Best Spin Bike Handlebar Cover/Tape
Have you ever tried to put your elbow and forearm on the spin bike handlebars but after a few seconds felt uncomfortable or even ended up with sore elbow and wrist? If you own a spin bike, I can bet you know what I am talking about because this is a common issue that exists even on some of the best spin bikes on the market. They don’t have sufficient padding to give the required support for a comfortable workout, just like some of the spin bike seats. Thankfully with the best spin bike handlebar tapes, you can add sufficient padding to those hard bars and make them more comfortable.
For most riders, it is important that every part of the bike is perfectly handled. And one of the crucial parts of spin bikes is the handlebar covers. It can significantly affect how you experience indoor cycling rides, especially if they are slippery or torn. After all, it is one of the three contact points (seat, pedals, handlebars) on any spin bike.
So you have to stick to a quality product that is comforting non-slippery and meets all your needs. We have chosen the best spin bike handlebar cover/tapes that can increase the quality and comfort of your indoor cycling exercise. No matter the model of your indoor cycling bikes, almost any of these best-rated handlebar covers for spin bikes should fit your cardio machine.
Top Handlebar Tapes For Spin Bikes Compared
Overview of Best Handlebar Tapes for Spin Bikes:
- Domain Cycling Get Bicycle Handlebar Tape
- MARQUE Handlebar Cover for Spin Bike
- Planet Bike Handlebar Tape For Spin Bike
- SRAM Spin Bike Handlebar Tape
- BV EVA Bike Handlebar Tapes
- Cinelli Cork Spin Bike Handlebar Cover
- DEERU EVA Bicycle Bar Tape
- CABIN Bicycle Bar Tape Camouflage Series
- BW EVA Spin Bike Handlebar Tape
- Domain Cycling Silicone Self Fusing Tape
Our Top 10 Picks:
1. Domain Cycling Get Bicycle Handlebar Tape
If you are looking for a long tape for spin bike handlebars then Domain Cycling tape is best for you. We have been working with spin bikes for quite a long time. So it wasn’t difficult to decide whether Domain cycling tape is actually worth it or not. This is the best tape with nice stretching during the whole wrapping process. It is a nice, clean, and tight wrap. Once you are purchase this indoor bike handlebar tape, you will repurchase it again in the future.
Key Points:
The Domain indoor cycle handlebar tape is available in eight color options. They are white, pink, blue, black, orange, green, red, and yellow. So there is a huge variety for you.
It is really difficult to handle situations where you run out of wrap even after wrapping them really tight. It just doesn’t seem enough. That’s why the manufacturer thought of making an extra-long handlebar tape.
Instead of cost-cutting by delivering a smaller handlebar tape, the manufacturer did the opposite. We were quite impressed after receiving the package.
The dimensions of Domain cycling handlebar tape are 94″L and 1.2″W.
This indoor bike handlebar cover is not slippery at all. It is because of the use of a polyurethane leather surface that works in both wet and dry conditions. The cushioned EVA foam liner comes with Vex-Gel lining underneath. So you are going to buy the most comfortable piece.
Pros:
- Eight color options
- Longest tape
- Anti-slip
- No adhesive backing
- Comes with handlebar end plugs
Cons:
- The handlebar cover is a bit expensive
2. MARQUE Handlebar Cover for Spin Bike
The Marque comes second in our list of best cover for indoor cycling bike handlebar. The marque had rider’s comfort in mind when creating these tapes. They are thoughtfully designed specifically for the rider’s benefit.
Key Points:
Customize your spin bike handlebars by choosing from the range of colors. Here, the Marque spin bike handlebar cover comes in five colors. You can make a choice between black, green, phantom red, red, and white color.
If you take a closer look, you will notice hexagon patterns on it. This 83 inches long patterned tape with silicon textured surface is excellent. These are going to provide you with a better grip and control. The spin bike handlebar tape is 2.5 mm thick. It is breathable and thick enough to absorb sweat while offering a comfortable grip.
If you are not a fan of heavy handlebar tapes, then this one is a good option for you. It is made using a lightweight flexible material that contours the bar tape surface. So you can perfectly wrap this flexible tape on handlebars. Just because it is soft and flexible doesn’t mean the manufacturer neglected its quality.
It is made with high-quality material that is durable. So buy once and use it for years. For easy installation, there is an adhesive backing on the tape. The ultra-soft flexible fiber cloth perfectly wraps around the handlebars or aero bars. Along with it, you will get end plugs and finishing tape.
Pros:
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Wraps most drop bars
- Multiple color options
- Easy to install
Cons:
- It can get slippery if your hands get wet.
3. Planet Bike Handlebar Tape For Spin Bike
Riding a spin bike can make you fit only if you use the right technique along with the right spin bike accessories. While spinning most of your weight is shifted to your arms. If you are on top speed and your elbows and wrists are not comfortable, you might even stop cycling soon after starting. So for the best result, you must choose the indoor cycling bike handlebar covers. These are manufactured by keeping in mind the demands of spin bike riders.
Key Points:
There are 15 color options for you to choose from. Some of them are celeste cork, charcoal cork, Noche suave, orange, white cork, yellow, and more. Tired of complaining about sore hands?
This won’t be a problem with Planet Bike handlebar tape. It is soft with gel-filled to ensure your hands are happy while riding the bike. Also, these are not easily susceptible to wear and tear.
These handlebar tapes are UV protected so there won’t be any impact on it if you are using it in sunlight. Also, the water-resistant features ensure added safety in extreme weather conditions.
The package includes 2 finishing strips, 2 end plugs, 2 six-foot-long strips, and 2 short brake lever strips. So you can immediately wrap them. With these handlebar tapes, your spin bike will stand with a nice accent color.
Pros:
- Fifteen color options
- Super comfortable
- Water-resistant
- UV protected
- No-slip design
- High durability
Cons:
- No adhesive at the back.
4. SRAM Spin Bike Handlebar Tape
SRAM is loved for its tight stretch wrap on the handlebars. There is an adhesive that keeps the wrap tight even on the toughest cycling workouts and gives adhesion to the next layer. Once you finish the wrapping work, you will see an amazingly professional handlebar. The comfort is outstanding and the grip is just to look out for.
Key Points:
The SRAM super cork exercise bike handlebar tape comes in six color options. There is a range from vibrant to subtle colors. You get to choose from blue, yellow, white, red, black, and pink. The handlebar tape must stand to tension.
Without tensioning you cannot expect the tape to stick to the handlebars. So these light yet durable bicycle bar tapes are strong enough to withstand tension.
For superior grip and cushioning, there is a use of polyurethane tape that embeds with the cork. Also, the thickness is more in the middle as compared to the edges. So you won’t feel that you have bought an extremely thick tape.
For installation, you will need handlebar end plugs and finishing tape. These are included in the SRAM spin bike handlebar cover. Also, the 3M adhesive at the back helps in perfectly wrapping it at the place.
Pros:
- Lasts longer
- Polyurethane for superior grip
- 3M adhesive
- Includes handlebar end plugs
- Six color options
Cons:
- The price varies with color variation.
5. BV EVA Bike Handlebar Tapes
If indoor cycling has become an important part of your life, the handlebar covers will need a replacement (or extra padding) soon, especially if you buy one of the budget spin bikes. For the perfect replacement, we have come up with this amazing spin bike handlebar tape. This is perfectly built to help you enjoy indoor cycling with the utmost comfort. After all, convenience and comfort matter while spinning.
Key Points:
With traditional handlebar tapes, there used to be a problem that they didn’t give required support. Here, the BV tape comes with EVA foam material. Also, there is a BV logo embossed on it so that your hands get to experience an anti-slip grip. At times, during an intense workout, you don’t even realize that the cycle is vibrating.
This may hinder your workout but BV has a solution for it too. It’s ultra-light and durable quality absorbs vibration and shock during the exercise session.
Other than your continuous usage, the sunlight is also responsible for damaging the handlebar tapes.
That’s why BV EVA delivers a UV-radiation resistant tape for added protection. The 3M adhesive backing is our absolute favorite. It helps in the easy installation without using an extra tool.
With its adhering property, you can easily wrap the handlebars at the correct position. You can only choose from two color options. One is black and the other is white. The length is 82.67 inches, width 1.18 inches, and thickness is 0.10 inches. With finishing tapes and handlebar end plugs your spin bike handles will look decent and perfect.
Pros:
- EVA foam material
- Ultra-light
- Shock and vibration absorption
- Water-resistant
- Anti-slip grip
Cons:
- The color choice is limited for people who are looking for more vibrant options.
6. Cinelli Cork Spin Bike Handlebar Cover
Handlebar tapes are just not a piece of rolls that are used to display the beauty of handlebars. They are much more than that. You are buying them solely for the purpose of your spinning session so that you are comfortable. Cinelli is one of the oldest manufacturers of the bike handlebar tapes and that’s what grabbed our attention.
Key Points:
If you are planning to do an intense workout your hands won’t feel the pain. There is good padding on the handlebar tape to ensure you enjoy a comfortable ride on the spin bike. Do you want a basic handlebar tape? Or Do you want something that is quirky and vibrant? No matter what your choice is there is an option for each one of you.
The color options are more than ten. You will get black, white, red, yellow, and multiple other colors. Originally, Cinelli used to sell handlebar tapes that are shock absorbing.
This property is still included but with an even better absorption rate. There is a layer of vibrant-absorb gel on the inner surface to facilitate the same. For those who just want to replace one handlebar tape, there is an option for you too.
The manufacturer sells both single and double sets of the roll. It is one of the most affordable spin bike handlebar cover options we have come through. These are of high quality and cheaper at the same time.
Pros:
- Vibra-absorb gel
- High content natural cork
- Includes finishing strips and plugs
- Gel strips under the tape
- Affordable
- Variety of design and colors
Cons:
- The adhesive tape is a bit too strong.
7. DEERU EVA Bicycle Bar Tape
Do you wear gloves while cycling the spin bike? Are you still wearing gloves because you don’t think there is any other option? This might be because you never came across something like DEERU EVA exercise bike handlebar cover. A lot of people don’t enjoy the spinning session because of the restrictive gears. With modern techniques, indoor cycling can be really fun. All you have to do is invest in a good handlebar tape or buy one of the comfortable non-slip spin bike pedals.
Key Points:
This handlebar tape is made using premium EVA material. So you won’t have to compromise with quality to find the best handlebar tape for a spin bike.
It comes in six colors that would definitely suit any spin bike out there. The variation in colors makes it easy for you to pick a design that suits your personal taste.
In fact, the design is unique with patches. You can choose from black & grey, black & red, black & blue, black & white & grey, black & yellow, and orange & black.
The length of this handlebar tape is 78.74 inches, width is 1.18, and thickness is 0.11 inches. The whole package includes 2 handlebar tape, 2 finishing tape, and 2 ABS plastic bar plugs. With light and durable handlebar tape, you are going to get a touch comfortable option.
Its anti-slip and water absorption property is something to vouch for. There is an image shared by DEERU EVA to perfectly depict the whole process of wrapping. So you can conveniently finish wrapping with 3M adhesive on the back of the tape.
Pros:
- Premium quality material
- Durable and light tape
- Comfortable to touch
- A complete package of materials
- Convenient to wrap and re-wrap
- Unique design
Cons:
- The tape is not sticky up to the mark.
8. CABIN Bicycle Bar Tape Camouflage Series
Spinning is an amazing hobby that can keep you fit without depending on other equipment. Sometimes we don’t pay attention to minute details and that affects the results. Similar is the case with the handlebar tapes. The TOP CABIN handlebar tape is amazing as you can even use it for road bikes or any discipline related to cycling.
Key Points:
There are three varieties of this spin bike handlebar covers available. You can choose from plain, grid, and camouflage styles. Again, these varieties offer variety in colors too. So choose from more than 20 varieties like red, yellow, green, black, and white.
The TobCabin tape is made of EVA shock-absorbing base material. This creates a cushion and adds comfort to your life. While riding you can enjoy a workout with exceptional grip.
The lightweight flexible material will contour the handlebar surface perfectly. It is designed by keeping in mind the comfort and performance of the rider without sacrificing the durability.
With adhesive tape for easy installation, your job will be done in minutes. The thickness of the handlebar tape is on par with what is expected from the high tech tapes. You can firmly keep your palms on the bars, even after sweating a lot while doing the workout.
Pros:
- Three different designs
- EVA shock-absorbing material
- Flexible
- Over expansion resistant
- Colors to suit your taste
Cons:
- Finishing tape doesn’t stick properly.
9. BW EVA Spin Bike Handlebar Tape
The traditional spin bike manufacturers used to sell their products without adequate taping. This resulted in torn handlebars cover, slipper hands, sore wrists, hurt elbow, and blistered palms at times. So the introduction of these handlebar tapes came as a fresh air that wiped all the pain. People are more focused on their comfort and class now.
Key Points:
The BW EVA handlebar tape is sure to make you with its purchase. It offers a 90-day money-back guarantee to the customers. Isn’t that a lot of time for you to decide whether you are satisfied with the product or not.
For reduced hand fatigue, the handlebar tape is made with comfortable and lightweight EVA foam material. The BW handlebar tape comes in 12 colors. You can choose from yellow, red, blue, green, blue, and other options.
You will get a high-quality end plug with this handlebar tape. It is manufactured for a secure fit and won’t fall out like other cheap press on plugs.
In the package, you will get two rolls of adhesive-backed bar tapes with edges that are tapered. Its length is 78″ and width is 1.1″. Also, two pieces of finishing tapes are included.
Pros:
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Comfortable
- Premium end plug
- High quality
- Twelve color options
Cons:
- Some people find it too short.
10. Domain Cycling Silicone Self Fusing Tape
Last, but this is probably one of the unique additions to this list of stationary bike handlebar pads. For people who love standing out, this would be a perfect buy. Also, it is an affordable option for those who don’t want to go overboard with handlebar tapes.
Key Points:
This is a silicone self-fusing tape. It means the tape sticks to itself. With wrapping, this is what we want. You are going to wrap it over and over and the tape will stick firmly.
There is no variety of designs available. You will have to stick to its basic plain design that goes with all the spin bike designs. You get to choose from six color options.
So choose from black, blue, orange, white, yellow, and red. All the tapes of different colors are available at the same price. You cannot use it more than once.
Once you roll it over the handlebar you cannot remove and reuse it. It would stay firmly in one place making sure you don’t have to buy another one anytime soon.
Pros:
- Self-fusing handlebar tape
- Doesn’t leave a sticky residue
- Simple
- Six color options
Cons:
- Separating the plastic from the tape is a difficult task.
What To Look For When Buying a Handlebar Tape For Your Spin Bike?
Material:
Earlier, the handlebar covers were made of natural materials such as perforated leather or cork. The cork offered good support and moisture absorption. With perforated leather, the focus was more on style and aesthetics. Now, time has changed. Companies manufacture handlebar covers that are lightweight and come with synthetic covering along with mild cushioning. Materials like synthetic nylon and polyurethane are quite popular. They are durable and with some alteration in their texture, they work excellently in different weather conditions.
Grip:
Some people believe that the handlebar’s tape is just a piece to make the bike look good. This isn’t the case as they are more than just handlebar covers. It is one of the most important contact points between you and your spin bike. So it’s important to make sure the grip of the spin bike is good. It depends on the type of materials used for manufacturing the tape. If the tape has somewhat tacky finish then it will provide a good grip in dry or wet conditions. The texture must be breathable enough to ensure all the sweat and moisture is drawn away. This will again help in a good grip especially when used with good spin class towels.
Thickness:
The cycling bar tape comes in a variety of thicknesses. Traditionally, the spin bike riders prefer using thinner tape that lies in the range of 1 to 2 mm. It offers a direct connection and better input response. They are available in synthetic, leather, and cork materials. If we talk about the gravel rides and another adventurous form of riding then the thicker option is best. They are multi-layered tapes with better grip and sweat absorption. Usually, the most comfortable handlebar tape for spin bike lies in the range of 2.5 and 3.2 mm. While all these matters, going with the one that you feel the most comfortable with is the best choice.
Color:
The spin bike handlebar tape is available in a wide range of colors. These are designed to suit the taste of almost everyone. If you want to go with the basic color then you can simply go for black handlebar tape. Similarly, for people who are interested in catchy color options like red, there is one for them too. We would recommend you to go for dark colors as they do not show dirt and grime easily. With lighter colors, you have to make sure that you clean the handlebars properly.
Padding:
If you are planning to ride the spin bike and do intense workout then look for padding too. Here, we are talking about the filling that is done in the spin bike handlebar covers. These are done to ensure the rider’s hands and wrists do not feel extreme pressure. In case, you are planning to ride without gloves then definitely look for this thing.
Wrapping Ease:
We know that the spin bike handlebar cover is just going to be used to wrap around. But, there is a difference in the wrap-ability of the different types. You must check out the reviews to see whether it was easy to wrap it or not. In the case of thinner tapes, the wrapping ease is quite high.
Cost:
The cost of exercise bike handlebar tapes and tablet holders varies depending on the quality and brand. So it is totally up to you whether you want to invest in a costly product or a cheaper one. If the cost is high and the manufacturer claims that the product will last longer then go for it. Nobody wants to invest in a spin bike handle grip cover again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to setup a spin bike?
Cycling is a wonderful sport whether you do it in a gym or at your home. To make sure you get desired results, it is important to set up the spin bike correctly. For this, you must begin by adjusting the saddle height. If the saddle is too high you will lose a significant amount of leverage and if it’s too low you will experience knee pain. Set the saddle parallel to your hip bone for the perfect setting. After that, it’s time to check your seat position. In most cases, it is central but you can adjust it. Just sit on the spin bike with knees properly aligned and feet in a straight line. If your kneecap is directly above the center of the pedal you are good to go. Now, it is time to adjust the handlebars. The setup should be comfortable with no unnecessary strain on your back and neck. Experienced riders keep the handlebars at the same level as a saddle. Just check the settings again. Everything should be properly locked. After that, start riding the spin bike.
How often should I replace the spin bike handlebar covers?
We agree that some of the handlebar tapes are extremely durable but everything is susceptible to wear and tear after a certain time. It is inevitable for a tape to work for you for years. It depends on how much you use the spin bike and what are the conditions in which you are using that it will need replacement or not. Your sweat plays a huge impact on the degrading of the handlebar covers. So it is important for you to clean the handlebars quite often. If the salt in your sweat reached the handlebar it will lead to an oxidative reaction. This will further damage the handlebars and you cannot risk your life for such a small thing. That’s why it is better you change the tapes once in six months. This will make sure that your spin bike doesn’t get damaged and you just have to spend on the tape. The cost of repairing the handlebars will be much higher than the handlebar covers so take the decision smartly.
What type of materials were used earlier for handlebar covers?
Earlier, the handlebars were not even covered. It took a few years for people to realize that the handlebars need to be covered. So cotton tapes were used in the beginning. The material was cheap and easy to use so it was a great option. After that came the solid plastic tapes. They were available in a variety of colors. Obviously, it could last longer and the susceptibility to water was less too. They were replaced by leather and vinyl bar covers. They were popular because of their attractive tape designs. It was only in the 1980s that the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate came into the picture. The cushioned tape gave a great feel to the riders. Now, the microfibre and other synthetic materials have become popular too.
Conclusion
Using the handlebar cover for the spin bike is the best decision you will take for your bike if you get sore wrists, hands, and elbows. After all, it serves as the interface for a critical point of contact with the bike. Yet, there are a lot of instances when this is overlooked. Riders often ride with worn tapes even after knowing the difficult circumstances that they will have to face after that. The use of handlebar tapes has been constant for many years.
Although the materials have changed the motto remains the same. Everyone is looking for comfort. It must also provide a good grip in all weather conditions including hot summer indoor workouts. If the handlebar tape makes it difficult to hold it for long then it is not the right one. With tons of color options, it has even become a style statement. Cyclists love using quirky colors as they are easily noticed by people but for indoor cycling, it’s probably not a factor.
Here, we have shared a lot of options for you to choose from. The handlebar tapes are shortlisted based on their use, color, design, durability, price, and more. Even if you are low on the budget you will find one for your spin bike. We have even shared the pros and cons of these covers so that it’s easy to make a choice. If you find this article helpful then do share your thoughts on it. We would like to hear from our readers about their choice.
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs.
