There are few upgrades that punch above their weight quite like fresh bar tape. It’s cheap, quick (in theory) and it can make a well worn bike feel box fresh again. Which is why the return of one of surely the best known brands in the category is noteworthy: Cinelli has revisited its handlebar tape line-up, leaning on both its past, and the evolving needs of modern riders.
If that sounds slightly nostalgic, it should. Cinelli was one of the brands that helped define what bar tape is today, introducing cork EVA tape way back in 1987. The combination of cushioning and grip quickly became the benchmark, and – like many good ideas – was widely copied. Four decades on, the Milanese firm is revisiting that legacy with an expanded range for both road, and gravel.
