I like the nubby surface of the tape. A bonus is the extra length which I used the closely wrap the tape around the top handlebar curve. The material appears to be of good quality. Not sure of the tapes long term durability, have only been using it for 2 months.
After many years of trying various tapes (Fizik, Cinelli, Brooks, etc.), this has become my go to on my cross, road and commuter bikes. I love the tacky feel in the cold or wet, muddy CX races with just the right cushioning. Perfect for New England riding
First of all, in the sea of bar tape that is out there, this stuff is reasonably priced. This tape offers a good grip on the bars. I tend to sweat alot (I ride in a hot weather area). The sweat drips down my hands like a river. Solved the problem with this tape. It cushions the ride, I think it makes my bike ride better. I always have a hard time applying tape. This was a tad difficult to install for me, but no more or less than other tape. I cleaned my bars with alcohol first. When I was finished I noticed that I had a gap in the drops and had to rewrap one side. The tape pulled off, but the adhesive backing stayed put on the bars. But in went back o.k. without tearing the tape. You can pull hard without risk of breaking the tape. I love the feel of this stuff. I was thinking of buying it before and was swayed by the good reviews on BTD. This is my new go to tape. Try it, you'll like it.
Put on my gravel bike. Provides plenty of cushon and feels sticky. Haven't ridden in rain yet, but assume it will provide a secure grip. Kept the package in my shop so I don't forget what I used. Will eventually convert all my bikes to this as I replace bar tape.
I've used lots of different bar coverings, cloth tapes from the '70's, foam tubes (ugh!) and plastic tapes that were all the rage in the '80's, modern manufacture cork tapes by Cinelli and Specialized and others, and perforated synthetic leather tapes. In comparison to other tape this Arundel Rubber product is significantly easier to wrap. Its stretchiness gives you more leeway to make nice even wraps the entire span of a drop bar regardless of whether you're on a straight or curved section. There's less need to undo and redo and pull hard on a wrap because one side of the tape isn't down tight to the bar. And the finished bar has a nice feel, with good grip and cushion. Unfortunately I can't write from personal experience about long term performance because I put this tape on my Italvega single speed build, and my son liked it so much he took the bike to school. He rides the heck out of that bike in all kinds of weather and I've heard only praise, so that's a strong endorsement.
previously, I used the FIZIK 3mm thick bar tape with the fizik silicone padding add-on underneath. I like the extra cushioning for my hands without the bulk as well as the cleanability. at the rec of my bike shop, I tried the Arundel Rubber Gecko Handlebar Tape. it has the same cushioning as my previous set up, but is more durable and easier to keep clean than the fizik. it also less slippery. I presently have it on both my bikes.
cushy tape requires no additional gel underlayer as I needed with other brands. easy to keep clean and is durable enough to last an entire season of 7000 miles and not look tatteredused. BUY IT.
Replaced worn out Lizard Skins DSP with this tape. I always liked the Lizard Skins, but it wore too fast and is kind of pricey. I got this as an alternative and, so far, it's great. Feels comfortable and secure on the bars. It'll take awhile to find out how it wears, I guess.