This is the most comfy drop bar I've used in 30 years of riding. Yes, it looks funky without tape, but with tape it's fine. The way it dips down between the stem and brifter is so cozy for your palm. Nice slight flare on the drops. I feel like the end of the drops angle up slightly in a way that annoys me, so I deducted a star for that, but this is probably my fav drop bar of all time, now. I also love that the hose routing underneath is entirely exposed, so it's easy to swap bars even with an integrated stem. I meant this to be a temporary bar until I go one piece, but now I'm just spoiled.
After nearly 4 years, my tape really needed to be changed. Decided to get loud with the red and they look awesome. Putting them on took a little doing but that could just be down to doing it for the first time. Getting the first side on took a while but I clearly learned something and the second side went a lot more smoothly (and look more pro). I've now been out with them a few times and it's been comfortable with an excellent grip. I feel like they would do well in the wet (either due to rain or sweat) and they seem pretty durable. The only downside is dirt does show up more easily on the red (and lighter colors) but a good scrub seems to do the trick.
I've been a mechanic for decades, I already have several Unior, Pedros and Park chain tools and I wanted to try this one to see what it was like since the price was so good. It's fantastic, I'd totally use this as a shop or home tool any day. Plus it stores extra bits in the handle as well. Park should take notes on how to build and price their tools in comparison with this tool.
Another great bar tape by PRO, I was using the Control version of their tape and only removed it because I changed out my brake cables. This is slightly more difficult to wrap than the Control but still one of the easiest that I've used - good stretch and the silicone backing just works. The tape really is very comfortable and grippy, it has quickly become one of my favorites and spending more time in the drops has become a pleasure (for my hands anyway). I've only had it on for a couple of rides so I can't comment on durability but given the texture I don't expect it to last as long as the Control (that stuff doesn't seem to degrade at all) but I like the feel better and it doesn't cost much so if I only get a year out of it I won't complain.
