I was in search of bar tape that wouldn't hold moisture from sweat or rain while at the same time being thin since I always wear gloves. I found the perfect combination of grip , texture and thickness for me. For years I used standard cork tape of various brands and I noticed moisture would get trapped under the tape and cause issues with my shift levers. Not anymore.
Lizard Skins is far and away the best looking and best feeling tape I have used. I have used it many times on all my bikes because the old formulation did not wear very well. In spite of this I continued to use it. I am hoping the new version will provide improved wear resistance.
I'm cheap on bar tape. Buy on sale, buy what's in stock. But I needed something quick and nearly all the sales were out of my color. Crud... I just usually don't find value in expensive handlebar tape. But, with a need to get the bars re-taped, I snagged a set of these. And I'm impressed. I will likely buy these again. This might seem comical but me and finishing tape have a long history-- with me usually throwing it in the garbage. It never holds up. First ride it always starts unraveling and it's back to a few wraps of electrical tape!!! But when I unrolled this tape, and looked at it I had to try it. And I'll be darned if it doesn't actually WORK! 400mi, still holding on and it looks good too. The rest of the tape is equally well-constructed. Tacky but not gooey- holds up well under heat. Wraps well- has warnings about not stretching it. I had no issues pulling on it though as that's just standard practice for me.
Installed like normal, the package said not to stretch but it didn't work right that way. Stretched it on like any other tape and it worked great. It has a great feel and it's very tacky. I really like it, hope it lasts.
I put this tape on the last two years and it provides a very good grip and comfort for the longer rides. With it being tacky though it will discolor easier but the overall performance out weighs that.
Been using this for 7 years and consider nothing else. Very grippy, I get 3 years on road bikes, and comfy enough for a 50 miler plus.
I have only used 2 brands of bar tape; one brand for each of my 2 bikes.
Love the grip these offer. Main reason to purchase
Overall, I like the Lizard Skins DSP 1.8mm tape. It is very thin, very sticky, and quite light. There isn't much cushion - to be expected at 1.8mm. It's a little pricey, but it seems to be exceptionally durable after 1,200 miles of riding.
Installed nicely and feels great! Very grippy, noticeably better feel when climbing. One of those products I'm tempted to stock up on in case they stop making it in the future!
