and modern alloy wheels. But we can cover that later.

I've had the bike for a few weeks now and use it almost entirely for commuting. Here's what I've added since I got the bike:

• GoPro Hero3 Black
  
  
• NiteRider Lumina Micro 350 front and rear
  
  
• Nite Ize HandleBand
  
  
• Tektro CR720 Canti Brakes
  
  
• Ibera PakRak Bicycle Touring Carrier Plus+
  
  
• Avenir Excursion Rack-Top Bag
  
  
• SKS P45 Black Chromoplastic Longboard
  
  
• SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape (Black)
  
  
• Shimano Brake Cable and Housing Set
  
  
• Shimano Road Shift Cable and Housing Set
  
  The stock brakes weren't doing enough to stop me so I swapped them out for some Tektro CR720s. I dropped the yoke as far as I could to give myself as much leverage as possible. Braking is much better now and more reliable than the original set ever was.
  
  I added a rack and trunk bag that's big enough to hold my food and clothes for the day. The only modification I had to make here was filing away some metal from rack mounting leg. It was colliding with frame near the dropout and not allowing the leg to sit close enough to the braze on.
  
  Some of the original cable housings that came with the bike had some gouges in them so Nashbar sent me a new replacement cable set. I swapped out all the brake/shift cables and replaced the bar tape with some SRAM cork tape. The original cables from Nashbar were also a bit too long and were causing excessive friction.
  
  I added some SKS fenders per the recommendations of users on this sub. They were a little finicky to install but I got them on in the end. This particular frame doesn't have bolt holes in either of the two rear bridges so I had to resort to the classic zip tie approach.
  
  As far as the bike goes, it's been performing flawlessly so far. It weighs close to 30 lbs now so it's not the lightest thing in the world. However, the steel frame and the large tires really help smooth out the road quite a bit. The saddle is still the most uncomfortable part of the bike, but I'm hoping to swap it out sometime in the near future. Shifting is still very smooth and the 4 trim positions on the 105 front derailleur is a great feature.
  
  If you're considering getting a bike from Nashbar, I'd definitely recommend them. Their customer service was fantastic and everything they shipped usually got to me door in 2-3 days (even the bike!).

Tools. Most people don't have proper bike tools, so that would be a great surprise. You can either get a decent multi-tool (get one with a chain-breaker and tire wrenches) or a variety of Park Tools. Here are some Park Tools that I find invaluable: 3-way hex, chain cleaning tools, pedal wrench, and/or a chain whip

This bar tape is amazing 3mm Fizik performance. Tape should be replaced semi-regularly, but most people don't, so it would be a great surprise gift. Black looks good on almost every bike.

You bought my favorite frame. That's the one I would get if I could. 👏


Just my opinion, don't fret, but the solid-black-everything-else motif isn't working for me.


This is what I would do:

• White bar tape (already researched this, this kind works well for riding and is super easy to clean - http://amzn.to/2tgj3Ng - not the Tacky White, not the Soft Touch White, the good one is the plain White I linked to)
  
• White saddle
  
• White housing
  
• Gum walls
  

Weekend project turned out nicer than I had expected. Still a work in progress, but it's enough along to get an idea.

Started out with a cheap Windsor The Mile I picked up on CL for cheap. I've been wanting a single speed for putzing around / nearby errands.

before

It had bullhorns, something I had been wanting, and a carbon fork, which looks nicer (wider) than stock.

Flip flop hub / I'm adding a brake and already got a 16t freewheel on it.

Found some baby blue bar tape and thought it'd make a nice theme. So it's baby blue, with white attachments (stem, seatpost, brake lever - white brake will arrive Wed, along with white 48t crankset.) I want white rim wheels, but I've spent far too much money already, masked out the brake area, will repaint the inner rim white in the meanwhile. Red tires are coming off, gonna put on regular slicks.

Skye in progress - she's going to be oh so pretty.

I've got road bikes, but love the idea of a quick grab bike to run to the supermarket, barber, nearby etc.

Thanks man, yeah, the frame is amazing. I was looking at TCRs, but didn't love any of the big bold paint jobs, but this employee edition looks fantastic. It's a nice mix of matte and glossy textures, and you can see all the carbon sheets up close.

I'm thinking of switching the tape to some Cinelli Caleido tape like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0060SNY4U/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

I like it a lot, but it is not terribly durable so I need to replace it more regularly.

Arundel bar tape is what I’m using now, and I think I like it more than the lizard skins. It has a very rough texture (soft, but rough, in a good way), and that makes the grip really good when I’m sweaty or it rains. Not expensive either.

Can’t vouch for its durability though, I’ve only had it on there since early May. Still in fine shape though.

I had my doubts prior to making this purchase. How could bar tapes that cost this little possibly be of decent quality?

However, upon opening the package, the first thought that came to mind was that this bar tape is suspiciously similar in feel and appearance to my bike's original (Cube Grip Control). And that's a good thing.

This tape goes on smoothly, stays in place well with a generous adhesive strip and includes probably the best finishing tape I have ever touched.

Lizard Skins, Supacaz — eat your hearts out.

Came in a set of 4 so my wife and I have matching bar tape now! :D

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJWVS1J

Pedals and handle grips would be the two things I would recommend that make it feel and perform better. They're very easy to upgrade.

I have a post with pictures of my Airdyne. In the comments I gave some tips and answer some questions about what I did. https://www.reddit.com/r/homegym/comments/783qa4/pimp_my_airdyne_rhomegym_edition/

Mine came with a very padded premium feeling OEM seat. I don't know how the thinner type that's on yours feels for comparison, so I couldn't recommend a seat upgrade.

The chain upgrade and chain guard removal was purely cosmetic.

Links to what I used


Handlebar Tape: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1YBJ3J?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Bike chain (bought two):
KMC Z410 Bicycle Chain (1-Speed, 1/2 x 1/8-Inch, 112L, Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C14PNK?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Bike chain tool:
Chollima Universal Bike Chain Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NB9VO5O?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Pedals:
Schwinn Mongoose Mountain Bike Pedal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FG54V6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Let me know if you got any questions or need help.

I like this one the best. More durable than the cloth material and good when it's wet outside.

https://www.amazon.com/Zipp-Service-Course-Bar-Tape/dp/B0063HO6JA/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1550859934&sr=1-1&keywords=cyclocross+bicycle+bar+tape

They have a smooth version as well.

Weanas Vex Gel SuperSuede Bike Bicycle Handle Bar Tape Wraps with Bar Plugs (Mixed-Color) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0BPPN6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It's not super cushy, but it is pretty awesome.

Maybe something like Cinelli's white cork tape? It has just the extra bit of texture with the natural cork speckling that would tie it into the saddle. Raw cork would be too dark, I think, but white tape generally matches quite well with most bicycles. Dunno how you feel about cotton tape, but I found this googling around and the cotton fabric seems pretty similar to the saddle.

Great look.

Kind of looks a little like this one.

Light green (lighter than what you have) will look great.

But you can also go with white, and get green caps and secure it with green tape at the other end. That'll give it a nice detail.

Zipp Service Course is great tape, and they offer a CX tape as well which is thicker with more grip. Don't pay for Lizard Skins. ~$20 on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Zipp-Service-Course-Bar-Tape/dp/B0063HO6JA

thanks friend! I don't know if it's the gloss tape, box says classic touch on it. This was my amazon order: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AONXPE6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Okay, so with $200, assuming I was doing the work:

Wrap handlebars - $11.53 (sweet dark red, cause the red on there looks awesome already)
Cheap 700c wheels from co-op - $20? (Talk with them about the gearing to see if the range is the same, or if you want tighter range or whatever, they probably have a few sets there with somewhat different gear ranges on the rear)
Saddle from co-op - $5-10
Tubes/tires - $45 (tires, tubes)
Derailleur cables - $7 (Shimano, here)
Brake cables - $10.39 (Shimano, here)
Brake levers - $22.53 (Tektro RL340)
Brakes - $62 - (Tektro 539 rear, front)
5-speed chain - 7.98 (here)

Then I'd try to get pedals and a cheap but aluminum quill stem, handlebars, and seatpost from the co-op. Depending on where you are, you may be able to get all for $20 or less. Functional new parts suggestions: (not guaranteed to fit. These have all sorts of different diameters over the years/models, so you need to know what you have/need. Handlebars, Seatpost, stem.)

Love'em. They take on a nice patina and hold even more grip in the cold and wet.

I suggest first wrapping the bars with some cheap cork wrap (I use this stuff for $9) and then sewing the leather grips on over it. The leather is cushy, but thin, so if you wrap it over the bare handlebar you won't get much vibration dampening or cushion. The extra-layer of cork wrap really makes it a lot more comfortable to ride with. Wear some work gloves when you do the sewing though since you'll have to pull the thread tightly to get the leather to stretch.

Here's a set I did a month or two ago (left is after an application of sno-seal).

Here are some deals I've seen and when they come up or shut down. (All times are Pacific)


USB Rechargable Bike Tail Light on sale at 3:45

Foam Rollers go on sale at 4

Kryptonite 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock, Black Goes on sale at 3

Revolights bicycle lighting system Midnight

Womens Pearl Izumi Shorts

Pearl Izumi Jerseys 4:00

Different pearl izumi bibs

Pearl Izumi shorts 5:45

Pearl Izumi bibs as shown below 4:45

Canari womens shorts

Brooks saddles bicycle bar tap 2:45

Yakima DoubleDown 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack 4:45

Very compact sleeping bag 4:30

Compact first aid kit 3:00

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 Bicycle Ulock 3:35

headlamp 5:30

Polar Heart Rate Monitor 3:30

LED Strobe Lights 2:30

Youphoria Sport Towel ends at 3:15ish



Sram Bar Tape ends at 2:50
Kryptonite NY Standard on sale 6:50

i bought these cause a friend of mine uses them. but i'll definitely look into these!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J4KZV7Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bar tape will do the trick for sure, I like Cinelli's Cork tape. The track grips that are on the Feather are not the most practical for casual street riding.

Standing fan with remote (similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V8Y64Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CGRSBbKHFFK0M)

6 pack of sweat bands to rotate (rinse after every ride) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X93QKQD?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Face towel for top tube & face

Finish line polish for frame (not sure if it actually works) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQKBMWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PERSBbF8K11BX

Fizik 3mm bar tape (sweat doesn't seem to penetrate this tape): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AONXPTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PKRSBb7S8B939

I don't know how anyone can survive a trainer ride without a sweat band (at a minimum).

yeah I've thought about both of those items.

either gel bike tape or something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Cinelli-COCUIMGEL-Anti-Vibration-Gel-System/dp/B00649IW10/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=gel+tape&qid=1555776362&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-25

I mean.... it very well could be, but they also make tape meant to look like that (this being very similar to Ops). You can get all kinds of colours. Generally called "splash bar tape"

Thanks! https://www.amazon.com/Weanas-SuperSuede-Bicycle-Handle-Mixed-Color/dp/B00K0BPPN6/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1549339759&sr=8-13&keywords=bar+tape

Not totally clear on what you mean when you say "wheels are scratched and slashed", I'm guessing you mean the tires are damaged?

The front tire is probably the most important thing for safety if it's damaged, with the brake cables close behind.

So my budget for fixing all that would be (assuming it's the tires and not the wheels that's damaged):

New:

• Chain: $9
  
• Tires: $30
  
• Bar tape: $8
  
• Saddle: $23 - or get any old saddle from a flea market/off a junk bike to save a few bucks.
  
• The cables you would need to take your old cables into the bike shop to buy new ones and have them cut to the same length, would probably cost about $20-30.
  
  Total cost: $90-100. Only special tool you'd need is a chain tool ($9) to adjust the length of the chain.
  
  

Yeah, I plan on doing both the bar wrap and I'm changing gloves to a pure anti vibe glove (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00BHMBK22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). My impact gloves from mechanic work are not cutting it.

I'm also adding gel strips (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00649IW10/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and a closed cell foam that I took off a broken rake handle. Going to finish it off with hockey tape - something tough yet cheap. If necessary I'm going to get some cork bar tape in lieu of the hockey tape.

I'm curious as to how this will all work with the chain brake. I rarely trip it inadvertently - it could get quite annoying. You blink at those things now and they trip.

Man, those echo saws have come a long, long way. Best bang for the buck imho. You made a good choice.

Thanks! They're Weanas Vex Gel SuperSuede Handle Bar Tape

This is the tackiest I've ever owned. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0BPPN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Heard Lizard Skins is really good for Grippy

I use Fizik Performance 3mm. Extremely classy leather-looking finish, very nice to the touch. I use the regular finish, but you have the option for soft touch or tacky finish, ~$20 compared to ~$30 for Lizard Skins

I like Arundel Rubber Gecko

I'm a fan of this tape, double-wrapped. It's cheap, comfy, and I find it grippy enough (I'm a fellow gloveless rider) to get the job done.

Grips - these are the ones I used. There are two rolls - more than enough to cover each handle. I used the left over to regrip the foot rests (not sure their official name).

Seat - this is the one I got. Depends on your preference - this one is firmer and more narrow than the stock seat. It is also shaped specifically for guys. It came with all the hardware I needed to switch it out.

The upper half that I would use when my hands are on the straight but I've just decided to replace the handlebars and levers with new trial-esque setup.

Bars (Actually going black): http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-BullHorn-Handlebar-40cm-Blue/dp/B002I7PRTM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I18KYNBPDA5LPS&colid=1JHQW4V0BH9PP

Levers: http://www.amazon.com/Cane-Creek-Trial-Levers-Black/dp/B000ZTNXCS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2TEPMUJD55N9Z&colid=1JHQW4V0BH9PP

Tape: http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Supercork-Bicycle-Bar-Tape/dp/B00142FFDA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3MX9WOPKPQ0BU&colid=1JHQW4V0BH9PP

This is similar. This too.

SRAM Supercork

Zipp Bar Tape or Zipp Course Bar Tape

Just normal drop bars with this awesome handlebar tape. Weanas Vex Gel Supersuede Bike Bicycle Handle Bar Tape Wraps with Bar Plugs (Mixed-Color) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0BPPN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_BdGxDb5HWP0CR