Gel bar pads

[jimbut]

Anyone any experience of using them. Do they make a difference to ride comfort ? Do they make bar tape wrapping awkward at all ?
Ta for all responses.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Don't like them myself, tried Cinelli ones a while back, fitted them, (to drops and bar tops), re-wrapped the bars, found them instantly too thick, unwrapped bars, removed pads, placed in bin, re-wrapped bars and smiled again.

But I'm sure for every one of me there's an equivalent who won't ride without them

 

[chillyuk]

I didn't use gel, but simply cut a few inches of the old bar tape, which was cushioned, and covered the cables with this then wrapped as normal. It has been OK for a few months since I did it.

(I didn't wrap the old tape, just laid it along the bars over the cables and secured it with a couple of wraps of insulating tape, then overwrapped with the new bar tape)

 

[smokeysmoo]

I didn't use gel, but simply cut a few inches of the old bar tape, which was cushioned, and covered the cables with this then wrapped as normal. It has been OK for a few months since I did it.

That's not a bad idea, a different slant on a full double wrap but just adding a bit where you need it, and it won't be as thick or spongy as gel pads.

I like that idea and will give it a go when I next change my tape, thanks chilly

 

[ianrauk]

have them on my Roubaix. Not too thick as to be uncomfortable and the bar tape wraps fine.
It's a good idea using strips of tape instead.

 

[gavintc]

I like them and have them on my good bike. In particular, I like the chunkier feel of the bar. But, I can see that they would not be to everyone's taste.

 

[Mista Preston]

Got the Spesh gel bar tape on my winter bike. Fitting was easy and they are comfortable.

 

[jimbut]

Ta for all comments. I like the idea of using old tape to give a bit of extra padding over cable area. Might give that a try.