There are few upgrades that punch above their weight quite like fresh bar tape. It’s cheap, quick (in theory) and it can make a well worn bike feel box fresh again. Which is why the return of one of surely the best known brands in the category is noteworthy: Cinelli has revisited its handlebar tape line-up, leaning on both its past, and the evolving needs of modern riders.
If that sounds slightly nostalgic, it should. Cinelli was one of the brands that helped define what bar tape is today, introducing cork EVA tape way back in 1987. The combination of cushioning and grip quickly became the benchmark, and – like many good ideas – was widely copied. Four decades on, the Milanese firm is revisiting that legacy with an expanded range for both road, and gravel.
As bikes have diversified, so have expectations of contact points. Wider tyres and rougher routes mean more vibration to manage, while road riders chase marginal gains in comfort and control. Cinelli’s new collection reflects that split, with two new additions – Gravel Travel and Pro Race – joining its longstanding Classic Cork and Cork Gel options.
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(Image credit: Cinelli)
The Classic Cork remains the baseline. It’s the familiar blend of EVA and cork, offering moderate cushioning and a natural, slightly tacky feel. At 2.5mm thick and relatively light, it’s still the sort of tape you’ll find on everything from winter bikes to Sunday-best machines. The gel version adds a little more padding without dramatically altering the profile, aimed at riders who want a touch more forgiveness without wrapping their bars in something overly bulky.
(Image credit: Cinelli)
The more interesting developments come with the newer models. Gravel Travel (what a name!), is, as the name suggests, designed with off-road riding in mind. It’s thicker at 3.2mm and uses a higher density material to dampen chatter over long distances. The suede-like finish is a notable touch – less about outright grip in the traditional rubbery sense, more about a softer, tactile finish in the hands. The gel can also be repositioned, which will be handy if you struggle with bar tape, and need to unwrap and start again two or three times!
(Image credit: Cinelli)
There’s also a ‘chubby’ version, doubling down on cushioning with increased gel density. Whether that’s a blessing or overkill will come down to personal preference – and how much buzz you want to ultimately soak up on the roads you ride on.
(Image credit: Cinelli)
At the other end of the spectrum is ‘Pro Race’ , a slimmer, lighter option aimed at, you guessed it, performance riding. Constructed from a polyurethane and microfibre blend, it’s designed to give a more direct feel at the bars. It’s low profile, for less edges and more feel.
Cinelli being Cinelli, there’s also an aesthetic angle. Mike Giant has long collaborated with the brand on some pretty spectacular bars and various other lines over the years, and that continues here. It’s no understatement to say that it’s become Cinelli’s calling card over the years, in almost the same way that traditional tapes might be. Although Cinelli arguably has that wrapped up too, excuse the pun.
Of course, there is one unavoidable caveat here with any new tape. And that’s fitting. For many, wrapping handlebars remains a distinctly daunting task. Getting the tension right, aligning overlaps, getting the direction right and keeping it tidy around the hoods make it one of the most frustrating, and exposing jobs in all of bike maintenance. Even if you’re now good at it, being out of practice can result in some real horrors, and more than a little frustration. Despite its ability to test anyone’s patience – especially with the huge variety of aero shaped bars even ‘normal bikes’ might come with these days – taking it on, getting it done, and doing it well is one of the most satisfying and empowering tasks you can take on on your bike, so definitely don’t let that put you off.
Prices start from £15 / €17.50 / $23.00 for Classic Road Cork up to £40.00 / €45.00 / £55.00 for the Pro Race Art range.
