DEDA Handlebar Tape

Price Paid:  $10.00 at Probikekit

Summary:
The best. Just enough tick, no crappy gel. Work for 5000km at least.

Price Paid:  $13.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
somewhere hilly and away from people

Bike Setup:
cyclocross bike used on paved roads and dirt roads

Summary:
I bought the Deda tape after reading several positive reviews.

The back of the tape has a strip of adhesive material that holds it to the bar. I was able to wrap it very tightly without much stretching. After a few months, it doesn't seem to have loosened up at all. I should also note that I installed this tape when I converted my bike from Shimano STIs to bar end shifters and dedicated brake levers. Because this was a fairly major conversion and I'm a bit of a novice, I had to re-wrap the bars several times before I was happy with everything. You'd think this would have had a detrimental effect on the bar tape, but it didn't matter. So far the Deda is still immovable.

As for the feel... I hate wearing gloves so I need a tape with some padding. The Deda tape is just soft enough to absorb some road vibration without feeling mushy. The surface feels slightly tacky to the hands. In other words, it's just right.

Given the quality and price of this product, I doubt I'll be changing brands any time soon.

Strengths:
comfortable without being too soft; wraps tight and stays in place

Weaknesses:
none found

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale (OEM) gel tape

Price Paid:  $15.00

Bike Setup:
COLNAGO Carbonissimo LX37, 56 cm - Special Edition, HANDLEBARS: Deda Elementi Alanera, HANDLEBAR TAPE: DedaTape (HT5800) & Deda Plugs

Summary:
Bye it!

Strengths:
Quality, Comfort, Reliably, Ergonomics, Italian Elegance!

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Other crap

Price Paid:  $9.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Felt F1c

Summary:
Provides great grip without feeling tacky.
Has great tactile feel with and without gloves.

Strengths:
Soft
Great grip

Price Paid:  $15.00 at LBS and Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Anything on Hawaii

Bike Setup:
Trek Pilot 5.2

Summary:
This tape is just superb--highly recommended. It goes on easy, I've never ripped it during installation, and it stays put on the bar. The tactile feel of the tape is what wins me over time and again--it's almost sticky without being tacky at all. It grips very well, in wet or dry conditions. And, without any cosmic gel or padding, it absorbs vibrations very well.

Strengths:
Easy to put on
Stays out on the bar
Superb feel/grippiness, wet or dry
Wears well

Weaknesses:
More expensive than others, but at $15, I don't mind

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Bar Phat, Trek tape, Italian cork