Arundel Gecko Grip Bar Tape

Arundel Gecko Grip bar tape and I got off to a bad start thanks to our test sample's hit n' miss adhesive and ineffectual finishing strips. However, things improved and while it's not quite on par with my all time favourite Lizard Skins DSP it does have a similarly reptilian name. It also does much the same thing at a lower price and is easily rewound should you need to replace a control cable, add an interrupter brake lever or indeed change bars.

Measuring 3cm wide and a smidge shy of 3mm thick, there's plenty for dressing the widest of flared drops, allowing graceful double-ups at key contact points (especially the tops and lower drop sections) without resorting to the brake clamp strips. We all know the drill by now but Arundel inject a bit of humorous observation into their instructions for a quick chuckle.

Assuming you've stripped the bars of existing tape and wiped them down with solvent, it's a question of starting at the bottom and weaving upwards,overlapping by 5/10mm to suit. Achieving showroom perfect effect demands patience since the material isn't particularly malleable and requires firm tensioning to prevent it unravelling frustratingly at the crucial moment. I overcame this by holding everything in situ with the finishing strips before capturing the tops permanently using top-notch electrical stuff.

Purchase, comfort and control is vastly superior to traditional coverings, in gloved or bare hands, inspiring confidence whether hammering along sweeping singletrack, winding descents in the pouring rain or simply weaving through lines of stationary traffic. Shock absorbency across inclement or changeable surfaces matches cork without the natural fibre's remoteness, which bodes well for Audax and mixed terrain touring. Thankfully the black hides a multitude of sins and seems more tolerant of judicious brush cleaning compared with some polymer blends - so long as you stick with mild soapy water. However, there's white, blue, red or yellow should you prefer a more lively livery.

200 early-season miles in and longevity looks promising, although I've heard reports of the dimpled texture wearing smooth in key areas after six months daily service.

Verdict

Marked improvement over traditional cork bar tape and just as easy to live with but the adhesive backing and finishing strips weren't much cop on our sample.