If you're ever in need of industrial-grade double-sided tape, forget hardware stores, just ask Cinelli what they use on the back of their handlebar tape. Seriously. The tape wraps beautifully, feels great in the hand, and does the job' until the day you try to remove it. Half a year later, I went to take it off, and that backing glue put up a fight like it had a personal vendetta. Even 3M adhesive remover basically shrugged and walked away. I wasn't mad. I was impressed. Cinelli, if you're reading this: I want the name of your glue supplier. That stuff is next level.
Fizik always knocks it out of the park with their products. My bike feels like it has a brand new life with how gorgeous this tape looks. It feels great too. They also include extra sections to hide the exposed part of where there would be a gap in the wrap just under the shifter/brake hoods. I found there was plenty of tape to generously wrap. The only thing that wasn't super compatible with my bike was the endcaps. However, this tape easily worked with my old end caps, so it wasn't an issue, and they're definitely reusable.
I was looking for a handlebar that had a long enough center section to run some in-line brakes on my X-Fire that i have generally used as a trail bike. Long before Gravel bikes made the scene i have been using Cyclocross bikes to trail ride. i bought a pair of these bars, one for my geared and one for my single speed X-Fires. They are comfortable, dampen fairly well and well within my budget. I run carbon bars on my road bikes and mtn bikes, but found myself not wanting to spend a lot of money for two sets of bars. This bar is a great bar if you are on a budget and not too hung up on having to have carbon. Flare is not excessive and the reach and drop are comfortable.
I bought this for my lightweight TCR build, and it is definitely a very light aero option. I find it difficult to find a comfortable position on the top section, as a result of the swept forward design. It forces my elbows outward, which isn't natural for me. Also keep in mind the forward position will alter one's regular fit. I had to install a shorter stem to compensate. It's a pretty flexy bar, imo. I don't mind it, but it's worth pointing out. I don't understand why this thing costs so much.
