Argomenti trattati
The Milanese brand Cinelli has updated its handlebar tape collection with a clear split between traditional comfort and modern performance. The new range reprises the classic cork legacy while adding purpose-built options for contemporary bicycles: a thicker, more vibration-damping choice for off-road miles and a leaner, race-oriented alternative for riders chasing direct feedback. The collection keeps an eye on aesthetics, functional materials and a few distinctive touches that make installation and maintenance easier for everyday cyclists.
At the heart of the launch sits the Gravel Travel tape, designed specifically for long gravel rides and mixed-surface adventures. Cinelli blends heritage with current materials by combining the original cork and EVA philosophy with newer compounds such as high-density gel layers and suede-like surfaces. These choices emphasize sustained comfort and practical features: the wrap is re-applicable, washable and produced in lengths that suit modern bars, reflecting how contact points have become as specialized as the bikes themselves.
What’s in the refreshed lineup
Cinelli’s refreshed range is organized to match different riding priorities. The Classic Road Cork and the gel-enhanced Classic Road Cork Gel preserve the original cork/EVA combination that began this story in 1987: moderate thickness for broad usability, moisture-wicking properties and a familiar, slightly tacky grip. For riders who want to dampen extended chatter or smooth rough gravel sectors, the Gravel Travel family adds a higher-density construction and a brushed, 100% washable surface. On the performance end, Pro Race uses a polyurethane and microfibre blend to keep profile and weight down while preserving a grippy feel. Visual collaborations, including limited pieces by artist Mike Giant, complete the assortment for those who value graphics as much as function.
Product details and technical notes
Gravel travel and chubby variants
The Gravel Travel tape is built for endurance on mixed terrain: it measures 2050mm in length, increases standard thickness by 3.2mm, and typically weighs about 105g. The construction embeds high-density Super Gel to reduce vibration over ultra-long distances, while the suede-like brushed finish favors sustained comfort over outright tackiness. The tape is deliberately repositionable, meaning you can unwrap and rewrap without adhesive residue. There is also a Gravel Travel Chubby version that doubles the gel density for heavier damping—traders-off between increased cushioning and added bulk depend on personal preference and terrain.
Pro race and classic cork options
At the opposite end, the Pro Race tape is a lighter, slimmer choice aimed at riders who prioritize feedback and control. Constructed from a polyurethane and microfibre blend, it comes in a roughly 93g weight and a 2000mm length, with textured surfaces to improve grip. The two Classic variants—standard cork and the cork gel—retain the familiar EVA and cork mix at about 2.5mm thickness and 60g weight for a balanced, versatile option that suits a wide range of bikes and conditions.
Practical considerations: fit, care and pricing
Installation remains the trickiest part of any tape upgrade: tension, overlap and hood area alignment test even experienced hands. Thankfully, Cinelli’s repositionable gel systems remove some of that friction by letting you fine-tune the wrap if you need to start again. Cleaning is straightforward—the Gravel Travel finishes are washable—and each tape ship includes practical accessories like an expander endcap and finishing tape. Pricing is positioned across budget and premium tiers: Classic Road Cork from approximately £15/€17.50/$23, Classic Road Cork Gel around £18/€21.50/$28, Gravel Travel about £26/€29/$38, Gravel Travel Chubby £30/€35/$44, Pro Race roughly £37/€42/$50 and the Pro Race Art variants near £40/€45/$55. These figures help place each tape within a clear value proposition, from routine upgrades to targeted performance investments.
Whether you are restoring a classic road bike or setting up a gravel rig for long days in the saddle, Cinelli’s updated tape family gives clear choices: the enduring comfort of cork, the targeted damping of gel, and the low-profile feedback of performance materials. The mixed lineup mirrors how modern cycling now splits into distinct needs—comfort for long, rough rides and precision for fast, responsive handling—while still honoring the brand’s heritage in handlebar finishes.