I went with the 2.5 mm tape 7 months ago and have been very happy with the texture of the grip and the 2.5 thickness which provides superb shock resistance. I even stopped wearing gloves since the tape's comfort was so nice.
I swore off Lizard Skins bar tape about 6 years ago when the first version was being sold, I liked the grip and feel but the fact that you could barely put any tension on it while wrapping without deforming or tearing it was just ridiculous. I also thought it was absurd that you only got the simple push-in end plugs especially with how much this stuff costs. Recently I read a review on the V2 and learned that they fixed these issues, it still might not be the easiest to wrap but it's so much better now and you get the expanding plugs so all good. I've had this tape on my bars most of the summer and fall and I love everything about it now except for the price of course. Durability has been good so far with only slight dulling of the finish where my hands rest on the bars. The grip and cushioning is as good or better than any tape I've used and the finishing strips are without a doubt the best IMO, reposition as many times as needed and they keep sticking as well as the first time.
It is indeed a grippy tape, and you don't need anything thicker than 2.5mm. I use the orange one most of the time, however that color can collect all the dirt and it is difficult to clean. So I change the tape frequently.
I installed the 2.5mm black tape on my handlebars and I am not impressed with it. It looked good initially, but it is quite worn on on one corner of my handlebars in just a few months. I have also had to rewrap both sides more than once due to some wraps sliding around. It's probably too thick to work well. My previous bar tape lasted three years, never slipped, and I just thought it was time to change it. I ride about 6000 miles a year. I won't be installing this one again.
If I got a different color might be a better rating. I have not found anything that will clean the yellow to its new fluorescent brightness. I got the 3.5 mm first, was hard to wrap, and impossible to get neatly into the bar end because of thickness. I am not a pro, maybe someone with more skill could have done, but not me. I loved the feel however, and eventually decided to try the 2.5, thinking I could do better. The wrap process was better, but ias before, swiftly gets dirty. If you had black, would be a good choice. Even If I could clean it, not sure I want more bike maintenance tasks
The description fits my experience. You do have to be careful when you wrap not to stretch it--the packaging tells you this multiple times. Works great; good vibration damping; good texture (not too tacky, not too slippery).
This stuff is like twice the price of most bar tape but it's very grippy and even the middle thickness absorbs contains very well. I've tried similar rubbery tape on my gravel bikes and this stuff stands out in every category. Plus great color selection!
Been using Lizard Skin for more than a decade, I tried other brands but I like the feel of this tape in my hand. The 2.5mm is just the right thickness. I tried the thicker one which was not as pliable as this one and the 1.5mm does not offer any cushioning.
I use it for my first gravel bike, it looks cool. I like the plug with screw, and the package comes with the clamp covers and finish strips. Even the instruction mentioned not to stretch, the tape is quite durable as I stretch it a little during installation. The only recommendation is to make it slightly longer as it was barely enough for my 42cm handlebar.
5 stars
If nothing but vibrant orange will do, the 2.5mm Lizard Skin delivers, and makes the bike pop. Yes, it gets dirty with every ride, but nothing that soap, water, a sturdy brush and some elbow grease can't restore to like-new appearance. Just as well - for $40 p. tape you want it to last longer than 100 miles. Great grip and sufficient cushioning too.
My last order held up a long time and looked good so I ordered two this time since they were discounted.
After trying many tape types of tape, Lizard Skins shines. Long lasting comfort and never-ending grip. So tough you'l be tempted to keep it in place for years, the cushion fades after a couple of seasons of hard use .
Love the feel of LS tape... I get the padded and it's worked for me for years. As far as wear goes I can't really compare it to other tape because I don't use anything else. A bit pricey however but for me .. worth the price.
Installation is easy, just don't stretch it. The edges of the tape curls up if you stretch it. Tacky and decent cushioning. (2.5mm) do not choose the orange color! It got dirty after just two rides. I mean ugly dirty! Black may be a better choice. Overall its not a bad tape but not the best one either for sure.
I've used Fizik Bar Tape and Bontrager Tape. This was better than both. The combination of the tacky surface and the cushion allows for you to take long rides with or without gloves. Not sure of durability yet, but so far so good.
The color changed almost immediately after a few rides. Comfort wise they were ok. I went from the Bontrager that came on my bike to these. I had never put bar tape on so it could be that or that the tapes were a little shorter than I expected. Overall I feel like the product could be a lot better considering the price. Pretty expensive.
They mean when they say do not pull tape tight any tension in this tape causes it to come out of shape as you grip the bars during a ride. I wasnt crazy about how unforgiving they were in this regard and I wound up replacing them after 2 months of use.
Great for sweaty hands in the summer. Swapped over to this from Supacaz Super Sticky Kush and won't be going back.
Provides great grip but not too thick.
