Deda Loop bar tape

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it?

Deda says: "The new Loop bar tape is a professional level addition to your bike with incredibly light weight and outstanding comfort. This bi-color grip has a unique aesthetic and comes in many different color combinations. The tape comes with aluminum end plugs in the same color as the tape. It is made with two different layers for a final thickness of 2.5 mm and 200 cm length to strike the perfect balance of lightness, durability and grip. The tape features an adhesive gel which makes it easy to wrap and keeps the handlebar clean once it is removed."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product

From Deda:

Material: PU tape combined with EVA foam

Length: 200 cm

Thickness: 2,5 mm

It comes in a choice of 10 colours. Aside from our silver/black, there's celeste, black/red, black/green, black/yellow, white/black, white/red, white/blue, POB (Polish on Black) black/brown.

Silver, carbon-friendly expander end plugs, finishing strips, and 'cheater strips' complete the package.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Overall performance has been very favourable. Being 2.5mm thick, its relatively low profile achieves a flattering aesthetic and affords a more direct connection with the bar without being detrimental to damping, and might be a good choice for riders with smaller hands. Grip has been dependable in all conditions and it's simple to care for; the tape's texture also proved useful when leaning the bike up against brickwork, poles, and so on, preventing unwanted movement.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Lots of colour options, surprisingly grippy, and with good damping despite being thinner than the more recent generation of tapes. I've also discovered the silver patterning an effective reflective, drawing attention when I've been negotiating busier roads and cruising on the hoods.

No length issues with 44cm riser-type road drops, and being 2.5mm thick it doesn't give a bulky aesthetic.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not a major dislike, more a minor niggle, but the bar-end plugs and finishing strips could be more secure.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's not bad value, but it's a fiver more than Enve Handlebar tape (£35), which Patrick thought was excellent. It's available in three colours, and is a whopping 250cm long and 3mm thick.

It's twice as much as Cycology's 8 days Handlebar Tape, another relatively long model (235cm uncut) employing PU and EVA foam. However, while that weathered well, the adhesive didn't, and it crumbled when I removed it to replace a cable, some six months later.

Another cheaper option I've used is Ciclovation Grind Touch Handlebar Tape, which is £35.99, comes in four subtle colours and is 3mm thick. Despite the density (and great properties) it doesn't give a chunky aesthetic. However, I've found it requires more patience to get a visually pleasing effect, and again, after a few seasons the backing disintegrated.

Use this box to explain your overall score

It's good: a stylish, competent, and low-maintenance bar tape for general riding. Minor points, but I'd prefer more tenacious plugs and finishing strips.