New build coming up and just looking at the fine detail. Are we still using Gel Pads under Bar Tape or is there something new/better I haven't noticed specifically for Gravel Bikes? I see 3mm thick tape is available plus other gravel specific tape at a premium or is it better to go thin and double wrap? Maybe even some decent gloves and forget the tape issue?
I double wrap, but but that requires you don't have small hands - If you do (or would rather) then a gel pad would work nicely. Good gloves - of course (although I don't like those to be too thick).
I always double-wrap my bars, even on my road bikes, as I have reasonably large hands and I like the feel and extra comfort. The best combination I've found is generic "cork" tape as a base layer, with Cannondale Synapse 3.5mm tape for the outer layer. The Synapse tape is grippier, more durable and provides more cushion than any other tape I've tried.
I'm using traditional cotton Tressostar tape as a first layer. It's very thin and adheres well to the bar, but give it just enough extra girth and cushioning to make a big difference. I will do this underneath cable housings, then tape those in place, and then wrap with my tape of choice. Currently all bikes get this on the tops, and gravel bike in the main grip area of the drops as well.
If I double wrap it's only from the brake hoods up to the stem. I'm seldom on the bottom flats and this way I wrap two bikes with 3 sets of bar wrap.
Another way I'll wrap for my wife who has smaller hands is to run one or two strips across the tops of the bars where my palms will be pushing against. This gives extra cush without changing the bar diameter as much.
Having an extra layer under the top wrap gives the top wrap a much better surface to adhere to so it stays put better. In fact this was the original reason I started adding the strip several decades ago as aluminum tends to be slippery or maybe my style just seems to twist the wrap.
And for those who are frugal and/or just don't want to toss stuff in the trash, when re-wrapping bars, I've found the tape which I remove from the end of the bars to the brake hoods is typically in great shape and makes a good under layer.
