fizik dual tape

i have tried so many bar tapes over the years.  it is the one bicycle accessory that is relatively cheap and that can freshen up the look of one's bike and can even motivate the rider to get on their bike, should they like me need motivating occasionally.  that said i recently purchased some new bar tape for a different reason.  i was looking to replace the old fizik microtex bar tape on my wilier with a more cushioned tape.  i was actually looking to buy some pro digital carbon smart silicon tape (what a mouth full!) which i have on my de rosa and which is very padded and comfortable.

following a crash i had back in 2008 i sustained an injury which i have not been able to shake off despite getting treatment from an osteopath.  whenever i ride for more than 50 or 60km i start to get pain in my right shoulder/neck area.  to help ease the pain i will now only use bar tape with plenty of cushioning.  i also use some cinelli gel inserts on the wilier which stick to the bars under the bar tape, although this only helps when holding onto the tops of the bars.

back to the bar tape purchase i ended up buying some fizik dual tape, in colour black with red trim, since by local bike shop cadence do not sell pro.  on first impressions i am very impressed and so i should be since the dual tape is quite pricey at at around £13.  the dual tape is as padded if not more so than the pro and will provide as much shock absorption as i am going to find in a bar tape.  it should certainly help ease my shoulder problem, a little, on longer rides.

for those who regularly ride cobbles or are thinking of riding one of the spring classic sportives such as flanders or roubaix both the pro digital carbon smart silicon tape or the fizik dual tape should be seriously considered as appropriate bar tapes to use for riding on such uneven surfaces.