User submitted reviews
Review by RimbrakesFTWMy Favoriteby RimbrakesFTWCycling EnthusiastMiddle Island, New York1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I really like this tape. It isn't cushioned so it isn't thick like a Supacaz. It is grippy and to my taste is just thick enough. I use gloves for padding. It is a little tricky to wrap but if you take your time and keep a steady tension you can get a good wrap without any gaps. I only had this tape on for a short time and had to replace my brake cables so could not reuse it. I replaced it with Supacaz which is nice, but is a real nightmare to wrap. Comparing the two tapes I prefer the thinner and more affordable Arundel. It wraps a lot better and I prefer its appearance over the higher priced Supacaz.
Reviewed 8/3/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by RimbrakesFTW was helpful/No, review by RimbrakesFTW was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I really like this tape. It isn't cushioned so it isn't thick like a Supacaz. It is grippy and to my taste is just thick enough. I use gloves for padding. It is a little tricky to wrap but if you take your time and keep a steady tension you can get a good wrap without any gaps. I only had this tape on for a short time and had to replace my brake cables so could not reuse it. I replaced it with Supacaz which is nice, but is a real nightmare to wrap. Comparing the two tapes I prefer the thinner and more affordable Arundel. It wraps a lot better and I prefer its appearance over the higher priced Supacaz.
Review by AnonymousUnimpressedby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastChicago, il3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.This tape has no stretch in it, so be prepared for wrinkles and gaps. It is rather short, so if you have contoured carbon bars, don't expect it to fit. Finally, the black tape they offer is too short and doesn't stick well.
Reviewed 9/30/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This tape has no stretch in it, so be prepared for wrinkles and gaps. It is rather short, so if you have contoured carbon bars, don't expect it to fit. Finally, the black tape they offer is too short and doesn't stick well.
Review by rsherbakGRIP!!!by rsherbakCycling Enthusiastpdx,or Great, inexpensive handlebar tape that rivals Lizard Skins without the heavy price tag. Similar padding thickness to the slimmer LizardSkins but durable and easy to clean.
Reviewed 11/22/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by rsherbak was helpful/No, review by rsherbak was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great, inexpensive handlebar tape that rivals Lizard Skins without the heavy price tag. Similar padding thickness to the slimmer LizardSkins but durable and easy to clean.
Review by QueenBArundel Gecko Grip Handlebar Tapeby QueenBCompetitive RacerNew Castle, DE2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.My husband, who works in a bike shop, was given a sample of the tape and I needed to replace the tape on one of my bikes. It has a nice grippy feel which is good when wearing full fingered gloves or when it's wet. It's not a padded tape so it might not be suitable for everyone. I liked it enough to purchase additional tape from Western Bike Works (great price, good service) to replace the tape on my other bike.
Reviewed 11/8/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by QueenB was helpful/No, review by QueenB was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
My husband, who works in a bike shop, was given a sample of the tape and I needed to replace the tape on one of my bikes. It has a nice grippy feel which is good when wearing full fingered gloves or when it's wet. It's not a padded tape so it might not be suitable for everyone. I liked it enough to purchase additional tape from Western Bike Works (great price, good service) to replace the tape on my other bike.
Review by crazylegsarundel is wonderful!!!by crazylegsCycling Enthusiastkalispell, montanai purchased this bar tape because i love how great arundel's water bottle cages perform. plus the tape matched my bamboo bicycle. it looks great AND the feel of it far surpasses other brands. easy to wrap and seems like it will last a long time. as usual westernbikeworks.com had the best price and fastest shipping.
Reviewed 6/2/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by crazylegs was helpful/No, review by crazylegs was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
i purchased this bar tape because i love how great arundel's water bottle cages perform. plus the tape matched my bamboo bicycle. it looks great AND the feel of it far surpasses other brands. easy to wrap and seems like it will last a long time. as usual westernbikeworks.com had the best price and fastest shipping.
Review by AnonymousBad Tapeby AnonymousCompetitive RacerCA3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.I bought this thinking it was made by the same co as the Serfas tape(the outer pattern is exactly the same) but a lot cheaper so I thought worth a shot.
This tape does not stretch so wrapping is a nightmare. It bunches at bends and when you try to unwrap to correct it rips!! Once I got it on it is just OK you can see spots where the tape is folded on itself.
Western should discontinue this one IMO.
Reviewed 9/2/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I bought this thinking it was made by the same co as the Serfas tape(the outer pattern is exactly the same) but a lot cheaper so I thought worth a shot.
This tape does not stretch so wrapping is a nightmare. It bunches at bends and when you try to unwrap to correct it rips!! Once I got it on it is just OK you can see spots where the tape is folded on itself.
Western should discontinue this one IMO.
Review by AnonymousComfortable, durable, cleans up easily and the checkered pattern matches the pattern on my Ultegra Di2 hoods!by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastColorado0 of 2 customers found this review helpful.This is the only tape I use on my bikes.
Reviewed 8/27/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is the only tape I use on my bikes.
Review by CA cx racerGreat feel, adequate padding, excellent price, easy installationby CA cx racerCompetitive RacerSan Jose, CA13 of 13 customers found this review helpful.I've tried everyones bar tape. I like most of them, some are more durable with less padding and grip, some softer with more padding but don't last. Since I change tape annually or semi annually on three different bikes I usually look for a good value. The Arundel Gecko Grip tape appears to be just what I was looking for. Great feel with adequate padding. It was easy to install with the sticky backing. Didn't have to stretch the tape to much while wrapping. Never felt like the tape was going to rip while installing. I haven't had them on my bars long enough to speak to durability. I am using the tape on my cross bike for racing and find they provide good cushioning and grip. We are in a drought here in CA so I haven't raced them in the rain yet. Overall rating of four stars because I haven't had them long enough to consider durability.
Reviewed 11/5/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by CA cx racer was helpful/No, review by CA cx racer was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've tried everyones bar tape. I like most of them, some are more durable with less padding and grip, some softer with more padding but don't last. Since I change tape annually or semi annually on three different bikes I usually look for a good value. The Arundel Gecko Grip tape appears to be just what I was looking for. Great feel with adequate padding. It was easy to install with the sticky backing. Didn't have to stretch the tape to much while wrapping. Never felt like the tape was going to rip while installing. I haven't had them on my bars long enough to speak to durability. I am using the tape on my cross bike for racing and find they provide good cushioning and grip. We are in a drought here in CA so I haven't raced them in the rain yet. Overall rating of four stars because I haven't had them long enough to consider durability.
Review by CSGodWon't Fool Myself Againby CSGodN Colorado1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I tried this tape a couple years ago, didn't really enjoy, and had it changed out within a week. To be fair, I use white tape, so a tendency to show dirt and not clean up easily is a showstopper, and that's exactly the problem here. One ride and the dingy look begins and doesn't clean off completely. Several rides and it's hopeless, whether I use detergent, alcohol, or Chlorox wipes.
One further issue is worth mentioning: the outer, textured layer isn't durable. The backing tape will tearmit off if you're attempting a little repositioning, and finishing tape will tear the hell out of it. My favorite tape is Deda Mistral, much cheaper, stays white indefinitely and can easily be repositioned. Feels fine to me, more like cork but no tackiness if that's what you like. I think it's that very Gecko Grippy quality that makes the stuff so attractive to grunge.
I was seduced by the many good reviews and reasonable price, and got a second pair of rolls, installed it, then quickly recalled the experience with my first pair. These happy customers probably didn't try the white version! Never again.
Reviewed 9/4/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by CSGod was helpful/No, review by CSGod was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I tried this tape a couple years ago, didn't really enjoy, and had it changed out within a week. To be fair, I use white tape, so a tendency to show dirt and not clean up easily is a showstopper, and that's exactly the problem here. One ride and the dingy look begins and doesn't clean off completely. Several rides and it's hopeless, whether I use detergent, alcohol, or Chlorox wipes.
One further issue is worth mentioning: the outer, textured layer isn't durable. The backing tape will tearmit off if you're attempting a little repositioning, and finishing tape will tear the hell out of it. My favorite tape is Deda Mistral, much cheaper, stays white indefinitely and can easily be repositioned. Feels fine to me, more like cork but no tackiness if that's what you like. I think it's that very Gecko Grippy quality that makes the stuff so attractive to grunge.
I was seduced by the many good reviews and reasonable price, and got a second pair of rolls, installed it, then quickly recalled the experience with my first pair. These happy customers probably didn't try the white version! Never again.
Review by ChristopherGreat feeling tape with one fatal flawby ChristopherWestern Pennsylvania1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I love the texture, the color, the very slight amount of stretchy-ness (may not be enough for some BUT it never feels as if it's going to rip), the amount of padding - almost all of it. The issue is that as soon as you try to reposition it even a little bit, the topmost layer starts to peel off. Like, instantly. And there's an unsightly difference between the top veneer and the layer underneath. So you've got to get it exactly right the first time, and forget about ever reusing it. That's a big miss for me.
Reviewed 10/23/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Christopher was helpful/No, review by Christopher was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I love the texture, the color, the very slight amount of stretchy-ness (may not be enough for some BUT it never feels as if it's going to rip), the amount of padding - almost all of it. The issue is that as soon as you try to reposition it even a little bit, the topmost layer starts to peel off. Like, instantly. And there's an unsightly difference between the top veneer and the layer underneath. So you've got to get it exactly right the first time, and forget about ever reusing it. That's a big miss for me.
Review by Van PortNice tape for the price. by Van PortPortland, OregonEasy to set up. If any mistake done, it's easy to unwrap and wrap again. It's not the sturdier nor stay clean long, it's yellow, but it's soft and mushy, damps lots of vibration and really helps to avoid hand fatigue and numbness. Serves its purpose.
Reviewed 9/10/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Van Port was helpful/No, review by Van Port was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Easy to set up. If any mistake done, it's easy to unwrap and wrap again. It's not the sturdier nor stay clean long, it's yellow, but it's soft and mushy, damps lots of vibration and really helps to avoid hand fatigue and numbness. Serves its purpose.
Review by AnonymousGood grip, good comfort, not easy to wrapby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastBoulder, CO3 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Been using this Gecko Grip for about three years - probably four cycles of new tape - so I like it enough to buy it again, a few times. Only issue is wrapping - the tape is does not flex very well and wrapping around curves leaves some gaps and bumps (or maybe I just can't wrap well...). Once on, the padding is just what I want with gloves, and pretty good without gloves on shorter rides that I have done without gloves. The texture is good, easy to get a good grip, but not tacky or sticky. The tape lasts about three-quarters of a year for me (a year is about 5k miles), and sometimes I push it and develop wear-spots above the levers that let other riders know I have been riding! Would like tape that wraps better, but otherwise this tape is very good.
Reviewed 1/23/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Been using this Gecko Grip for about three years - probably four cycles of new tape - so I like it enough to buy it again, a few times. Only issue is wrapping - the tape is does not flex very well and wrapping around curves leaves some gaps and bumps (or maybe I just can't wrap well...). Once on, the padding is just what I want with gloves, and pretty good without gloves on shorter rides that I have done without gloves. The texture is good, easy to get a good grip, but not tacky or sticky. The tape lasts about three-quarters of a year for me (a year is about 5k miles), and sometimes I push it and develop wear-spots above the levers that let other riders know I have been riding! Would like tape that wraps better, but otherwise this tape is very good.
Review by Old and in the wayBright color and comfortableby Old and in the wayCycling EnthusiastNashville, Tennessee1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I purchased the red tape. Bright color, easy to install and comfortable to the touch. It is starting to get dirty so I will try some soap and water on it to so how it cleans up and holds up.
Reviewed 2/8/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Old and in the way was helpful/No, review by Old and in the way was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I purchased the red tape. Bright color, easy to install and comfortable to the touch. It is starting to get dirty so I will try some soap and water on it to so how it cleans up and holds up.
Review by EmbodiedDespairThin, comfortable and very sexy!by EmbodiedDespairCompetitive RacerSan Bernardino, California6 of 7 customers found this review helpful.I've been using Arundel gecko grip since I got my road bike, about 7,000 miles ago. I've only chanced it twice. Once, because the red tape was way too dirty. The second time, I crashed and messed up a large portion of the tape, so I wanted new tape to replace it. I'm about 2,000 miles into my current bartape and I have nothing but good things to say for it. It is easy to install, comes with absolutely gut busting instructions, the bar ends that it comes with kick hard ass and have never come out and It grips like hell, with gloves or without!
It's much thinner than I expected it to be, initially, but it has never felt uncomfortable on my hands and grips my bars like a good pair of aero lycra shorts. This tape has been with me for casual rides, training rides, crits, climbs, descents, you name it, it's been there with me! Anybody who has problems with this tape is either A) inept at putting bar tape on or B) a terrible person. I'm looking forward to throwing more of this tape on my bars in the future! Thanks, Arundel!
Reviewed 5/9/2016Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by EmbodiedDespair was helpful/No, review by EmbodiedDespair was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've been using Arundel gecko grip since I got my road bike, about 7,000 miles ago. I've only chanced it twice. Once, because the red tape was way too dirty. The second time, I crashed and messed up a large portion of the tape, so I wanted new tape to replace it. I'm about 2,000 miles into my current bartape and I have nothing but good things to say for it. It is easy to install, comes with absolutely gut busting instructions, the bar ends that it comes with kick hard ass and have never come out and It grips like hell, with gloves or without!
It's much thinner than I expected it to be, initially, but it has never felt uncomfortable on my hands and grips my bars like a good pair of aero lycra shorts. This tape has been with me for casual rides, training rides, crits, climbs, descents, you name it, it's been there with me! Anybody who has problems with this tape is either A) inept at putting bar tape on or B) a terrible person. I'm looking forward to throwing more of this tape on my bars in the future! Thanks, Arundel!
Review by AnonymousWorst tape ever.by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastEdmonds WA6 of 9 customers found this review helpful.This tape was bad from the start, sticky tape peeled off with white protective strip. It is nice and cushy but does not conform to the bars. Particularly around brake levers. I will stick to Fizik or Lizard Skin. More money but you get what you pay for.
Reviewed 8/5/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This tape was bad from the start, sticky tape peeled off with white protective strip. It is nice and cushy but does not conform to the bars. Particularly around brake levers. I will stick to Fizik or Lizard Skin. More money but you get what you pay for.
Review by AnonymousThumbs downby AnonymousCycling Enthusiastlos angeles4 of 8 customers found this review helpful.Maybe a fluke, but, I unwrapped the first roll to install (after taking off my old tape.. bad move!, and the 'sticky' tape came off with the protective tape. Obviously, useless, as the tape would slide all over.
Reviewed 4/6/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Maybe a fluke, but, I unwrapped the first roll to install (after taking off my old tape.. bad move!, and the 'sticky' tape came off with the protective tape. Obviously, useless, as the tape would slide all over.
Review by velocawWorth it just for the wrapping instructionsby velocawCycling EnthusiastLongmont, CO2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Great tape. As good as all of the tape that costs more. However, the wrapping instructions are awesome. Buy some for a good laugh and for quality tape.
Reviewed 3/30/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by velocaw was helpful/No, review by velocaw was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great tape. As good as all of the tape that costs more. However, the wrapping instructions are awesome. Buy some for a good laugh and for quality tape.
Review by NorCal riderGreat feel, lookby NorCal riderCycling Enthusiast2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Like most of us, I have tried every tape you can think of over the years. Based on the reviews I thought I would give Arundel a shot. The downer is, it's difficult to install. The tape is thick with an adhesive backing and won't lay down flat. It's stretch is nil, so you have to overlap about 12 width and pull tight. With tape this thick I don't think it needs an adhesive backing. It tends to bunch up. If you persevere, go slow, take your time and check your overlays it goes a lot easier. When I got to the top and applied my electrical tape finishing tape (note Arundel says on the box don't use their finishing tape, it makes a better chain stay protector lol). I noticed I had screwed up at the bottom and had to unwind the tape and start over. When I did this, most of the adhesive backing pulled off, and it went on a lot easier the second time. The tape could be longer. I had to unwind and rewind the tops until I could get the right length. I don't know about durability, but the feel is great and it helped reduce road shock. Before I used gel tape and this stuff works better. Great grip, and no problem holding on with sweaty hands. I think I will make this my go to tape as others have mentioned. You can get three rolls of this for one roll of Lizard Skin. This stuff is just as good. Excellent value for this product. Besides all the problems with the install, it was well worth the effort!
Reviewed 3/16/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by NorCal rider was helpful/No, review by NorCal rider was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Like most of us, I have tried every tape you can think of over the years. Based on the reviews I thought I would give Arundel a shot. The downer is, it's difficult to install. The tape is thick with an adhesive backing and won't lay down flat. It's stretch is nil, so you have to overlap about 12 width and pull tight. With tape this thick I don't think it needs an adhesive backing. It tends to bunch up. If you persevere, go slow, take your time and check your overlays it goes a lot easier. When I got to the top and applied my electrical tape finishing tape (note Arundel says on the box don't use their finishing tape, it makes a better chain stay protector lol). I noticed I had screwed up at the bottom and had to unwind the tape and start over. When I did this, most of the adhesive backing pulled off, and it went on a lot easier the second time. The tape could be longer. I had to unwind and rewind the tops until I could get the right length. I don't know about durability, but the feel is great and it helped reduce road shock. Before I used gel tape and this stuff works better. Great grip, and no problem holding on with sweaty hands. I think I will make this my go to tape as others have mentioned. You can get three rolls of this for one roll of Lizard Skin. This stuff is just as good. Excellent value for this product. Besides all the problems with the install, it was well worth the effort!
Review by M Porvaznik Great tape. by M Porvaznik Bloomington IN Have it on all my bikes. Wouldn�t use any other product.
Reviewed 5/23/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by M Porvaznik was helpful/No, review by M Porvaznik was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Have it on all my bikes. Wouldn�t use any other product.
Review by AnonymousGreat stuffby AnonymousLouisville, KY2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.My go-to bar tape. Thick-ish, grippy without being sticky, yet also stays reasonably clean for a long time. And it's better priced than comparable tape. Comfortable under my hands for hours at a time, with and without gloves. I usually buy a few rolls at a time on sale to stock up for my bikes.
Reviewed 1/19/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
My go-to bar tape. Thick-ish, grippy without being sticky, yet also stays reasonably clean for a long time. And it's better priced than comparable tape. Comfortable under my hands for hours at a time, with and without gloves. I usually buy a few rolls at a time on sale to stock up for my bikes.
Thanks for bringing up your issue with the tape. Many customers have had great luck with this tape, but your individual mileage may vary of course. We would be happy to get you set up with a different set of bar tape that you prefer, just call or email us and we'll get you rolling!
Best,
Derek