Gravel handlebar tape

Why use gravel-specific handlebar tape

On the road, handlebar tape is mainly there for grip and looks. On gravel, it absorbs vibration: it’s the only thing between your palms and the constant vibration of the trail. The dedicated ranges — Fizik Terra, Supacaz Gravel, BBB Gravel Ribbon, PRO Comfort — are thicker and grippier than their road equivalents.

Thickness, greater than on a road bike

• 3 mm and over is standard in this range, whereas 2 mm is often enough for road riding. You’ll feel the difference after two hours on the trail.
• Some cyclists wrap a double layer on the tops, where the pressure is concentrated.
• Watch the final diameter: already-thick handlebars wrapped in very thick tape become bulky to grip, especially for smaller hands.

Grip in wet weather

That’s the most important criterion. Tape with a tacky (Fizik Terra, Supacaz Super Sticky Kush) stay grippy when wet and muddy, with or without gloves. Classic cork tape feels good when dry but becomes slippery as soon as it gets wet — a real drawback when braking downhill on muddy ground.

Length: the trap with flared handlebars

Flared gravel handlebars have more length to cover than road handlebars. Standard tape may be too short, especially with pronounced flare or wide bars. That’s exactly why there are extra-long (Redshift). If your handlebars are wider than 44 cm or have more than 20° of flare, check the stated tape length before ordering.

Ergonomic grips

The range also includes Redshift grips — ergonomic pads fitted to the tops or the drops, under the tape or instead of it. They increase the contact area for your palms, easing strain on your hands and wrists over very long distances. They aren’t tape, but they meet the same need.

When to replace it

More often than on a road bike: dust gets embedded in it, mud makes it stiff, and repeated exposure to moisture loosens it around the brake hoods. Plan to replace it once or twice a season with regular use. It’s also a chance to check the cable housings underneath.

To find out more: How to choose your gravel bike handlebars

See also: Gravel handlebars · Gravel shifters · Road handlebar tape and bar-end plugs