Fizik Vento Solocush Tacky Tape

The Fizik Vento Solocush Tacky tape is a high quality and very effective bar tape aimed primarily at racing audiences and/or lightweight builds, and it's certainly lived up to the hype. Even cleaning it has proved much easier than I was expecting.

• Pros: Superb all-round performance, generous length
• Cons: Less flexible than some so takes longer to fit

It's a laminated polymer tape, designed to offer excellent damping without being overly bulky, and a water-cheating lacquer coat ensures superior purchase whatever the conditions.

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At 2.7mm thick it's slightly thicker than Lizard Skins' DSP and is available in a wealth of classic and contemporary colours, so something for every taste/colour scheme (listed below). Fluoro colours aren't everyone's thing but I've been pleasantly surprised by how the yellow has stood out on dull, overcast days.

Fitting

I'm told that all the latest tapes are at least 20cm longer, to cater for oversized aero section bars and big flared drops. Fitting is straightforward, although it requires a firmer approach than many laminated tapes. It's less supple than cork, or indeed old school bike ribbon, and I needed to bind tight and maintain a quick rhythm to achieve a consistent, even effect. I also found that the plugs required a definite tap from a rubber 'engineers' mallet to drive them securely home.

As I'd expect from this price point, the adhesive backing is very tolerant of being unwound, if corrections are needed. The end plugs are similarly sturdy, and the finishing strips are better than most, though I used electrical tape to seal the deal.

Grip

Purchase and control proved a notch higher than the DSP, which I remain very fond of. As the miles racked up, I wasn't completely surprised to discover it was uniformly good, dry or wet – reassuring when tired and tackling some very long, winding descents, peppered with potholes and similar imperfections, or when snaking though town, as well as when the wintry rains came.

Comfort

Generous length allowed equally generous overlap, even allowing for the bar's wide, voluptuous profiles, so I wasn't surprised by the levels of comfort regardless of glove choice, thin liner or winter duvet-like, although gel type palms proved the most luxurious combination.

My 'cross-inspired fixed gear winter trainer is often shod with 42/38mm rubber, so I can mix things up a bit, taking in less technical forest tracks and bridleways. A Redshift Sports Shockstop stem undoubtedly helps, and while I didn't have any qualms with Lizard Skins' DSP in these contexts and this same setup, the Vento has a slight edge, the deep cushioning keeping my palms and digits happy.

> 9 ways to make your bike more comfortable

In terms of durability it's faring well. Leaning it up against rendered walls and similarly abrasive surfaces hasn't made any obvious impressions. However, in common with the Lizard Skins and other textured/dimpled coverings, dirt and oily finger marks transfer effortlessly. Purging isn't too tricky, though, organic matter sliding away with a warm sponge, and more ingrained/petrochemical gunk lifting with a very mild detergent. Duck Smart The Black Stuff Chain Cleaner seems particularly effective when applied via an old flannel.

Conclusion

The Vento tape lives up to the hype and is certainly on a par with several similarly priced competitors. Some will baulk at £33 for bar wrap, but this is a high quality tape that offers superb comfort and is well worth considering.

Verdict

Premium grade bar tape that delivers in every context