Arundel Gecko Fur bar tape

Arundel Gecko Fur handlebar tape sounds the stuff of pimped Lambretta, not everyday road bikes, but after a quick Quadrophenia moment I dressed another set of bars and found myself justly impressed by its tenacious grip and tactile nature come, rain, sleet or shine. Crossers and the rough stuff faithful should plump for the standard Gecko, though, since ingrained dirt, grime and even chocolate calls for more than a superficial cat lick.

In technical terms, this is the same EVA found on the rubberised Gecko but coated with a velvety, hardwearing brushed cotton common to certain genres of smart street attire. Arundel say it's marginally thinner than the regular types but this wasn't obvious from the shock absorbency on dressing the bars. I've been fastidious in my cleansing of the elected drops, removing every last trace of tape, adhesive or other contaminant that might compromise the new wrap's purchase. However, the Arundel range seems to require a very tight, rhythmic mummifying technique to prevent unravelling as you enter the home straight.

While a little frustrating in the garage at half-eight on a Monday evening, it's positively welcome should you need to change a control cable without the expense of replacing perfectly good tape. Sealing the tops with premium grade electrical tape makes all the difference and puts an end to slippage.

Arundel say sweat beads and rolls from the nap, unlike the cork varieties that often allow moisture to permeate the pores. Moving the trainer to the kitchen with the thermostat pointing toward tropical induced plenty of perspiration that pooled on the surface, or to the floor.

Taken to the road and the soft, grippy texture is reassuring in gloved or bare hands whether charging for the lights or braving a white knuckle descent in the pouring rain (and if anything, it becomes all the more dependable in this context). Some might find satin black unimaginative but it sure is practical. Credit where due, this tape stands up well to being leant against brickwork and similarly coarse surfaces without tearing or premature wear.

Verdict

Tactile and surprisingly hardwearing handlebar wrap