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At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price. Anti Skid Tape

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

Cannondale's KnurlCork is for those riders who want a bar tape that isn't too thick or soft. It has quite a firm feel to it, but it minimises road buzz without isolating your hands from the bike. The white colour used here does get dirty quickly, but darker options are available.

Check out our guide to the best bar tapes for cycling, for more options.

The KnurlCork tape is created from a blend of EVA foam and cork, which gives quite a firm feel with just enough compression to take the edge off any vibration caused by the road below. I like the fact that it isn't too squidgy while still feeling soft enough for comfort, especially as I rarely wears gloves in warmer weather.

If you are riding in the wet it doesn't absorb water like some tapes can, which means grip levels remain just as good as they are in the dry.

In fact, the only issue I really found with this tape was that it gets dirty reasonably easily, although you can wipe it off if the dirt hasn't got too ingrained. And darker colours are available, such as red and black.

When it comes to fitting, the KnurlCork isn't as pliable as some, but there's enough stretch in it to still be able to wrap around the curves and bends around the brake levers and drops. Lever strips are included in the box – not something you see with all tapes these days.

As long as you pull it relatively tight all the way along the handlebar it shouldn't move once you are riding, and with each roll measuring a metre in length, there is plenty of tape for even the widest bar.

Included in the pack you'll also find finishing tape and push-fit bar end caps. They are small enough to allow you to push a bit of tape inside the bar while maintaining a snug, tight fit so that nothing unravels.

Cannondale has priced the tape at £18 which I'd say is a relative bargain for what I consider to be a quality tape. It's two quid cheaper than some Kranx tape I've also been reviewing (full review to come) and the Kranx Stretta Primo-High Grip Anti-Shock Handlebar Tape that Josh reviewed last year, and you get the addition of the extra lever tape sections here, and plenty of length.

It's also cheaper than the Smanie Elite tape by a quid, and Tom wasn't that impressed with the plugs or its ultra-sticky backing tape.

Overall, the KnurlCork is a quality tape that offers a good blend of comfort, grip and easy fitting. As long as you prefer a firmer ride than tapes with gel in their make-up, it's a great option.

Good quality cork tape offering high comfort and grip, but the white will get dirty

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

Make and model: Cannondale KnurlCork Bar Tape

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Cannondale says, "Lightweight EVA foam and cork combine with a contemporary knurled texture twist – offering a stylish, comfortable, and durable finish to your bike."

It's a good quality bar tape offering comfort and grip.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Comfortable, lightweight EVA foam absorbs road-buzz and feels great

Natural cork elements and debossed knurled pattern for better grip in all conditions / Includes: 2x tape rolls, lever strips, bar end-plugs, and finishing strips

Thickness: 2.7mm, length: 200cm, weight: 82g

The white gets grubby quickly, but other colours are available.

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

Simple to fit, with plenty of length so you can focus on those tight bends.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

A firm ride feel with plenty of grip.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The white gets grubby quickly.

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

It's priced very competitively, and while it may not be a huge amount less than the competition mentioned in the review, it performs like a much higher priced tape.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

There is very little to dislike here. It's very good, offering a well-rounded performance at a decent price.

Age: 44  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

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With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. Since writing his first review for road.cc back in 2009 he has also had a career in engineering including 3D-CAD design and product development, so has a real passion for all of the latest technology coming through in the industry but is also a sucker for a classic steel frame, skinny tyres, rim brakes and a damn good paintjob. His fascination with gravel bikes is getting out of control too!

Driver has lucky escape as car crashes into shop window https://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/23262367.driver-lucky-escape-ca...

There is a map (here - and below). It's not very clear, but it does seem the pavement was not shared use at that point. However, there is a shared...

We have located the original call and have sent this footage to the relevant department...

Schwalbe also showed off ... frame soap (in a tin) as it aims to make bike washing more eco-friendly...

Probably not plagued with banjaxed wheels as the average Dutch bike appears to be pretty much bomb proof. 

Thanks Jack, it was the link above, which I've just tried again and it works.

It could have been a newish commute, whenever I start a new job I tend to take the roadier route....

probably covered by the drivers hit things thread, but 4months on police are still investigating......

Not the smoothest tape, but lives up to its name with maximum grip, even in the rain

Very comfortable bar tape that's grippy in all weathers and easy to keep clean, but the bar-end plugs are poor

Get the fitting right and you are in for a comfortable ride with plenty of grip

Expensive, but an exceptional bar tape that's grippy, easy to wrap, reusable, and cushioned

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