Best Handlebar Tapes [currentyear]
- Best Overall: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush 2.5mm
- Best Alternative: Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm
- Best Premium Choice: Silca Cuscino 2.5-3.75mm
- Best for Comfort: Deda Presa 3mm
- Best for Race Bikes: Fizik Vento Microtex Tacky 2mm
- Best for Durability: SRAM Supercork
- Best for Vintage Aesthetic: Cinelli Special Edition
- Best for Cyclocross: ESI grips RCT
- Best Budget: Arundel Gecko
- Best for Style: Serfas Woven
- Best for Road Bikes: Zipp Service Course
Best handlebar tape can make or break your ride comfort and control, whether you’re tackling rugged trails or commuting through slick city streets.
If you’ve ever felt numb hands after a long ride or watched your grips slip in sudden rain, you know the frustration of tape that under-performs.
When looking for handlebar tape for any handlebar type, it is always good to check the tape’s material, grip, and thickness.
Here are eleven of the best handlebar tape selections we recommend. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top tapes that balance grip, vibration damping, durability, and style—so you can spend less time fussing and more time riding with confidence.
Expert consensus says the best tapes blend grip, vibration absorption, comfort, durability, and easy cleaning—with prices from $20–$65, thicknesses 0.4–3 mm, and materials ranging from polymers to foams for tailored ride feel.
See which one fits your needs and style.
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11 of the Best Handlebar Tapes
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
Best Overall: Made with top-quality material for unparalleled comfort, control, and durability
- High-end rubberized finishing tapes
- Includes Star Plugz bar plugs
- Excellent wet-weather grip
- Black color
- 2.5 mm thickness for comfort and shock absorption
The Supacaz brand advertises the Super Sticky Kush as the best bar tape in the world. The claim also includes that their tape lasts up to five times longer than traditional tape.
True or not, this is the tape of choice for many pro cyclists, including champion race cyclist, Peter Sagan. It is an all-around bar tape with a lightweight, ultra-sticky, soft, and comfortable feel. It is 3mm thick, providing a good amount of cushion and shock absorption. The Supacaz is also known for its excellent grip even in unfavorable weather conditions.
A Supacaz Super Sticky Kush set also comes with snug aluminum bar plugs and finishing tapes.
The tape comes in various designs and color choices for a wide range of styles and personalities.
Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm
Best Alternative: Made of unique DuraSoft polymer material for comfort and performance
- Made from a unique polymer-based formula
- A range of muted and vibrant color choices
- Washable and cleans easily
- Includes 2 bar end plugs
This product is another favorite among amateur and pro bikers alike. It’s made up of unique DuraSoft Polymer (DSP), an innovative polymer-based formula.
Lizard Skins DSP feels luxuriously soft and highly grippy at the same time, providing the right balance of comfort and control. It is also thick enough to absorb road vibrations.
Aside from this 2.5mm option, it is also accessible in 1.8mm and 3.2mm thicknesses. A wide array of colors are available for choosing, from the muted standard black to the vibrant neon pink. It is easy to re-wrap and comes with two bar end plugs with the distinctive Lizard Skins logo.
On the downside, the DSP does not stretch. When installing, make sure that the tape is not stretched but is still placed on tight.
Silca Cuscino
Best Premium Choice: A blend of top-quality materials, innovation, technology, and research
- 2.5 - 3.75mm thick
- Includes aluminum expanding bar-end plug, PU finishing tape, and butterfly-shaped brake clamp cover
- Different colors available
- Better vibration isolation and durability
Silca Cuscino is an understated, textured tape that comes in classic black or white colors. It is lightweight and has an excellent tacky but not sticky grip. Made of durable materials, this is tougher and more resilient than standard bar tapes.
The makers of Cuscino took inspiration from innovations in the running shoes and the F1 tires industry. Coupled with research on rolling efficiency and vibration damping, Silca came up with an efficient and unique tape.
The Cuscino comprises SILCAthane, SILCAlon, and 3M Visco-elastic adhesive. These combinations of innovative materials give the tape excellent performance qualities. It is weather-resistant, efficient, and five times more durable than other tapes.
It is 2.5mm thick but has the cushioning feel and vibration-dampening power of a 3.2mm thick standard bar tape.
All in all, Silca Cuscino screams class and premium quality bar tape.
Deda Presa
Best for Comfort: Comfortable cork-like feel favored by riders
- Made with EVA material with a tacky polyurethane surface
- Feels grippy without being tacky
- Different colors available
- Perforated details for grip and breathability
- Includes two black Deda Elementi signatured push-in bar ends and finishing tape
The Presa is an affordable and understated bar tape from the Italian brand, Deda Elementi. It is a dual-density tape made up of an EVA base and topped with a black perforated PU material for a secure grip. It is 3mm thick and provides a firm but comfortable hold.
The Deda Presa has a cork-like feel that is soft enough to absorb road vibrations. It is moisture-absorbent which is excellent for sweaty riders. It also provides a great grip without feeling sticky.
It also has a nice tactile feel that is great for cyclists who prefer to ride gloveless.
Fizik Vento Microtex Tacky
Best for Race Bikes: Race-bred tape for precision handling and control
- Thinnest Fizik bar tape for lightweight and smooth feel
- Tacky finish with a raised texture for ultimate grip
- Designed for speed racers
- Includes two bar end plugs and finishing tape
The Fizik Vento Microtex is one of the thinnest bar tapes at 2mm. It is for pro riders and bike racers. It has a smooth yet tacky non-slip finish with a textured surface for ultimate grip and control.
It does not provide a lot of cushion and shock isolation but is lightweight and durable.
It comes with simple push-in bar ends and a finishing tape to help you get a neat and finished look. It is also offered in standard black and white colors for riders who like to go classic. You can also go for red, celeste, and the exciting fluorescent colors.
SRAM Supercork
Best for Durability: Made with durable weather-resistant materials
The SRAM Supercork is a durable bar tape made of high-quality polyurethane material. This means that it has superior elasticity, traction, and sealing abilities. It also has increased resistance to heat, weathering, and chemicals.
The Supercork tape uses a silicone strip backing to hold it in place, providing an extra damping effect. The synthetic cork material provides a non-slip and grippy feel for all weather conditions.
The stretchy tape is also easy to install and allows for easy repositioning.
Cinelli Special Edition
Best for Vintage Aesthetic: Cool and eye-catching designs by Mike Giant
- Soft velvety feel
- Custom-styled designer look
- Unique and eye-catching vintage graphics
- Includes branded bar end caps and Cinelli finishing strip
The Cinelli Special bar tapes are a collaboration between Cinelli and San Francisco-based artist Mike Giant. The eye-catching graphics on the tape are Mike’s interpretation of vintage tattoo symbols.
The tape has a resilient polyurethane base and soft velvet cover. This combination features a soft velvety texture with the right amount of tackiness.
It also has a central adhesive strip at the back for easy installation. This set includes Cinelli finishing strips and custom bar end plugs.
This is a great designer tape that is sure to grab attention to your bike!
ESI grips RCT
Best for Cyclocross: Silicone tape for a non-slip and weather-resistant grip
- Made from customizable and stretchable silicone
- Reversible and washable
- Beveled edge for smoother installation
- Set includes a pair of long and short silicone wraps, tapes, and custom bar plugs
The ESI Grips NEW RCT Wrap is made from silicone which is a stretchy and grippy material. It is also non-porous which makes it resistant to wear and tear.
This bar wrap is easy to manipulate according to desired thickness. If you need a comfortable and more shock-absorbent grip, you can wrap the bar tape looser. If you are more comfortable with a thinner, tactile grip, stretch it tighter. The installation is also effortless because the silicone sticks to itself so you can wrap it as tight as you want.
It has a smooth design without raised textures or embossed logos. The beveled edge allows for a seamless overlay that will mold to your grip for a no-slip ride.
You can also flip your ESI Grip wrap to make it look new if the other side is already worn out. Plus, it is washable!
Arundel Gecko
Best Budget: All the benefits of a good quality bar tape at a lower price
- Made with EVA foam and ventilated polyurethane
- Good resistance to staining and washable
- Affordable quality tape
The Gecko Grip is an affordable synthetic bar tape. The tape consists of a laminate of EVA foam and ventilated PU for a balanced comfortable grip. It feels rubbery with a textured top for secure grip, even under sweaty or wet weather situations.
It also has a tapered edge that makes wrapping your handlebar easy, tight, and smooth. Imagine all these benefits without having to spend as much!
Serfas Woven
Best for Style: Beautiful craftsmanship in a fantastic range of colors and patterns
- Stylish and eye-catching designs
- Beautiful and quality craftsmanship
- Includes a color-coordinated stretchy finishing tape
- With EVA foam cushion
These quality-crafted tapes are best for people who prioritize style when looking for a bar tape.
It is not the plushiest tape in the market but it provides an excellent tactile feel and grip.
The Serfas Woven tapes are a sight to behold and give a nice pop of color and personality to your bike!
Zipp Service Course
Best for Road Bikes: Made of synthetic cork material for comfort and shock absorption
- Crosshatch patterned rubberized texture for excellent grip
- Made with lightweight and flexible synthetic cork material
- Includes finishing tapes and end plugs with the signature “Z” logo
- Available in black, red, and white colors
Intended for cyclocross and road bikes, this tape performs better on the road. It’s made from synthetic cork material which has long been favored for its comfort and moisture absorption qualities. Although, unlike the traditional cork tape, it is more lightweight and flexible. This makes the Zipp tape easier to stretch to desired thickness upon installation. It has a cross-hatch pattern that provides excellent grip without being rough on the hands.
The Zipp Service Course is comfortable and absorbs road vibrations during the ride. It is also grippy even with wet and sweaty hands but doesn’t feel too tacky when dry.
What to Look for When Buying Handlebar Tapes
Material
The material of the handlebar tape is an important consideration when looking to buy one. Your choice could determine the tape’s other features like grip, cushion, or durability. There are so many to choose from depending on your choice of material and need. You can choose from the traditional cotton, plastic, vinyl, cork, foam, or leather if you want to go old school.
The newer synthetics, however, are the go-to choices for most cyclists for their improved performance. Microfiber, EVA, polyurethane, or silicone are comfier and grippy. They are also washable and water-resistant.
Synthetics like EVA and silicone outperform cotton in wet conditions.
Grip
A good bar tape should be able to provide excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions.
Most riders also prefer bar tapes that are textured and tacky for a better grip. Lightweight and cushioned with good vibration dampening properties are also an excellent addition.
Color
This choice depends on personal preference and style. The classic black and white colors are still the most popular among cyclists. For the more funky, newer synthetic tapes provide color combos and patterns in a vast array.
Beyond personal flair, lighter-color tapes show wear faster—choose darker hues if you ride daily.
Thickness
Thinner tapes are the racer’s choice. This provides a lighter and direct road feel for the precision handling of race bikes.
Thicker tapes are good choices for non-competitive and leisure cyclists. Such tapes would provide a cushioned feel and dampened road vibration.
Racers often go 0.4–2 mm for direct feedback, while leisure riders prefer 3 mm+ for plush comfort.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Conclusion on the Best Handlebar Tape
Handlebar tapes might not be the first thing to consider when looking for an upgrade, but it is an affordable one. It provides significant comfort and personality to your bike without spending top dollar!
For the best overall handlebar tape on our list, consider the Supacaz Super Sticky Kush. It’s made of high-quality materials with above expectations for durability, control, and comfort.
Have a fun ride!
