[StormStrikes]

Are there any alternatives to regular bar tape? Something that my offer a bit more diameter for comfort, perhaps easier to put on and take off for cleaning or replacement, etc.

I had the crazy thought of going to hardware store and getting some of that foam insulation you put around pipes to keep them from freezing in the winter but I think that would look dorky and weird.

I liked it though because its easy to get, would b thicker so more diameter and I wouldn't have to order it.

Anyway, looking for some thoughts and input.

[davereo]

Check Nashbar they have an open cell foam bar tape that is thicker and offers more cushion that regular bar tape. The best part is it is only 5 or 6 bucks a roll. I use it all the time it last for quite some time also.

[Industry_Hack]

Gloves.

[StormStrikes]

I tried the gloves, still not very comfortable.

davero, or anyone for that matter, let me ask this; when you order bar tape, do they automatically package enough to do both sides or do you have to order two rolls.

I noticed today, specifically on amazon, only one mentioned there was two rolls in the package. Everyone else left you guessing whether you would have enough or not.

[Industry_Hack]

Should always be two rolls.

[Industry_Hack]

How big are your hands, and what kind of tape are you using now? Also, how is the rest of your setup? If you've got some discomfort in your hands, you really need to consider the source.

[longjohn]

I was in the bike shop one time when they were servicing an ancient road bike. It had really strange drop bars and foam pipe insulation. I commented on it and they said the owner was a longtime customer and liked to do things his own way. They said he actually rode quite a few miles every year. It did look funny.

My aluminum road bike with alumimum forks beat me up on an eight day ride and I went online and found an anti-vibration system that came with bar tape. It was just a bunch of foam pads that you apply to the bars and tape over them. When I bought my 520 this year it came with that setup.

[StormStrikes]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

How big are your hands, and what kind of tape are you using now? Also, how is the rest of your setup? If you've got some discomfort in your hands, you really need to consider the source.

I can wrap my hands around the bars quite handily. The tape that is on there now is the tape the bike came with. I wasnt trying to address any particular issue with the tape, just trying to dress it up a little and perhaps increase the diameter a bit.

I do get some discomfort in my wrists and the heel of my hands on longer rides, but the wrists, I have learned, seems to be primarily from them not being straight, so I have been working on that.

[Industry_Hack]

If you Google variations of bar tape, you'll probably find some nice options. I'm sure someone makes some sort of gel type tape, or at least thicker padded tape. I recently switched from a synthetic cork to thicker rubber/vinyl, and I prefer the extra diameter.

[StormStrikes]

Okie dokie, I will do that.