Description
Fabric Knurl Gravel Bar Tape – Made for Gravel, Ready for Anything
When the road turns to rubble, control starts at the contact point. The Fabric Knurl Gravel bar tape is purpose-built for gravel cycling’s unique demands – delivering the grip, cushioning, and durability required for long days on unforgiving terrain. Through careful material selection and innovative construction, the Knurl Gravel provides the confidence and comfort that keeps you connected to your bike mile after mile.
3.5mm Gel-Backed Construction
The Knurl Gravel features substantial 3.5mm thickness – significantly more cushioning than standard road bar tape (typically 2-2.5mm). This increased thickness is specifically calibrated for gravel cycling’s demands, where rough surfaces generate continuous vibration that road tape cannot adequately dampen.
The construction uses foam-backed Kraton rubber as the outer layer. Kraton is a synthetic rubber offering superior grip, durability, and weather resistance compared to basic rubber or foam materials. The Kraton surface maintains its tactile properties through temperature variations, won’t harden in cold weather, and resists degradation from UV exposure and weather.
Beneath the Kraton layer sits silicone gel backing. This gel layer is the key to the tape’s exceptional vibration absorption. Silicone gel has unique damping properties – it compresses under impact then rebounds, continuously absorbing the high-frequency vibrations generated by rough surfaces. This damping reduces hand and arm fatigue during long gravel rides where cumulative vibration creates significant discomfort.
The gel backing works differently than simple foam padding. Foam compresses and stays compressed under sustained pressure, reducing cushioning effectiveness over time. Gel maintains its damping characteristics throughout rides and doesn’t permanently compress like foam can. This resilience ensures consistent performance ride after ride.
The 3.5mm thickness provides substantial cushioning without feeling bulky or compromising bar feel. You get meaningful vibration absorption and hand comfort whilst maintaining sufficient directness to feel the bike’s handling characteristics. This balance is crucial for gravel riding where comfort matters but precise control remains essential.
Diamond Knurled Texture
The tape surface features diamond knurled patterning – a precision texture that provides exceptional grip in all conditions. The knurl pattern consists of raised diamonds creating mechanical grip through texture interaction rather than relying solely on material friction.
This texture design excels in challenging conditions. In dry weather, it provides confident, secure grip. In wet conditions – whether from rain, stream crossings, or perspiration – the raised pattern maintains contact points whilst channeling moisture away from the surface. The mechanical grip doesn’t rely on friction that water eliminates, so wet performance remains strong.
Muddy conditions present specific challenges for bar tape. The knurl pattern doesn’t trap mud excessively, and the spacing between raised elements allows mud to be displaced rather than creating a continuous slick surface. The tape rinses relatively clean when you hit the next puddle or stream.
The texture depth is carefully calibrated. Aggressive enough to provide reliable grip through gloves (gravel riders often wear full-finger gloves for protection) whilst remaining comfortable for bare-handed riding. The pattern doesn’t feel abrasive or create pressure points that would cause discomfort during extended contact.
All-Weather, Glove-Friendly Performance
The combination of Kraton rubber and knurled texture creates tape that performs consistently across weather variations and works excellently with gloves. Many gravel riders wear full-finger gloves for crash protection, sun protection, or warmth. The aggressive texture penetrates through glove material, maintaining secure grip that smoother tapes cannot provide.
The Kraton material remains grippy when wet and doesn’t become slick like some tape materials. It maintains consistent feel across temperature ranges – not becoming overly hard in cold weather or excessively tacky in heat. This stability ensures predictable handling regardless of conditions.
Easy to Wrap and Clean
Despite the textured surface, the tape wraps cleanly around handlebars. The material has appropriate stretch and flexibility, conforming to bar shapes and allowing neat, professional-looking installation. The texture doesn’t interfere with wrapping technique or create difficulty achieving tight, even wraps.
Cleaning is straightforward. The knurl pattern rinses clean under water, and the Kraton material resists staining. A simple wipe-down or rinse removes mud, dust, and grime. The tape doesn’t trap dirt in deep crevices that would require detailed cleaning, making maintenance quick and easy.
Material Composition
The tape is manufactured from 30% PIR EVA (Post-Industrial Recycled Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). This material choice reflects environmental consciousness whilst maintaining performance standards. The recycled content reduces environmental impact without compromising the tape’s durability, cushioning, or grip characteristics.
