The BBB GravelRibbon Gel handlebar tape combines excellent grip and comfort, thanks to its 3.5mm thickness. Its gel backing ensures ease when wrapping or re-wrapping, making it a user friendly choice. Its overall length is on the shorter side, which may limit its suitability for wider handlebars but still one of the best gravel bar tape options around.
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BBB GravelRibbon Gel Bar Tape – Technical details
The GravelRibbon Gel tape comes with everything you need for installation, including bar tape, bar-end plugs and colour-matched finishing tape. It is available in three colours: the cream tested here, a subtle light grey, and a dark blue. Measuring 200cm in length, BBB claims it provides full coverage for all handlebars. However, it falls short compared to many alternative options, which often offer greater length, with 220cm or 250cm being common.
Constructed from PU foam, the tape features a 3.5mm thickness, a minimal anti-slip pattern, and a gel backing. Notably, the gel backing does not adhere permanently, allowing for easy adjustments during wrapping.
The full set, including both rolls, plugs and short finishing sections weigh 118g, which is very competitive for such thick tape.
BBB GravelRibbon Gel Bar Tape – Performance
Thicker bar tape can often make wrapping handlebars more challenging, but the BBB GravelRibbon tape proved surprisingly easy to work with. The material offers plenty of stretch to get around the bends, and the gel backing allows for simple adjustments and re-wrapping when needed. During the test period, I used a single roll of tape on two different sets of handlebars. Swapping handlebars meant a re-wrap was required and, thanks to the combination of flexibility and the non-permanent gel backing, I was able to reuse the same tape — a feature rarely possible with bar tapes that rely on double-sided adhesive. Another good point is the finishing touches, with an extra section of tape provided to cover behind the brake hoods if needed and a section of black tape to cover the end of the wrap that stayed in place well.
The handlebars I wrapped were both on the narrower side: first a 42cm Lauf Smoothie, followed by a 40cm PRO Discover Aero Carbon handlebar. For both, the 200cm tape length was just sufficient, with only the finishing angle trimmed for a clean edge. However, users of wider handlebars or those who prefer either a tight wrap or wrapping close to the stem may find the length short.
In terms of performance, the tape delivers very good grip and feel in both dry and wet conditions. While it does have some surface texture, it lacks the pronounced profile seen on certain other tapes. Most of my testing occurred during the colder autumn and winter months when I was wearing gloves. On warmer days without gloves, however, the tape provided a tacky enough feel to add some confidence off-road.
The 3.5mm thickness is noticeable and contributes to a good level of comfort, effectively dampening some of the vibrations and trail buzz often encountered on rougher terrain.
BBB GravelRibbon Gel Bar Tape – Verdict
The BBB GravelRibbon Gel bar tape is priced at £19.95, making it more affordable than most thicker bar tape options — particularly those with a gel backing, which are often exclusive to premium brands. While the 200cm length may be limiting for some users, depending on handlebar width and wrapping preferences, the tape’s performance makes it stand out where it fits.
The only bar tape I’d choose over the GravelRibbon is the ENVE bar tape. Despite being thinner at 3mm, it offers exceptional comfort and grip. It also boasts a longer length of 250cm but comes at nearly double the price, costing £35.
The BBB GravelRibbon Gel bar tape is easy to install, with its gel backing allowing for adjustments or re-wrapping as needed. It delivers excellent comfort and cushioning, making it a practical choice for any gravel bike or drop-handlebar setup where added comfort is desired. The included finishing touches – bar-end plugs and colour-matched finishing tape – are good quality and round off a great-value package.
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Product purpose:
When you go gravel, you need grip! The GravelRibbon will help you with that. The 3.5 mm thick bartape gives you comfort and absorbs vibration to keep you in control and keep your hands from getting tired. The GravelRibbon is available in three different gravel matching colors.
Build extra:
Specifications
• Length (cm): 200
• Tape thickness (mm): 3.5
• Gripi: Best
• Material: PU Foam
• Damping: Much
• Finishing tape included: Yes
• Handlebar plugs included: Yes
• Fixation: Gel
• Weight (g): 110
• Width (cm): 3
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