For cyclists - ESI grips and handlebar tape
 

Some times you come across a product you like so much you want to tell the world. ESI grips and bar tape are one of those.

My local bike shop suggested I try ESI bar tape. It was expensive but I gave it a try and was sold. I was trying to build a sub 15 lb bike and this tape is a little heavy so it didn't help in that goal but so what, it's that good.

Then I got looking at my MTB grips and thought I'd try ESI there. I picked up a set of Extra Chunky grips. Another winner!

It's also a Made in the USA product. https://esigrips.com/

I would try that bar tape. Mine is a little slick sometimes and any tape that provides more shock absorption...I'm all for it. My finger knuckles and wrists are always the first to bother me.

Ouch $46 incl. shipping.

I typically replace my handlebar tape / wrap twice per year as they get grimy and scuffed up, so tend to buy something cheaper that I know is basically disposable but yet still offers comfort for long rides.

I haven't flipped my tape yet but it seems pretty durable and you're supposed to be able to take it off and rewrap using the other side.

Ive had my mind changed on cheaper bar tape. I used to use a soft bulky Cinelli cork tape, i found it comfortable but really annoying because it as it aged and wore it started to move on the bars, needing re-wrapping, and I used to change it once a year.

I got a new bike, it came with a hard thinner Rapha (also made by Cinnelli) tape which I have come to prefer. But- its expensive. Ive got a new roll waiting in the drawer - but after 2.5 years and more than 20,000km the original stuff shows no sign yet of giving up.

I had the same epiphany a few years ago with some fizik tape, made the switch on all three of my road bikes.

What's so special about this tape? I don't know what the latest and the greatest is out there now for handlebar tape? I dislike the grippy smooth type. My favorite is still the Cinelli Cork tape. The grippy ones doesn't allow the rider to slide their hands on the bar which I sometimes do when riding the top. But then, I am weird

Cinelli Cork all the way for me. Start the wrap at the end of the bar and finish the wrap near the stem...use electrical tape to cover the ends. Wrapping this way I never have an issue with the tape moving. My tape is good for 1000s of miles.

At least for me, the fizik that I like is the perfect combination of grip (not much) and padding. I don't like wearing gloves while I'm cycling, let alone padded gloves, and my hands are pretty big, so a little padding to add some diameter to the bar means I'm comfy on longer rides.

I change my tape at least twice a year and was about to go with Cinelli cork on the recommendation of a riding buddy before I tried ESI. The only reason to wear gloves with it is crash protection. It just feels perfect. Of course your results may vary by I was really surprised by how much I liked it (surprised enough to start this thread.)

I am the completely opposite. I can't ride without gloves just like I can't ride a bike without riding shorts. My tighty whitey will drive me... nuts

I never wear gloves while training but always wore them for racing. I like Cinelli cork. I double wrap it using a layer of cateye cloth tape first and then the cork. It gives it a larger diameter and lots of comfort. Gloves wear out cork tape quickly.

Have used Cinelli cork for the last 30 years but am always looking for something new.

Always understood gloves were not just for comfort but those unexpected trips palm-first to the tarmac. Fortunately I have not departed the road bike for a few years, unlike the mountain bike.

1) how did you know my MTB grips were shot?
2) and that my hands suffer when riding?

Question is, which grips to buy?

Thanks!!!