SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape

Recently I picked up an old red Schwinn touring bike for almost nothing at a pawn shop. It was basically intact, only needing a lot of cleaning, but it had cheap hot pink foam bar tape that really needed to go. The local bike shop wanted more than what I paid for the bike to install their average quality cork tape, so I decided to do it myself. First, I studied several YouTube videos and learned how bike mechanics install the tape. FYI, not all mechanics agree on a "best" way, so you'll have to watch and decide what works best for you. Also, there are several "tricks" to know in order to a good installation, but they are simple to learn. Next, I studied reviews for at least twenty brands of bar tape on Amazon. The SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape got good reviews on price, quality and ease of installation, so I ordered a package of the black tape through Amazon Prime. After cleaning the old adhesive gunk from the previous tape off the handlebars using solvent and #0000 steel wool, I wrapped the tape as instructed in the YouTube videos. Fortunately, I got bot sides right on the first try. Several times I had to unwrap and re-wrap a few sections, but the SRAM tape is very forgiving and will allow multiple attempts of re-wrapping. The black electrical-type type included for sealing the final wrap is not any good and should be discarded. Instead, you should use quality electrical tape in its place. As far as functionality is concerned, I think this is hands-down the best bar tape I have ever encountered. It has a really positive, engaging feel to it. The extra thickness in the center line of the tape forms ridges (when properly wrapped) that make the handlebars really easy to grip. Unless there is some major unexpected failure with this product, I see no reason to use anything but SRAM tape on my bikes from now on. If there IS a failure, I will report it in an updated review. One unexpected surprise: The end plugs shipped with the tape are no longer ordinary-looking black plastic. Now they are highly-reflective, red and white caps that feature the "S" logo. Unlike many handlebar plugs I have owned (and lost), these plugs will NOT fall out.

My experience with this product comes from wrapping a 44cm road handlebar that was padded on the top section with some Fi'zi:k gel pads. I had just enough tape to complete the wrap. Before installing I measured the tape and it was 79" or 200.66cm long. I tried to maintain an overlap of about half of the width of the tape. As others have commented this tape is very forgiving so rewraps are easy if you're not happy with your first attempt. I wrapped my bars with a fair amount of tension and the tape was strong enough not to break as others have done. Tensioning the tape is important because the adhesive on the back of the tape is not intended for holding its place on the bar permanently. It just makes installation easier. I finish off the wrap with several revolutions of electrical tape. I throw the finishing tape away because it's not flexible and the tape is not flat. Some have complained that this tape gets dirty easily. This is true because the tape has a porous surface but the problem is manageable. First, I've learned to ride with clean gloves. After every ride, I rinse the gloves off and if they look really grungy, I put the gloves on and wash my hands with hand soap (the foaming kind usually). The first time I did this with some gloves I been using for a couple of years, the water was a dark brown and it took several washings before the water looked reasonably clean. Second, at least every 2-3 rides (during the summer, every other ride), I spray the handlebars with a solution of laundry soap I then wrap a clean rag around the handlebar and pull the ends of the rag back and forth to scrub the bar. A spray bottle with water or a wet rag finishes the job. I just let the tape air dry. Another benefit of keeping your handlebars and gloves clean is that if you're eating during a ride, you're less likely to ingest some really nasty germs. All in all, this tape is a real bargain. It's reasonably priced and very comfortable for long rides. Because it's so forgiving even those new to wrapping handlebars can do a proper job as many reviews of this product attest. I can see no reason why I shouldn't standardize on this tape for all my rides.

Disclaimer: I'm a new cyclist and this was my first time wrapping my handlebars I really like the look and feel of the SRAM Supercork bar tape. The only issue I had was getting it onto the dang handlebars. This was my first time wrapping my bars and so with that said here are my takeaways: 1. Depending on how long/thick your handlebars are, there may not be enough tape on each roll to do the figure-8 wrapping technique around the breaks/shifters. I tried about 16 times (wrapping, unwrapping, repeat) between the two sides and I was never able to get the tape all the way into where I felt it should cover on the inside of the handlebars using the figure-8 method that I learned on YouTube (again, I'm new to this). The figure-8 just added too many wraps to get the tape to reach all the way. 2. I would say that this tape is actually pretty good for beginners as it seems to be pretty forgiving if you need to unwrap and rewrap several times to get it right (as mentioned, I did this about 8 times per side and in the end it is still sticking quite well). 3. Feels good; lots of cushion and bump dampening, and good grip as well. Over all I would recommend this tape; certainly I can give my endorsement as a beginner that it was forgiving and allowed me to get plenty of practice before finally getting it right. I would give it 5 stars if each roll were long enough to do the figure-8 wrap around the break/shifters; but, as SRAM does provide the extra strips to forgo that technique I only dock 1 star.

The SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape in Black is an excellent choice for cyclists looking to upgrade their handlebars. Here's why I recommend it: Pros: Comfortable Grip: The cork material offers a comfortable and cushioned grip, reducing hand fatigue during long rides. It provides just the right amount of padding without feeling too bulky. Durable Construction: The bar tape is made from high-quality materials that withstand the rigors of cycling. It holds up well against sweat, moisture, and UV exposure, ensuring long-lasting performance. Sleek Appearance: The black color of the tape adds a sleek and stylish look to any bike. It complements a wide range of bike colors and designs, giving your ride a professional finish. Secure Wrap: Once properly applied, the tape stays in place securely, providing a tight and uniform wrap around the handlebars. It offers a firm grip without slipping or unraveling during rides. Cons: Learning Curve: While the installation process is straightforward, it's essential to watch instructional videos or seek guidance to ensure proper application. Some users may find it helpful to practice wrapping techniques before applying the tape to their handlebars. Overall, the SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape is a great choice for cyclists seeking comfort, durability, and style. With a bit of practice and attention to detail, it provides a professional-looking finish and a comfortable grip for enjoyable rides.

I've used EVA foam tape for many many years, and SRAM EVA foam tape for the past 10+ years. Many may like fancier or different types of bar tape (Lizard Skins, Fizix, etc) but I've always preferred EVA foam for its feel, grip, looks, ease of installation, and reasonable durability. I read some of the on star reviews and most were under a misapprehension of what bar tape is supposed to be and how to install it. It's not adhesive tape, and some isn't adhesive at all. The narrow, mildly tacky adhesive strip on this tape functions to help hold it in place but not fasten it to the bar. The supplied end plugs fasten the tape at the bar end, and adhesive tape (the supplied strips or better, good quality electrical tape) is used to fasten the tape where it ends near the stem. How much each turn is overlapped can vary, but generally it's around 1/4-1/3 the width of the tape. There are many good vids on-line that show how to properly install bar tape.

This is a well cushioned tape, which works well if you want a bit more isolation from road vibration or want a slightly larger bar diameter for comfort that the thinner variety. The colour selection is excellent. This tape does have a very thin section of 'adhesive' so you have to remove the paper covering it. If you have not applied tape before, be aware that the more adhesive there is, the more difficult it is to apply - you have to stretch it before putting it on the surface of the bar. This tape does not adhere that well - which is good. If I did not have electrical tape handy (But would have to pick up the roll and get the tape started) the SRAM bar tape would come 'unstuck' a turn or two - making it very simply to reapply it, cut and tape the ends down. Because the adhesive is light on this tape, you can stretch it while on the bar - which makes it easier for me to apply it in an even spiral. I sometimes mix the colour of the tape on my bars, with the drops being one colour and the top another - which gives a much different and custom look. (You can also braid the tape - look on Youtube for direction). I really like using the SRAM tape for this as its stretchy and relatively inexpensive. And, it holds up well since since its a synthetic cork tape - which can easily be cleaned.

I bought this to re-wrap my drop bars on my road bike, and this was the first time I've replaced my bar tape. The length was just about right, though I think another 6 inches could have been nice. I also think that I wrapped my bars a little bit tighter (more overlap between turns) than most people, as most people said this tape was more than long enough. The tape is really soft and comfortable, I had no problems with ripping during stretching. The other thing I like is that, even though there is an adhesive strip down the length of the tape, I was able to unwrap and rewrap some sections I messed up and the tape still stuck well. The electrical tape used to finish off the wrap is okay, but not great. Also, this set comes with two short strips to wrap your shifters, which I used but ultimately ended up taking out because they made that section of my bars too fat. Depending on what kind of shifters you have, you may or may not need them. Bottom line: Excellent product (the tape used to finish and secure the wrap is just okay) at a great price, will absolutely be buying this again.

Have some patience easy to install. Great quality and last a long time. Worth every penny!