SILCA (United States) - SILCA has created a new type of bar tape with significant improvements in comfort, grip and durability. New Silca “NASTRO FIORE” and “NASTRO PILOTI” bar tapes were inspired by recent developments in running shoes, F1 tires and Silca’s own research into rolling efficiency, impedance, and damping. The 2.5mm FIORE tape provides cushioning and comfort equivalent to existing 3.2mm tapes, while the 1.85mm PILOTI tape equates to existing 2.5mm tapes.

Built from a laminate of “SILCAthane,” “SILCAlon” and 3M Visco-elastic adhesive, the tape feel can be optimized for different riders using different wrap directions and techniques. The tape improves on existing materials, offering a softer, more comfortable feel, higher grip in wet and dry, better vibration isolation, and 3-5x the durability.

Addressing a significant deficiency in existing tape packages, Silca developed an adhesive-backed “butterfly” to better cover the back of the lever clamp area without adding bulk. Rounding out the kit are high-grip finishing tape and expanding aluminum/composite end plugs to enable a perfect taping job from end to end.

Further Details:  

The product developers at Silca are constantly seeking improvement over existing cycling products. Examining new developments in running shoe foam and F1 tires and conducting their own tire research, Silca realized that new material technologies could allow for a significant improvement in bar tape.  In keeping with 102 years of Italian brand history, the new bar wrap is dubbed “NASTRO” - Italian for “tape,” though the construction is anything but traditional.

Instead of a simple foam extrusion, Silca uses a triple laminate of “SILCAthane,” “SILCAlon” and 3M Visco-elastic adhesive. This laminate outperforms other bar tape materials in multiple metrics.

Since the actual wrap of the tape can be as important as the tape itself, Silca also developed a fully adhesive-backed butterfly-shaped piece to better cover the back of the lever clamp area without adding bulk. Keeping with the theme of dialed details, Silca includes quality finishing tape and expanding end plugs, topping off the premium package.

 NASTRO PILOTI:

• 1.85mm thickness for thinner, more aerodynamic wrap
• Tunable grip level depending on wrap direction
• Black, white, red
• $40 MSRP

NASTRO FIORE:

• 2.5mm tri-laminate provides additional comfort without additional bulk
• Black w/white floral pattern, Black w/neon yellow floral pattern, White w/black floral pattern
• $44 MSRP