ESI is a brand probably best known for its mountain bike handlebar grips but also makes RCT bar wrap for drop handlebars utilising the same silicone material. The feel is quite different from most other bar tapes as it allows a lot more stretch, which is a good thing given how short it is. However, its short length can lead to discomfort, holding it back from being one of the best handlebar tapes you can buy.

ESI RCT wrap original design bar tape – Technical details

ESI grips have become a popular choice for mountain bikers and when the grips first became available, they were unique in that they provided a tacky style of grip as well as increased comfort over a rubber-style grip. Because of the success, many other brands have copied the style and material. As a fan of silicone-style grips myself I had high expectations of what this bar tape would offer.

>Buy ESI RCT Wrap from eBay for £41.47

The bar wrap is 3.5mm thick and 180cm (6ft) long, with bar plugs, plus a short section for behind the hoods and a silicone finishing tape is included. The total weight of all parts and the bar plug is 68g per side (136g total).

ESI_RCT_Original_Plug.jpg
ESI_RCT_Original_Plug (Image Credit: Matt Page)
ESI_RCT_Original_Plug.jpg, by Matt Page

The tape is profiled and intended to be fitted in a specific direction with directions to install provided on the back of the packaging. For testing purposes, I installed the tape to a set of 44cm wide gravel handlebars.

I wrapped the bars in the same way I would wrap any other, holding the tension and stretching where needed around the bends to keep a clean finish but I barely had enough tape to get onto the flat top section of the bar. The tape is reusable, with no sticky back or gel that other reusable bar tapes may have. When I attempted the wrap again, I increased the tension and stretched it more throughout, as well as reducing the amount of overlap on each wrap but the tape still finished only just after the end of the bend onto the flat section.

ESI_RCT_Original_Left.jpg
ESI_RCT_Original_Left (Image Credit: Matt Page)
ESI_RCT_Original_Left.jpg, by Matt Page

If this were an aero-style road bike it might be acceptable. But for an off-road bike, it is unlikely to suit all riders or all handlebars, as many will be using a wider handlebar. One benefit of the tape material is that it can be reused repeatedly, and if you don’t get the wrap right the first time, you can try again and again.

The finishing tape is of the one-time-use silicone variety that differs from the electrical tape-style tape found in most options. The tape is wide and provides a very clean finish – and like the wrap, can be stretched if necessary.

ESI_RCT_Original_Finish.jpg
ESI_RCT_Original_Finish (Image Credit: Matt Page)
ESI_RCT_Original_Finish.jpg, by Matt Page

ESI RCT wrap original design bar tape – Performance

When not stretched the tape is 3.5mm thick, which compares to some other more comfort-oriented bar tape options but, because the ESI tape needs to be stretched so much, the actual thickness of the tape on the bar feels much less. It also lacks the plush feel you might expect from others with similar thickness claims. It also loses the soft cushion feel that the flat-bar handlebar ESI grips have and what made them so popular.

ESI_RCT_Original_Right.jpg
ESI_RCT_Original_Right (Image Credit: Matt Page)
ESI_RCT_Original_Right.jpg, by Matt Page

The grippy feel of the silicone material remains in all weather, even though comfort is compromised as a result of the silicone’s thickness when stretched. The tape can become discoloured with mud or grease but it can also be cleaned and returned to its original colour.

Some caution is needed when cleaning, as, despite the strength when pulled in one direction, it can easily cut and fray if damaged on a side edge. Great care will be needed to avoid snagging the tape on any brambles or sharp edges that could cause it to cut or, in my case, a gritty wall as the tension held in the tape will cause it to rip further.

ESI_RCT_Original_Rip.jpg
ESI_RCT_Original_Rip (Image Credit: Matt Page)
ESI_RCT_Original_Rip.jpg, by Matt Page

ESI RCT wrap original design bar tape – Verdict

Although I like the tacky feel of the tape, it does not provide any further comfort benefits over other bar tapes and it is difficult to justify the £39 price tag – which is pricier than practically every other roll of tape on the market, many being half the price not to mention being reusable in application.

The Spank Flare bar tape costs the same amount but has gel pads that make it feel softer and more comfortable than the ESI RCT tape. It is also substantially longer and made to fit much wider handlebars. If you don’t mind spending a similar amount on bar tape the ENVE wrap is the best tape that Pat has ever used, and that is something I would also agree with.

If you like bright handlebar tape and also like the tacky feel of silicone grips you might find the ESI RCT tape works for you, but just make sure you only have narrow bars.

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Test report ESI RCT wrap original design bar tape £39.00

About the bike

State the frame material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.: 

 

Bar tape and grips

Product purpose: 

ESI says:

ESI Grips RCT Silicone Wrap
The RCT Wrap is engineered with opposing bevels for bulk-reducing comfort and reversibility. The best materials and the best production process creates max shock absorption and grip, while maintaining the highest level of durability. These race proven bar tapes are used by bicyclist all over the world. Silicone has a memory; when you grab the RCT Wrap you get a custom mold of your hand for a no slip ride every time.

Build extra: 

ESI list:

Features of ESI RCT Wrap
• Rewrap-able
• Custom fit
• Stretchable
• Custom Density
• Shock absorbing
• Comfortable
• Easy to install
• Super tacky
• No adhesives
• Long-lasting

Included in delivery: 2 long silicone wraps (for wrapping bar)
2 short silicone wraps (for under hood)
2 silicone tapes (1 time use)
1 pair end plugs
Material: silicone
Weight supplement: per set / manufacturer’s specs

Product construction 


Product construction extra: 

It is very stretchable, but far too short for many handlebar widths for gravel, or even road use.

Product performance 


Product performance extra: 

Lacks the thickness and comfort when stretched

Product durability 


Product durability extra: 

Lots of strength in the direction of the stretch, and without any sticky backing it can be reused, but any nicks or cuts to the side will cause it to rip and prevent it from being reused.

Product weight 


Product comfort 


Product comfort extra: 

3.5mm thickness and claims of comfort, but it can’t match many other more standard bar tape options

product value 


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Product value extra: 

It is one of the most expensive bar tapes available, and the performance does not match the price

Overall performance: 

I am a fan of silicone grips for mountain bikes, and I was hoping the RCT tape would offer the same feel and comfort, but I have been disappointed as it falls short on both comfort and especially the short length.

Product likes: 

Plenty of colours to choose from to match your bike

Product dislikes: 

Much too short, and this makes it difficult to fit on many handlebars
Not the most comfortable when stretched

Enjoy: 

No

Buy: 

No

Recommend: 

Unfortunately, no.

Conclusion: 

ESI RCT tape is really bright and the feel out of the box was promising, but it was far too short, barely reaching past the bend in the handlebar and when stretched as it will need to be, lacks the comfort that is promised.