In the Brooks tradition, this bar tape is made of natural leather to make it the perfect complement to your Brooks saddle. The bar tape comes in a kit including:
- 2 strips of light, perforated leather bar tape, - 2 natural cork and wood bar-end plugs, - 2 adhesive cloth strips.
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Bartape was given to me by a friend and I was quite hesitant at first to put such an expensive tape on my bike. After 2 years!!! the tape is worn in beautifully and is a joy to hold with bare hands. Although i agree about everyones comments on how weak the glue is on the bar plugs, that is a good thing. The whole ensamble looks way nicer without the caps. And the extra pieces of tape that came in the box now reside on my wrist as I just turned them into amazingly comfortable straps for my pilot's watch.
amazing product.my family has been using brooks saddles in cycling for years. still have a old b17 and an old team pro.... still so nice. smooth. soft. not dried out. YEARS old. and so much use. amazing product. wanting to get the bar tape...i imagine also would be great. wish there was a top tube messenger bike cover. to protect the top tube from leaning against meters etc. would be very nice addition to a bike.
My dear friend gave the honey bar tape to me as a Christmas gift. My bike and Brooks B-17 saddle, are black. Well, the combination looks just terrific! I only have 70 miles of use on it combined with winter gloves so I cannot comment on it's comfort. But, it is an especially firm tape as it's covering my 46cm drop bars! If leather, steel, and classic good looks are for you then Brooks is the right choice every time!
You guys should really start making top tube pads/protectors. Something very simple with nice brass snaps and the Brooks logo stamped on the side. You may even be able to use scrap leather. Just a thought... Thanks
A> We have thought about this in the past, may re-visit someday.
After several years, the tape near the hoods and on top had a nice patina and color. Down on the ends, where it is not gripped as much, was looking dried out and tired. I used a liberal amount of Obenauf's and then wiped. Came out great. No stickiness when riding.
I built a modern "retro"bicycle in 2008. I went from a carbon fiber frameset and wheelset to a steel frame and "conventional' wheels, rack, fenders and MKS pedals with steel clips, but with Campy Veloce 10. The first parts I ordered after the frameset (a Salsa Cassaroll) was my Brooks B-15 Special and matching Brooks leather handlebar wrap. These are the finest saddle and wrap I have ever owned. I have been in the bicycle industry for almost 25 years and have seen everything and ridden most of it. The comfort of the saddle out of the box was suprisingly comfortable and only improves with use. The feel of the handlebar wrap is exquisite and I ride without gloves. The level of grip is perfect and the color deepens with every ride. There is no other company who makes such fundamental products with so much care can evoke such loyality in a product that treated with care will outlast the rider. i am kicking around the idea of a new bike again, steel or titanium, I am not sure. All i know for certain, It will have a Brooks saddle and handlebar wrap.
Just installed the black bar tape over a layer of inner tube for some extra cush and thickness since I have big hands. I've got to say this is the most comfortable bar set up I have ever felt. I don't like to wear gloves, but they were neccessary before to compensate for crappy bar tape. The leather is so supple and stays nice and cool, my hands never sweat. Hats off to brooks for making another wonderful product. I'm hooked for life.
COMMENT > I would Love to see your saddles and bar tape produced in White Leather!!!
REPLY >Have a look at the EDITIONS page!
very nice tape. last long time!
COMMENT > The tape is high quality and has a great feel. The bar plugs are not my favorite though. Aesthetically they are beautiful, but their over durability is weak and I could see the wood ends snapping off the cork plug. My suggestion for Brooks, send an extra set of plugs with the tape and/or sell them online separately. My suggestion for you customers, buy two bottles of good corked beer, drink said beer, insert cork from bottle into bar end.
REPLY > We understand your concerns and are currently thinking to launch metal bar end plugs in the future. The wood and cork plugs are already available as spare parts. Soon they will be also available online.
I'm using the honey leather bar tape on my race bike and I love it. It feels great and the more I ride, the better it looks. That can't be said for other kinds of bar tape that look worse the older they get. Sure it's a bit more expensive than other bar tapes, but it should last a lot longer. And when it does come time for new bar tape, I'll be buying more. My only complaints are that the tape isn't quite long enough to fully cover over-sized carbon handlbars (but it probably wasn't designed to do so) and the colours don't really match my white frame with gray and yellow detailing.
Just received and fitted my black leather tape. Looks fantastic with my Black Shallow Ti and feels very comfortable. Another great Brooks product.
Q > I currently have a B17 Aged and was wondering if the "Brown" bar tape will match my saddle. If not, will you be carrying a leather bar tape to match the Aged saddles and bags?
A > The brown bar tape matches both our brown saddles and the Aged. The Aged in fact tend to become darker with use.
Q > I have Brooks honey leather bar tape on my restored 1964 Schwinn Sierra. It's not only comfortable, but extremely durable. If it ever wears out, I'll purchase it again. The black finishing strips eventually fray and loosen, however. Is it possible to buy a few pairs of the finishing strips separately? Thanks!!
A > We haven't really though about that, as it's the first time somebody asks. We would suggest you to use an ordinary black adhesive tape.
Q > Does the bar tape need proofide?
A > No, no, no!!!
I got your your leather bar tape black and honey it is on my surly bike long hual trucker that I build it looks like a tiger black is on the bottom of the handlebar than honey goes the top it is great thanks for making the best leather bar tape from peter wilson waterloo ont canada
Q > I just received my first brooks saddle (beautiful nice to touch antique brown) and I'm about to buy the matching handlebar tape online at amazon or benscycle but I'm a bit confused ¿Do you make both perforated and not perforated tape? I can't find the not perforated one in your website...but it is for sale at benscycle...
A > The non perforated was released at the very beginning when we first introduced the product. Later we switched to the perforated tape, which is the only one we offer now.
Q > Just purchased some handlebar tape, which is the best way to fit the tape, do you start from the bottom or top of the bars? Do you need to cut a piece to go behind the brake levers and does the cloth tape go at the top of the bars?
A > Start from the bottom, using the adhesive strips once you finish at the top... It's not easy to do it properly if it's the first time you do it, so you should ask a friend or someone at your local bike shop to help you.
Q > I've just bought a B17 Special Green Saddle and I have a doubt: is the green leather tape exactly the same green as the saddle? Thanks, Fabio.
A > Yes, almost perfectly matching.
Q > Hi! I'm buiding my "ultimate" bike. A red, steel DeBernardi. I just "have" to put on a Brooks saddle (I ride a B-17 now, over 10 years old and loving it!). I have two questions for you fine folks. Are you going to make the Team Pro in brown? And the most important question: Will leather bar tape get slick or slimy in the rain? Thank you so much for continuing the tradition of well thought out products, with outstanding craftsmanship!
A > No, the tape should not get slimy in the rain.
Q > I need white leather bar tape! Please! I'll even get on a waiting list if you start one.
A > We don't plan to make white tape for the moment!
Q > What happens if you do proofide your bar tape (as I did after wrapping it) ??!!
A > It won't harm, but it probably gets sticky.
QUESTION > Some (online) retailers list a green coloured version of your bar tape. Was this a limited edition and should I hurry if I want to order some? I think it would rather striking combined with the green Swift saddle and perhaps even green toe straps. Is the green colour a one-off, or do you plan to offer more products in more colours in the future? (I rather like the blue and red limited edition saddles, too!)
REPLY > Green Leather Bar Tape has been added to the range. You can order it online now.
Please do consider making metal bar end plugs an option. That said: Q> What diameter bar do the plugs fit?
A> The standard outer diameter of 22mm. Q> What maintenance if any is required for tape, if not proofide? Would Armor All leather wipes be okay?
A> No maintenance is needed.
I'm just worried about premature dryness/fading of the tape since I live in the desert.
Q > I have a Brompton P6R-X . The handlebars are large - is the tape long enough?
A > It's long enough for drop bars, so I suppose it should be long enough for the Brompton "P" bar.
Q > I cant tell which is darker in colour the Brown or the Honey?
R > The brown is as dark as brown saddles.
Q > As a proud englishman living in Australia, great to see quality products still "Made In England" Have a question for you, are you going to make the bar tape in Green to match the green leather on the limted edition saddles?
A > Green is available, we will soon put it online!
Why don't you offer _white_ bar tape? Carlton/Raleigh bikes all came with white tape, NOBODY offers white leather bar tape (and most of the cinelli VIP bars are on bikes now), and I think part of your market is the millions of Raleigh 10 speeds needing parts, what better way to finish off such a bike?
I fitted a Honey B17 Saddle and matching bar tape to my 1980's Penine Steel-Framed racer and hey presto - it transformed into a true Genteman's steed, fit for any journey in town or country. Superb!
I'm something of an Oaf. I crash, a lot. I used to sheer off my bar tape on a nearly monthly basis. Last year I put some Honey brown Brooks tape on my bars, and I haven't worried about it since. The tape heals its wounds!Ash Ponders
Do the wooden handlebar plugs supplied with your leather handlebar tape have some kind of sealer applied to them or are they raw wood? I would like to apply a stain to them and need to know if I should remove a coating first. Thank you for your help.
A> The bar ends may be stained, good luck!
Please Please Please can I have some white leather bar tape?? I read the comment about checking editions but couldn't find it so presumably you only did it for a limited time? Thanks in advance. Drew
A> White tape will be available very soon, please check back!
I bought brown bar tape in order to add the finishing touch to my recently restored 1952 vintage Holdsworth La Variable. I wanted it to match the beautiful 60 year old B17. When I fitted the tape, I was a little dissapointed to discover the bar tape has joins. I was even more dissapointed to discover that because the joins weren't particularly well made I could feel a loose flap under the bars. Just where my fingers fell:( I called Hargreaves Cycles who supplied the tape and they told me "That's how it is" and offered me a refund even though the tape had been fitted. I thought they gave excellent service. I eventually replaced the tape with a competitor's product that has no joins and looks as good. It was also cheaper! Lots of people come and admire the bike and ask if the bar tape is Brooks. I have to say "Sadly not!" So come on Brooks if you have to have joins at least make them properly! You can see the bike here: http://www.wheelsuckers.co.uk/photo/possibly-the-most-beautiful-bike-in-the-world-imo?context=featured
i recently bought a brooks saddle and the tape both in brown and the colour of the tape is different and also the leather feels cheaper then it does on my saddle.
A> We are sorry to hear of your disappointment, perhaps you have been sent the wrong colour? Your tape is covered under warranty please rreturn it for replacement!
I've found that the tape is too short or only just makes it the last 3 times I've wrapped it. Definitely too short for Nitto Randonneur bars. The joins are shoddy, I just wrapped some and because it needs to be tight around the curves, the joins look like they're starting to split. this particular piece of tape had a weird curve to it so won't wrap very nice and the section of leather after the join is very thin and stretched way too easy so it stands out. Not very happy, was expecting a lot better.
The bar tape I received was pre-tapered for a clean start and finish on the bars. Problem is, both rolls were tapered the same way (left and right sides should be taped in opposite directions). I had to cut new tapers on both sides of one roll, causing about six inches to be wasted. The tape now comes up shorter than I would've liked on the handlebars. Considering the cost of this tape, I was not pleased at such an oversight.
I love my Brooks Leather bar tape that adorns my Pearson Compass touring bike. I specced the brooks tape along with the Brooks B17 seat when I ordered the bike. On my first, short (5 days) tour, both wooden end caps from the cork stopper disappeared. I didn't crash the bike or mal treat it. I rode the bike for 280Km in Provence, including climbing Mont Ventoux. Perfect, except for the wooden end caps. You have to sort this out guys.
A> Sufficient tape must be placed in the bar end in order tp hold the plugs securely.
I now have your Antique Brown Bar Tape on the handlebars of my trusty touring bike. Should I proofide it to protect it? There is one post here that says no, by your staff. And one that says it's okay, also by your staff. *head-scratch* What's the verdict on proofide. I love the feel but was disappointed it was stitched together too. My shop had a minor fuss when the seam lined up with the bend in the bars that is hard to wrap and they told me it wasn't very good quality. I don't like to hear that considering the price. I do love your B17 saddles though, especially the Specials.
I bought this leather bar tape and I think it is a nice product. But I don't like that the leather tape is made of smaller pieces, both my tapes had splices and not very nicely done splices. The leather quality on either side of the splice was different which ment that the tape stretched differently on either side. I also think that if there has to be a splice it shold be diagonal not straight a cross, this would take the load better when one stretches the tape when putting it on the bar. I also found it better that I started "tapeing" with the end of the tape with the splice at the bar end, that way one avoids getting the splice on the upper part of the bar, were the biggest strain will be on the tape. All in all nice product, but the splices makes the quality under the high quality I am used to from Brooks other products.
Do you guys offer replacement adhesive cloth strips? I've had my bar tape for about six months, and the cloth strips no longer stick. I'm reluctant to improvise.
A> We are looking into this, thanks for the feedback!
I ordered two pairs of this leather bar tape and the quality of these bar tapes is really poor. Both of the bar tapes started unravel from the parts where they have seams. I have used the tapes only for one day and now they are already unpleasant under the hand while driving. I would expect more from bar tape that has retail price over 55e.
A> Please return your tape for a replacement if you are unsatisfied with the quality of the pieces you received.
Hi there! I've gotten a Flyer Aged saddle. Please can you recommend a matching bar tape? Thanks
A> Unfortunately we do not make a tape that matches perfectly the aged saddle.
LOVE the new organic saddles... obvious question here about matching bar tape....?
A> We are working on this, hopefully soon!
Hello, I am a big fan. I love your products, and among others, I purchased one leather bar tape in Honey colour (my favourite). I must say I was very dissapointed when I realised that one of the 2 tapes was made from 2 pieces glued together, and no matter how hard I tried to hide the joining point, it still is very visible. Not to say that the glue is not holding properly the 2 parts together. I was expecting a better quality control fo such an exclusive product. I hope that was just an accident that you will avoid in the future and the quality of your products will show more consistency. Sincerely, Paul.
A> Paul, please return your purchase for a replacement. See the Getting in Touch Section of this website.
Quite sad the grips aren't made in Englans anymore...
A> The leather bar tape was never made in England.
I also lost one of the wooden bar ends. No crashes. My bike is treated gently. Also, should I be using leather conditioner on the grip tape? I love my saddle and grip tape.
A> Thank you for your comment, you can use Proofide on the tape.
If you have a question and desire a timely response, send a mail to info@brooksengland.com or just simply post to our Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/Brooks.England. Our antiquated shop comments section does not lend itself to frequent updating.
I would like to know if the turquoise leather bar wrap will match the color of the B17 Electric Blue saddle. I've ordered the saddle already, and am searching for some complimentary tape. Thanks!
A> No, these will not match. We do however have matching blue tape. If you have a question and desire a timely response, send a mail to info@brooksengland.com or just simply post to our Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/Brooks.England. Our antiquated shop comments section does not lend itself to frequent updating.
I just received a new bike fitted with the Brooks bar tape and it came with generic plastic bar end inserts. Should I have gotten the wooden ones? A> Our bar tape comes with cork bar plugs.
Hello, bought my leather tape today, its very nice. I have wraped bar tape before and I wonder how I will cover the clamps of the brake levers. There is no strips for that purpose enclosed. Have a vintage 80:s Raleigh with cinelli bar and campy super record brake levers.
A> Our bar tape comes with strips for this purpose. Please return them to their place of purchase for replacement.
Where do I find instructions to install tape, I did not see any in/on the box. Thanks Rob
A> You are best to consult a reputable shop for this information.
Please can you tell me the best matching bar tape for your aged brown b17? thanks
A> Neither the brown, nor the honey matches perfectly. Instead we would suggest coordinating the bar tape with
a separate accent, perhaps the frame or frame details?
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION REQUIRING AN IMMEDIATE ANSWER, please visit the GETTING IN TOUCH section of this website! The COMMENTS section is for general comments, and is only maintained periodically.
Thanks!
The Brooks Team
Q> I've just mounted some dark brown Brook's bar tape on my bike and am now considering a new saddle to compliment it. My question is, how well will your new range of antique brown saddles match my tape. Will fading or sun dying effect the match over time? Should I consider a different colour saddle? Thanks.
A> You should match your tape and saddle, the saddle will not drastically change color over time (or will the tape)
Bar tapes are wonderfull and look raly great with my B17 The only thing I am not happy with is, that they are not long anoth for my multi position handlebar. There are just about 30-40 cm missing Do you make longer ones?
A > Sorry, the bar tape comes only in one size.
Q> Hello there, Brooks! Just mounted my Swallow. Super excited to start the wear in process. Question.. I live in the Pacific North West(Seattle), how will the saddle and leather bar tape hold up in our wet weather? Any suggestions will be helpful. Cheers.
A> Your saddle and tape will hold up well if you follow some simple rules. For the saddle when riding in very wet weather, use a waterproof saddle cover (a plastic bag will do in a pinch) Likewise, when parking the bike in the rain, be in the habit of using a cover or plastic bag. Your saddle is simply one piece of very tough leather, but will stretch if ridden when the saddle is soaked.
Use Proofide or a comparable leather dressing according to the care instructions. This will prevent the leather from drying out, as well as protecting against water absorbtion.
As for your tape, be sure the tape is wrapped very tightly and properly. Then youe may also use Proofide from time to time.
I plan to order some black leather bar tape to match my beautiful B17 / Challenge bag setup. I have 42mm drop bars, standard drop / reach 31.8 Oversized. I've heard that the tape is fairly short in comparison to some other tapes. I would like to make sure this tape is plenty long enough to wrap oversized road bars.
A> Our tape is of standard length and should cover your bars, though with the wide variety of bar shapes available today, it is difficult for us to be certain.
Hello.... I purchased your handlebar tape (brown) from Totalcycling for a new bike build. The bike builder called and said this tape was clearly 'seconds' because one of the sections had three obvious splices and one of the tape ends had a three inch taper... Not what I expected from a company with such a high end reputation.