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SOC13:ESI Shows off Prototype Silicone Bar tape, Extra Chunky Silocone Grips

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SOC13: ESI Shows off Prototype Silicone Bar tape, Extra Chunky Silocone Grips

Originally known as the “racer’s” grip, ESI’s 100% silicone grips continue to gain fans. While at Sea Otter we spotted a road bike in their booth which caught our attention because they have focused mostly on mountain bikes. ESI has made a road “grip” but it was a 2 piece per side system, similar to the foam grips on road bikes of the past. Instead, ESI’s newest product in the works is clearly an actual bar tape made from the same silicone that has made their MTB grips famous.

In addition to the prototype tape (prototape?), ESI is now offering a thicker, chunkier version of their mountain bike grips. More after the break.

SOC13: ESI Shows off Prototype Silicone Bar tape, Extra Chunky Silocone Grips

Currently still in development, ESI’s bar tape felt really good on the display bike. When I asked how it wrapped on the bar and if it was stretchy, I was provided the demonstration above. The two photos show the same piece of bar tape, and after it is stretched it returns to normal. Not only does that make a tape the wraps really nicely, but because it has no “memory” when the tape starts to wear out you can unwrap it and re-wrap it in the reverse with the fresh side of the tape exposed. According to ESI, there are currently 3 testers using the tape in road, cross, and gravel riding and the feedback has been that the tape absorbs road vibration extremely well – much like their MTB grips.

Due to the stretch of the material, no adhesive backing is needed to keep it in place. The production version of the tape will likely be wider, thicker, and have beveled edges to provide a nicer transition between wraps. ESI is hoping for an Interbike release.

SOC13: ESI Shows off Prototype Silicone Bar tape, Extra Chunky Silocone Grips

While not brand new, ESI’s Extra Chunky grip is their newest mountain bike grip. Measuring 34mm in diameter, the grips have a bit of an ergonomic offset and come in 130mm widths. Extra Chunky grips weigh in at 80g and retail for $22.99.

 

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Avi
Avi
10 years ago

“which is caught our attention”

Um…proofreading?

kyle
kyle
10 years ago

not that serious, Avi. pretty sure you still got the point

pmurf
pmurf
10 years ago

Kyle, thank you for being blunt and not tiptoeing around the issue with some “whoops” apology. I swear to god half of BR readers are English majors. Everyone understands the point. This isn’t a database of scholastic journals. Get over it.

pmurf
pmurf
10 years ago

aaaand just realized kyle is not an admin.

bin judgin
bin judgin
10 years ago

Just ordered my extra chunks! Stoked.

Alex K
Alex K
10 years ago

Extra chunky can’t come soon enough. I have a set of original chunks, but always wanted more.

Chris
10 years ago

That road wrap will be excellent if it’s as good as their mountain grips. I would presume that the price would be competitive with Lizard Skins, but I’m content to wait and see.

comptonius
comptonius
10 years ago

That bartape looks like it would be a great addition to the bike for CX season!

WV Cycling
WV Cycling
10 years ago

Silicone typically gets slippery when wet, no? I’m thinking like the spatulas in my kitchen, or whatnot…

mudrock
mudrock
10 years ago

Always in favor of a tape that can be rewrapped, but it looks like it would tear easily. Riding my crosser off pavement is my favorite pastime, and I want cheap tape that can take the punishment.

CXisfun
CXisfun
10 years ago

WV Cycling: I’ve gotten stuck in the rain a few times on my MTB with ESI grips and I didn’t notice them being any more or less slippery when wet….

anello grande
10 years ago

Love my ESI Racers Edge on my mountain bike. Can’t wait to try the bar tape on my roadies. I was a fan of the old ODI Attack Wrap tape, these sound like they would be better.

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