Bicycle Handlebar Grips, Tape & Pads

Bicycle Handlebar Grips, Pads, and Tape

A bike only has two wheels, and stays upright due to momentum. With just those two wheels, it’s prone to jostles and bumps, especially when you go off-road. Holding on tight can be a challenge, and even when it isn’t, it can be a challenge to stay comfortable when you’re on your bicycle for more than an hour or so. The solution there is to get the right pads, grips, or tape for you, your bike, and your passions.

What you put on your bicycle’s handlebar depends on what you use the bike for. If you like going for long rides you’re more likely to want tape, and unless you’re wearing gloves, the rubber of a bike sport grip can get sticky and uncomfortable as you work up a sweat. If that’s you, check for grips, tapes, and pads for cruiser bicycles. If, on the other hand, you like to do more intense cycling, you may want to have a look at the mountain bike handlebar grips, pads, and tape or BMX handlebar grips, pads, and tape. You can browse brands to find one you trust, and colours to make sure the grips, pads, or tape match with the rest of your bike if at all possible. If you’re going for an endurance ride, check out the grips with bar-ends for long-term comfort.

Tape is a little different from pads and grips in that it just comes on a roll. For a start, that means you don’t have to worry about fitting it on your bike, and it’s easier and cheaper to replace when it wears out. It doesn’t provide as much padding, though it can be better if you’re liable to get sweaty hands. Last but not least, incorrectly applied tape can come loose at some point while you’re cycling, which can be inconvenient or even dangerous.