Selle Italia Smootape Gran Fondo Bar Tape

Selle Italia's Smootape is a solution to a problem I never really knew existed: it's a bar tape that sits flat and smooth when wrapped around the bar, as opposed to having ridges on the overlaps. This extra padded Gran Fondo version is very comfortable, though, so maybe keeping it smooth is a good thing.

• Pros: Comfortable, easy to fit and remove
• Cons: It only really works where you have a decent run of tape

If you tend to ride without gloves then comfortable bar tape is going to be quite high on your list of priorities, and this Smootape is a good choice. It's reasonably padded (the Gran Fondo version here is a little thicker than others in the range) without being bulky and offers plenty of grip.

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What makes the Smootape 'special' is that both edges on the underside are tapered, so when you wrap the tape around the handlebar the overlaps remain totally flat as long as you line it up right.

It's not foolproof, though, as it only works out when you don't have to tighten the tape wraps for the tight bends around the hoods and shifters, for instance. It does work where you are likely to have your hands for most of the ride, though, in the bottom of the drops and on the tops for instance.

As I've said, the Smootape is comfortable but I think that is more to do with the tape itself rather than the way it is wrapped. Just to check, I rewrapped one side of the handlebar without being too worried about lining up the tapers, so left the tape with the usual overlaps. Comparing the two, there was very little difference between them.

The tape itself has a decent thickness and a certain amount of give to take the sting out of road buzz. It has plenty of stretch, too, when you are wrapping it around the bar, so tight bends and the like won't see you struggle to keep things taut. The back is tacky enough to grip the bar but you can unwind it and reapply if needs be.

> Read more road.cc reviews of bar tape here

The Gran Fondo version has an rrp of £17.99 which isn't excessive for a tape of this quality. Decent performers are similar, like Fizik's Performance range at £16.99 or Fabric's Hex tape at £19.99, so the Smootape is in good company.

On the whole, I'd buy the Smootape because it is a decent performing bar tape in terms of comfort and ease of fit, even without the tapered edges.

Verdict

If you don't like bumps in your bar tape then this is the stuff for you, with excellent comfort levels