Adhesives Review

In the sport of cycling adhesives are necessary for many different components and accessories. Handlebar tape is one of the more well known products that uses adhesives to great advantage. Although it is possible to find handlebar bike tape without an adhesive, the type with adhesive such as Fizik tape, is much easier to use. Other products that use adhesives in the field of cycling include adhesive warmers, repair adhesive, and closure tape. In addition to what is available to cyclists, adhesives are also commonly used a few aspects of bike production as well.

Why You Need it

Handlebar tape is a luxury not necessary for a successful ride, however, it is one way to make your ride more comfortable, whether you use dirt, mountain, track or road bike tape. The metal of bike handles would be extremely uncomfortable to hold for long trips or for short trips over a long period of time. There are several ways to cover bike steering components in order to make the trip more comfortable including regular handgrips, foam grips, and handlebar tape. Handlebar tape, especially the type with an adhesive like lizard skins bar tape or Cinelli bar tape, is the easiest to install. Handlebar tape also comes in a variety of materials including gel, cork, and foam which allowing for more customization options. Adhesive warmers come in many sizes in order to keep hands, feet, or larger muscle groups warm in chilly or freezing riding conditions. The adhesive on this product allows it to stay in place even during a vigorous ride. Some adhesives are used for repairs or preventative maintenance such as rimstrips. These go inside the rim and help prevent flat tires. The adhesive backing on handlebar bike tape, such as the Brooks tape or SRAM bar tape, makes it easy to install. Finally one of the most important uses, in cycling, for adhesive is emergency tire repair. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to carry a spare along on some rides which makes a repair kit a necessity. The adhesive found on the back of patches allows it to stick to the curves of virtually any tire so that the ride doesn’t have to stop just because of a flat tire. Apply the repair patch and continue riding.

Major Manufacturers

Novara Handlebar Tape, Fizik Bar Tape, Deda Elementi Padded Foam Handlebar Tape, Cinelli Cork Handlebar Tape, Arundel Cork Handlebar Tape, Velox Fond de Jante Rimstrip.

Pricing

Prices for adhesives vary depending on the type of adhesive purchased but generally range from between $9 - $30 for handlebar adhesive and $1 - $10 for some of the other accessories.