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Item 752193
with coupon code ANNV13
May 17-27 Details
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Best Uses
Reviewed by 5 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gel Handlebar Tape:
Regardless of mechanical ability, this tape is very easy to install and produces a great result. As mentioned, its tacky, silicone adhesive is forgiving and can be repositioned repeatedly until you get things right.
I installed the Novara black gel tape on a Ritchey Pro Logic ergo bar. It's 40cm wide with standard reach and drop (not compact).
I overlapped the tape 1/2 width and did a "figure 8" around the levers. Even without the included lever strips, I had enough tape left over to complete a 45cm bar using this method. Bars wider than 45cm should be no problem to cover if you use the lever strips and/or reduce the overlap amount.
The only issue I experienced involved the bar end plugs. For my handlebar, they fit a little loose. However, that was easily remedied by "stuffing" a little left over tape into the tube and then reinserting plugs. Problem solved.
Aside from installation, I'd say this tape also excels in the area of comfort. When stretched, the adhesive and gel produce a firm, yet, comfortable grip. For extra comfort, you can ride with padded gloves but this tape will certainly work fine without extra gel or gloves for that matter.
Aesthetically, I love the way they look but realize it's a matter of personal taste. The Novara logo and script are embossed and provide a little extra detail (or bling) but only visible up close. I've been an REI fan for over 20 years, so I'm proud to display their brand.
Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this product.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gel Handlebar Tape:
I love this handlebar tape, it works great, and the best part is you can re-wrap it.....over and over. I tend to change out parts on my bike fairly often, to upgrade or just try something different. This tape still looks and feels great after at least 5 wrappings.
The tape functions just as it should, it grips to the bar great, never slips, comfortable, looks good.
I just wish it came in blue or red
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gel Handlebar Tape:
I tried this bar wrap out a few years ago when the original wrap on my bike fell apart. One of my favorite things with this wrap is that the sticky back on this tape can be repositioned, even if you wrap half-way up the bar before realizing you want more overlap. This makes installation much easier than some of the other cork wraps I've used in the past. Wrap it tight and it stays in place too. I ride a few thousand miles a year, so I expected to get a season out of it but I've had it on for at least 2-3 years and it's just showing wear. Only criticism is I wish it came in different colors! I'm tired of black, and white looks disgusting after 500 miles.
Service and delivery comments:
delivery and service is always great with REI
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gel Handlebar Tape:
This tape is good. Much better then what came standard on my '74 Varsity. It was easy to install and seems like a quality product, very comfortable. I hope it will stand up to the test of time.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gel Handlebar Tape:
There is enough tape to be generous when wrapping. Plenty comfortable as well.
Displaying reviews 1-5
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REI Anniversary Sale May 17–27. Plus, members SAVE 20% on 1 full-price item with coupon code ANNV13. Details