Best Bike Handlebar Tape for Gravel Bikes of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Bike handlebar tape is an essential accessory for any cyclist, especially those who enjoy riding on gravel. The tape provides a comfortable grip on the handlebars, reducing fatigue and improving control. For gravel bikes, it's important to choose a tape that is durable and can withstand the rough terrain. Look for tapes that are made from materials like silicone or cork, which provide excellent shock absorption and grip. Some tapes also come with extra padding or a textured surface for added comfort and control. With the right handlebar tape, cyclists can enjoy a smoother, more comfortable ride on any terrain.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 4 Bike Handlebar Tape for Gravel Bikes
BUCKLOS 3mm EVA Padded Bike Handlebar Tape
The BUCKLOS Padded Handlebar Tape offers a soft and cushioned grip that helps reduce hand fatigue on long rides, making your cycling experience more comfortable. Its strong adhesive backing ensures easy installation and keeps the tape firmly in place without slipping or falling off. The tape’s textured surface provides excellent grip, even when your hands get sweaty or wet, so you can maintain control at all times. Plus, the 3mm thick padding absorbs vibrations from the road, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable ride.
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape
The Supacaz Kush Bar Tape offers a top layer made from a special polyurethane that stays sticky even when wet, giving you a comfortable and secure grip in all weather conditions. Inside, it features a unique foam layer that absorbs shocks, making your rides smoother, especially on rough roads or sharp turns. The tape's embossed pattern not only gives it a stylish look but also helps keep your hands dry by wicking away moisture, so you maintain control without slipping. Plus, the included Star Plugz and finishing tape add durability and a clean finish to your handlebars, enhancing both function and style.
REDSHIFT Really Long Bike Handlebar Tape
The REDSHIFT Really Long Bike Handlebar Tape is designed to fit all drop bar handlebars and provide ultimate comfort. With a length of 315cm, it is longer than most brands and can wrap even the widest handlebars. The anti-vibration padding and unique texture make for a plush and comfortable feel that stays grippy even in wet conditions. Made with durable 3mm thick closed-cell foam and high-quality polyurethane outer, this handlebar wrap will stand the test of time. Installation is easy with detailed instructions, finishing tape, and high-quality bar-end plugs included.
Fabric Knurl Gravel Handlebar Tape
The Fabric Knurl Handlebar Tape offers a thick 3.5mm foam-backed rubber layer that absorbs shocks, making your ride smoother on rough trails. Its textured diamond pattern gives you a firm grip, so you stay in control even when the road is wet or muddy. The silicone gel backing further reduces vibrations, helping to ease hand fatigue during long rides. Plus, it’s designed to work well in all weather conditions and feels comfortable whether you’re wearing gloves or not. This tape is a great choice for anyone looking to improve comfort and control on gravel or road bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What handlebar tape should I use?
Cork offers good absorption and remains grippy in wet weather while leather bar tape provides great comfort and has a classic appearance. These materials are still used, but today bar tape is more frequently made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane, silicone and rubberised polymers.
2. Does handlebar tape make a difference?
Grip. Handlebar tape does more than just make your bike look good, it serves as your main point of contact. So, it's important to choose tape that provides adequate grip for the handling of your bike. Look for something with a tacky finish to ensure you get grip even in wet conditions.
3. What is the thinnest handlebar tape?
Typically, bar tape thickness varies between 2 mm for the most lightweight and 5 mm (not including extra gel pads) for the most hardcore road conditions, including cobbles. Apart from significantly reducing the weight of the bar setup, thin handlebar tapes generally offer better handling and feel of the bars.
During our bike handlebar tape for gravel bikes research, we found 24 bike handlebar tape for gravel bikes products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,827 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike handlebar tape for gravel bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike handlebar tape for gravel bikes with an average price of $25.52.
The bike handlebar tape for gravel bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike handlebar tape for gravel bikes, including BUCKLOS, Supacaz, REDSHIFT, Fabric. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 209 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.