With the array of choices that bicycle handlebar tape manufacturers provide it is truly difficult to decide what would be the best handlebar tape. Multi-colored handlebar tapes vie for attention against monchromed tapes and perforated tapes. If colors left you confused try this, handlebar tapes are available in a gamut of materials from leather and cork to synthetic microfiber nylon. The tapes are gel-based, perforated, plain, glossy and matt.

While choosing handlebar tapes one needs to decide if it is functionality or aesthetic appeal that is more important. Though most manufacturers of handlebar tapes claim to offer both durability and good looks often such is not the case. Since professionals and avid bike enthusiasts prefer self-installing handle bar tapes the convenience and comfort plays an important role. Handlebar tape makers like Cinelli, Deda and Fizik offer adhesive and non-adhesive tapes that make it easy to wrap the tape without having to go to a garage.
If you decide to wrap the handlebar tape without taking it to a garage than ensure that the adhesive side of the tape is glued to the handlebar instead of facing outwards. The other points to remember is that handlebar tapes need to be overlapped while wrapping as this will create a neater look and ensure that the tape does not slacken on hand pressure. While selecting the handlebar tape check the tensile strength of the leather handlebar tape. Check if it stays taut when stretched or does it break off. Also ensure that the tape gives a comfortable feel on handling.

Perforated tapes that are available from Fizik for instance assure durability and reduction of hand fatigue and a good grip. These aspects are extremely important for professional bikers and not so much for people who view biking as a hobby. In order to get maximum comfort and a great grip while holding on to handle grips professional bikers often prefer to wrap tape in Paris-Roubaix-style. Simply put this means double-wrapping the handlebars with cork tape as this not only provides comfort but gives shock absorbency. Handlebar tapes with gel gives the same features without having to go through the bother of double wrapping leather bar tape.

Cloth handlebar tapes continue to remain popular especially among professional cyclists and avid bicyclists as well. This is primarily because cloth tapes are inexpensive compared to the latest synthetic microtex tapes. Due to this bicyclists have the luxury of changing tapes every week if need be. This makes practical sense for professional bikers who tend to use the bicycle a great deal more than the hobbyist.