Lizard Skins alternative....

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chiltonp
Posts: 154
Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 8:48 pm

by chiltonp

I love the Lizard Skins DSP 1.8 tape, however $40 or so seems steep for bar tape. Anything similar out there that is cheaper?

spdntrxi
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by spdntrxi

Fizik superlight.. it's 2mm but better then lizard skins IMHO.. online (eBay) can usually find around $20something
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velomane
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by velomane

What characteristics make it better? Is it easy to keep clean?

glepore
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by glepore

Arundel Gecko Grip...under 20 bucks. Similar texture.
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Nejmann
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by Nejmann

Zipp service cx tape.. Not as sticky in a good way.

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Miller
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Location: Reading, UK

by Miller

Fabric tape is very nice, I have bars with the Knurl tape on this page and it is similar to Lizard Skins and, yes, a bit cheaper.
http://fabric.cc/shop/tape/

SuperflyRick
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:59 pm

by SuperflyRick

Bbb flexribon could be a substitute

Johnny Rad
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Location: Zion

by Johnny Rad

I've happily used the mid-thickness 2.5mm DSP offering for years now.

I tried their thinner 1.8mm DSP for a short time, but it was too thin and didn't give enough padding.

Last week I figured what the hell, time to tray something new ... my LBS recommended Supacaz bar tape. After ~150mi, it feels as thin or thinner than 2.5mm DSP tape and a bit less sticky. So far, so good. Sorry, no idea of weight but I get the drift it's not lightweight.

https://supacaz.com/tape/

eaglejackson
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Location: PNW

by eaglejackson

I love the feel of Lizard Skins. At $40, I agree, it's just too much to spend on bar tape, especially when it wears out quickly especially just before the hoods -- where there is a lot of pressure when I'm standing up climbing.

I have tried a few different bar tapes when I've replaced Lizard Skins that were worn out before their time -- a few different Fiziks and Arundel Gecko. I like the Gecko the best as an Lizard Skin alternative. The feel is close. It's not quite as tacky but very comfortable. I didn't care for the feel of the Fizik ones I tried. They were slicker and didn't have as cushy of a feel.

So for me, I have Lizard Skins still on one bike and Arundel Gecko on the other.

Johnny Rad
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Location: Zion

by Johnny Rad

eaglejackson wrote:..especially when [Lizard Skins] wears out quickly especially just before the hoods...

Good point. It's exactly the same results for me with Lizard Skins 2.5mm DSP. I figured it was just the "price" to pay for good tape.

spdntrxi
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by spdntrxi

velomane wrote:What characteristics make it better? Is it easy to keep clean?

Not even in the same league .. I use white too... Have not cleaned them in 6 months and they are still white
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Calnago
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by Calnago

I really like the Arundel Gecko as well. Don't like Lizard Skin tape at all. Way too rubbery feeling for my liking. Doesn't have much grip to the actual bars compared to others. And tends to want to push out the bar end plugs cuz of its rubberyness. I prefer gecko with maybe some Fizik Gel underneath and tightly wrapped. Good and firm feeling with some give.
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Fixie82
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Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 3:45 am

by Fixie82

Arundel Gecko or SRAM CX tape as previously mentioned. Both have great texture and feel, but do get a little grubby if you run them without gloves. They do clean up ok but the texture of the tape traps little bits of dirt and marks which are near impossible to clean. I probably prefer the feel of the Arundel Gecko but think the SRAM CX tape is a little better wearing. Swings and round-a-bouts though.

Both can be had for reasonable prices online.

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mpulsiv
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by mpulsiv

S-wrap HD tape last longer with similar grip and not as rubbery https://www.specialized.com/us/en/acces ... ape/105216


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ryanw
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by ryanw

Deda Traforato tape.

Mine came it at 32g with bar plugs. Very comfy.
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