Fizik Terra Bondcush Tacky bar tape review

With a thickness of 3mm, the Fizik Terra Bondcush Tacky bar tape feels lighter and more comfortable than traditional bar tape, while providing a good grip in all-weather conditions. Additionally, it offers genuine vibration damping that can be helpful while riding on rougher tracks.

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Fizik Terra Bondcush Tacky bar tape – Technical details

The Terra Bondcush tacky tape is available only in the 3mm thickness variant. However, it doesn’t feel as thick as other tapes with similar thicknesses. It comes in seven different colours, weighs 120g for both rolls (including plugs), and each roll is 230mm long. Some thicker tapes are designed to provide a comfortable ride and can be difficult to wrap but the Terra Bondcush is easy. It can hold the tension and stretch slightly around the bends, even when wrapping bars with a tight 90-degree shape.

With its 230mm length, there’s enough to wrap it near the stem on a 40cm handlebar using a figure of eight wrap technique I prefer. For bars that are around 44/46cm, it might be too short. The package comes with a small section that can be used to wrap the area behind the hoods using a simpler technique for hiding the back of the hoods.

Fizik_Terra_Bondcush_Right.jpg, by Matthew Page

The tape features a white logo on one edge, which can be displayed or kept hidden for a stealth design. A gel backing that feels sticky holds the tape in place while wrapping, allowing corrections to be made as you wrap or even a complete re-wrap.

Fizik Terra Bondcush Tacky bar tape – Performance

The Terra Bondcush handlebar tape belies its 3mm thickness. While riding, it feels far thicker – even when compared to other tapes with the same quoted thickness. Initially, expectations for comfort weren’t too high due to its thinness. However, those doubts were quickly dispelled as the tape delivered on its claims and provided a comfortable ride.

The Terra Bondcush tape is an excellent option for gravel bike riders who want to reduce vibration and high-frequency damping. Unlike some other tapes with a gel backing, the Terra Bondcush tape does not have a raised point in the centre that can produce a wrap with a ridged point throughout. While some riders may appreciate this feature, the Terra Bondcush tape has a more even thickness throughout, providing a smoother and more consistent feel to the ride.

Fizik_Terra_Bondcush_Bend.jpg, by Matthew Page

Tacky is the perfect name for the feel of the tape, as that is exactly how it feels, with excellent grip in dry and wet conditions, and riding with or without gloves.

The tape has held up remarkably well and there are no visible signs of wear and tear. Not a single section of the tape shows any signs of rips or tears, and even the sections under tension around bends are still in great condition.

Fizik Terra Bondcush Tacky bar tape – Verdict

The Fizik Terra Bondcush Tacky is priced at £35 per roll, which is not the cheapest option available on the market but falls under the same bracket as other premium bar tape options. The comfort, construction and durability of the Fizik Terra Bondcush tape make it justifiable to pay the price. The specification and pricing of this tape are the same as the ENVE handlebar tape, which is also 3mm and £35. Before using Terra Bondcush, the ENVE tape was the preferred choice for me and Pat. However, now we both rate the Fizik Terra Bondcush at the same level.

Fizik_Terra_Bondcush_Left.jpg, by Matthew Page

Suvi tried out the Seido Tab handlebar tape, priced at £25. Although there are cheaper options available, the basic tape starts from around £10, I strongly believe that investing in good quality handlebar tape is worth the relatively small extra cost for the enhanced performance it provides.

While it is not a magical cure, investing a relatively small amount in quality bar tape can provide you with improved comfort, excellent grip in all weather conditions and a durable finish that will hold up no matter the riding conditions

• fizik.com
• The reader’s guide to off-road.cc’s review scoring system

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