SRAMSupercork 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.

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.

Disclaimer: I'm a new cyclist and this was my first time wrapping my handlebarsI 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.