January 12/10 17:08 pm - Octto Bar Tape

Posted by Editoress on 01/12/10
 

Octto bar tape is the brain child of Cyclo Mondo Imports; a Toronto firm that specializes in the design of top quality and well thought out bike components. Drawn on inspiration from the riding and racing community of Southern Ontario, the company's founder, Dave Anthony, was onto something when he designed his Smooth Gel handle bar tape.

Made exclusively from GELicone, which is a smooth, high-purity foam, Octto tape incorporates a few key differences from other bar tape brands. Upon installation, I noticed how stretchy Octto tape is. Never did I fear it tearing, which is something one has to be cautious of when working with cork wrap and other more porous tape materials. The tape rolls are also typically longer than most other brands; it was really easy to get a nice fat wrap on my 46cm handlebars. In fact, I’ve always preferred double wrapping my bars but with the Octto tape it wasn’t necessary, as there is more than enough tape to get my preferred thickness.

On the underside of the tape is a rubbery adhesive that ensures the tape will stay in place over it’s lifespan. And speaking of lifespan, Octto tape can easily be removed and reused if you ever need to change out your shifter or brake housing. Unlike some of it’s competitors, the adhesive backing leaves little mess upon removal. And if that isn’t enough, with a little dish soap and a soft brush, the tape can be restored to it’s original colour (of which there are 13 to choose from). This makes it ideal for cyclocrossers who spend a majority of their time in the mud.

To finish it off, the bar end plugs actually are lightweight expander plugs. With the twist of a 6mm allen key, the end plugs wedge into place and stay put! For those that travel with your bike you won’t be searching your bike bag for missing end plugs. A small detail but clever none the less.

Octto tape is available in a variety for colours and retails for $20.00. It’s distributed through Fourth Floor Distribution. www.onthefourth.com

Review by Chad Grochowina