Lizard Skins DSP Race Bar Tape

Lizard Skins DSP race is the slimline version of the marques super tenacious, shock absorbent polymer based wrap aimed at racers keen to shave every last gram from their bikes without sacrificing comfort. That said; handlebar coverings like saddles and other contact points are very, very personal affairs. Having dressed the Teenage Dream's curvaceous bell-laps in the grey version and run it for some eighteen months, I've been very pleasantly surprised. By the same token, the £25 asking price, modest colour choice and more involved aftercare could prove a deal-breaker.

Available in a choice of red, white, black or grey and tipping the scales at a feathery 53g (including plugs), two hundred and eight centimetres of the rubbery textured tape will cover most bars effortlessly, entertaining bespoke double-ups which is great news for mile munching audax riders looking for neat, tidy shock absorption. Point seven of a millimetre sounds immaterial but achieving graceful, snug and even patterns is markedly easier compared with it's stockier sibling. That said, the adhesive shares the same tolerant qualities and can be un/rewound without complication when first applied. Keep some good quality electrical tape handy-you'll need this to tack the tops in place before adding the decorative finishing strips. Fancying some additional cushioning for the TD's Cinelli mini tri bars, I added the white sample but opted to leave the electrical tape to contrast.

The rubberised texture is best described as tactile flypaper, giving a deep sense of connection with the bars whatever the elements bestow. The advantages of this are best appreciated after several hours when tiredness makes slippery coverings an unwelcome distraction and this additional security inspires confidence when tackling long, greasy descents or hammering along sharp inclines. Damping is equally impressive, although most effective when combating low-level road vibration but not cross or rough/stuff touring.

The grey still looks in great shape but the white tainted very, very quickly, showing every smudge. Some may scoff at the need for sensitive cleaning but gently wiping the grey with a warm rag dipped in citrus bike wash has retained the cosmetic and structural properties. By contrast three soapy water cleanses in as many weeks has partially consumed the tenacity of our white sample.

Verdict

Superb performance but high price tag, limited colour choice and more careful cleaning might be a deal-breaker