Home > Bike Types > Gravel Bikes

Ciclovation Releases Gravel Specific Bar Tape, for Gravel Cyclists Only?

Ciclovation Grind Touch_ Diamond GXL Gravel Bar Tape first pic(Photos / Ciclovation)
10 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Hold up, I’m pretty sure everyone can use this new tape from Ciclovation, not just gravel cyclists. This new Grind Touch_Diamond GXL bar tape is being hawked as “the ultimate handlebar tape for gravel cyclists”. But, Cyclovation goes on to say that the new tape is “designed to deliver control, comfort, and durability on every ride“. Which sounds like all cyclists could benefit? I’ll let you guys be the judge.

Ciclovation Grind Touch_ Diamond GXL Gravel Bar Tape hero
(Photos / Ciclovation)

The tape uses “high-performance” elastomer composite materials. They’re saying that the Touch_Diamond GXL is setting a new standard in anti-slip performance. And I suppose it’s due to the diamond-patterned texture of the tape that offers this “unparalleled stability and handling“.

There seem to be a lot of unsubstantiated claims about Cyclovation’s new bar tape here, but I’ll continue.

Ciclovation Prioritizes Rider Comfort

Pushing development beyond making a bar tape with the claimed superior grip, the handlebar tape was designed to prioritize rider comfort. It uses thickened,high-density foam that “effectively absorbs shocks and vibrations”. This, in turn, will reduce hand fatigue over long distances.

Ciclovation Grind Touch_ Diamond GXL Gravel Bar Tape side view

The tape uses silicone adhesive backing, which will help to keep it where you wrapped it. The tape material should allow for easy installation and is said to conform effortlessly to a variety of handlebar shapes as well. It comes in 2300mm length which should be enough for wide flared bars.

With the extra padding and grip, not to mention length, it sounds like the tape could be a bit heavier than average but the weight is not provided. The tame measures 30mm wide and an ample 3.6mm thick and includes VORTEX lock-in bar plugs. Ignoring the gravel-specific branding, it sounds like this tape would be a good option for anyone who prioritizes grip and comfort on their dropbar bike.

Retail and Features

Retail: €39.99 ($42)

Colors: Natural Khaki, Racing Green, Burgundy Red, Matte Black

  • Designed for Gravel Cyclists
  • Superior Grip and Comfort
  • Made for Wide Handlebars
  • Nature-Inspired Colors
  • Versatile & Ready for Distance

Ciclovation.com

Subscribe
Notify of
guest


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

10 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
john smith
john smith
1 month ago

I am actually going to make an effort not to ever buy this tape because the marketing is so ridiculous here. Im fine with gravel specific needs but this is just hilarious, stop treating your consumers like a bunch of stupids.

Jon T. O. Severson
Jon T. O. Severson
1 month ago

This looks and sounds like the Ergon bar tape. Which is good stuff but let’s not pretend it’s a new idea or just for gravel.

Mudmudmud
Mudmudmud
1 month ago

To me, the ultimate gravel tape is the one that still looks good after you dump it on the trail. I’ve used tape like lizard skins that has a top layer that, once torn or showing wear, looks like crap. Cinelli cork still my fave: cheap and cushy.

B Barber
B Barber
1 month ago
Reply to  Mudmudmud

Lizard Skins tape was good for a month for me, then just wore out almost overnight.
Cinelli is great for those of us who ride without gloves.

Conrad
Conrad
1 month ago
Reply to  B Barber

oooh wow thanks very much for speaking for all the gloveless riders

Martin Navarre
Martin Navarre
1 month ago

ESI silicone bar tape is really good – no adhesive so it’s so easy to re-wrap; very durable; comfortable and does not pack down like foam.
The Silca one is also good – tackier than ESI.
I have tried Lizard Skins, Fixik, PRO, Acros, Procraft, Cineli, Deda and Ritchey and will not buy any of them again.

Velo Kitty
Velo Kitty
1 month ago
Reply to  Martin Navarre

ESI Grips RCT Wrap has been discontinued.

Nathan
Nathan
1 month ago

I’m waiting for electric gravel front suspension bar tape (preferably 50mm tire-specific).

TypeVertigo
1 month ago

I don’t know if you Yank guys have ever heard of Ciclovation, but the Taiwan-based brand has been making very good bar tape and selling it in my neck of the woods since 2019. They’ve consistently been very good. It’s just that they’ve never marketed to the US before, to the best of my knowledge, and the disconnect in the marketing material is very likely just the language barrier at work.

I rate them consistently higher than LizardSkins, whose DSP bar tape is notorious for delaminating in my country’s tropical heat and simply never lasts as long as it should. Ciclovation’s tape by contrast just lasts and even stands up well to re-wrapping.

Ashok Captain
Ashok Captain
1 month ago

I prefer thicker bar tape and black or white. The ability to wrap around the levers with some level of elasticity is also big on my priorities. Ciclovation bar tape is sold in India in some amazing finishes like rainbow oil slick. Not my thing, but it does look amazing in the showroom and on their website. The best bar tape that I’ve wrapped is made by Velo. It’s also the cheapest.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.