Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic Tape

Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush Classic bar tape is surprisingly comfortable – compared to how I thought it was going to feel after giving it a squeeze in the box. With its retro look and coming in a variety of colours, it'll definitely suit a whole range of bikes, especially those of a steel persuasion.

• Pros: Great padding for such a thin tape
• Cons: You need to pull it tight to get a good wrap finish on tightly bended bars

As you can guess from its name and the faux leather finish, the Classic option of Fizik's Tempo range of bar tapes is designed to work with bikes that have a more traditional look. Saying that, I still think it looks pretty good on the carbon bar in the pics.

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According to Fizik, Bondcush is a layered mid-padding polymer foam that runs along the centre of the tape for the absorption of road buzz. It is surprisingly thin with the whole tape only measuring 3mm thick, but it does a very impressive job of providing comfort. (Dave reviewed the Terra Microtex Bondcush, designed 'for those who go off-road on drop bars', recently and thought it excellent, if expensive at £32.99.)

In the box the tape felt quite firm and unforgiving compared to some foam or cork brands, but once fitted I could ride without gloves for a long time without any discomfort.

Grip is pretty impressive too for such a smooth tape, even in the wet, with just enough tackiness for gloves to purchase.

When it comes to fitting, the Classic isn't the most flexible so you really have to pull it tight as you wrap around the bends to stop large gaps forming, so it takes a little bit of re-wrapping to get things looking neat and tidy, but it is worth the faff for the finish.

I reckon the black here looks classy, but other colours are available: white, blue, green, red, pink, yellow, orange, honey, silver and celeste.

Cost-wise, at £21.99 it's not the cheapest out there for this style of tape. The PRO Microfibre tape we tested a while back cost just £14.99, but the review does suggest the Fizik delivers better comfort.

If it's a tape high on comfort you are after then you could go for the Selle Italia Smootape, which'll set you back £17.99.

On the whole, the Fizik tape might be a little bit more expensive than some, but it does perform very well indeed and looks/feels to be very hardwearing – so at least it'll last a while.

Verdict

Pricier than some and takes a bit of extra work to fit, but worth it for impressive looks and comfort