Once cork handlebar tape had replaced cloth and leather bar wraps, it became clear that it's natural properties were ideal for bike racing and riding. The tape was comfortable on the hands, offered good wet and dry grip until worn out, and most importantly, it absorbed and defeated much of the road vibration that traveled up to the rider's hands through the fork, stem and bar. This is why, despite many excellent new tape materials and concepts, when you look at the start line of a race that's bound for rough roads, you're sure to see many bars still wrapped in cork tape. Why? Because it's is still tough to beat the vibration absorbing properties of this natural material. With the S-Wrap Cork Handlebar Tape, Specialized decided that it could still utilize cork's best features, and augment it to be even more effective.

This modernized approach features a dual-density design that pairs cork with EVA foam tape., another lightweight, thin material that effectively protects and absorbs. The result of this design is an incredible reduction in hand fatigue. The designers didn't stop there though. They also gave it an elastomer gel backing to add more protection, as well as overall comfort. The resulting S-Wrap Cork Handlebar Tape is easy wrap, with a more controlled, ideal stretch than cork alone, but still maintaining a relatively low profile when installed, and somehow still allows you to feel in control and connected to the road surface.