Handlebar tape in the RCUK 100? What is this, we hear you cry?
Bear with us though, because this stuff is the business and makes a genuine difference to how your bike feels while riding. And the top-ranked WorldTour team for 2016, Movistar, seem to think so too – as does a certain Mark Cavendish, along with Team Dimension Data.
Grip on the bars, especially in Cav’s case when the pulling and pushing forces involved in an all-out sprint are extreme, is very important, and Lizard Skins’ DSP is exceptionally tacky.
It’s not just about grip, though – handlebar tape can really make the difference between a comfortable ride. This tape is available in three thicknesses, 1.8mm, 2.5mm and 3.2mm, which means that, depending on the thickness of grip you prefer, you can tweak the feel of your handlebar to your preferences.
If you struggle with pressure points in your hands then you can opt for the 3.2mm option, but if you have particular small hands, then the thin 1.8mm tape is the one for you.
What’s also striking about DSP tape is the sheer number of colours in comes in. Movistar opts for navy blue, naturally, although Nairo Quintana has made use of both pink and red in recent years, while Cavendish is often spotted with the grey camo colourway on his Cervelo S5. There’s even a dual colour option in the 2.5mm thickness, should you be feeling particularly… flamboyant.
As a result, the DSP is a performance bar tape that can really add the finishing touch to your prized machine, while skimping nothing on grip, hand protection and quality.
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