Bar tape wears out faster than most components on a road bike, which makes the economics of replacement matter more than the marketing would suggest. Ritchey's Comp EVA Handlebar Tape uses the same EVA foam construction found across the industry's mid-range offerings, delivering reliable cushioning and grip without the price premium that comes with cork composite or gel-padded alternatives. The 2.5mm thickness hits the sweet spot for road use—enough material to absorb road vibration through aluminum bars without adding noticeable bulk to the grip diameter or interfering with brake lever reach.

EVA foam works well as a bar tape material because it compresses predictably under hand pressure while recovering its shape between rides, maintaining consistent feel over months of use rather than packing out the way thinner synthetic tapes tend to do. The foam surface provides grip in dry and wet conditions without requiring gloves, though the material does show wear patterns over time where your hands contact it most frequently during climbing or sustained efforts on the hoods. This is normal for EVA construction and indicates the tape is doing its job of absorbing stress that would otherwise transfer to your palms.

Installation follows standard wrapping technique starting at the bar ends, with enough length in each roll to complete a full wrap with overlap and still have material left for the finishing section near the stem clamp. The included finishing tape holds the wrap in place without adhesive residue if you need to rewrap or adjust positioning. Available in black, white, red, and blue to match frame colors or create contrast with your existing cockpit components.... Read More