Brooks Bar Tape

Yes, to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out, you should occasionally treat it with a leather conditioner or proofide. Avoid soaking the tape in water, and if it gets wet during a ride, let it air dry naturally away from direct heat sources.

At 2mm thick, this tape offers a firm, direct feel that is preferred by many road cyclists for better handling feedback. If you prefer a highly cushioned ride, you might find it thinner than modern synthetic gel tapes, though it will conform comfortably to your hands over time.

Because this tape uses an adhesive backing, it is best to get the wrap right on the first attempt. While you can carefully unwrap and re-wrap it, the adhesive may lose its tackiness or damage the leather if pulled too aggressively.

The perforated surface helps with grip, but leather behaves differently than synthetic rubber. It is naturally breathable and comfortable, but it can become slippery when soaked, so wearing cycling gloves is recommended for better traction in wet weather.

With a length of 2150mm, this tape is generous enough to cover standard drop handlebars, including those with wider flares. The kit includes two rolls, which is sufficient for a full wrap on most road and gravel bikes.