Is Cork tape the same as used on bicycle handle bars?

Not usually. The cork tape that is used for fishing rods is designed for that use, and is thicker (I believe) than the stuff that goes on bicycle handle bars. But thinking about it now, I'd bet that good bicycle handlebar tape would work very well on a fishing rod. The stuff on my road bike would feel great in the hand, though I'm not sure how durable it would be. I have seen a few rods with grips of material that looked similar, but I don't know whether it was actually bicycle tape or something else.

Bicycle handlebar tape works fine and comes in a mind boggling variety of colors....BUT.....They only seem to cut the strips so long so wrapping longer grips can be a problem and most have company symbols or logos impressed into the surface of the tape and that can be a bummer. It is also NOT as resillient (sp?) as the tape meant for rod building. I use it, I also use a variety of the grip tapes used for tennis racket handles and safety tread tape.

Derek L. McMaster
Rohnert Park, CA

Born to Fish, FORCED to Work

Hey Derek. I used to live in Petaluma, just south of you; though mostly I haunted Cotati, at Spanky's, and frequented the Russian River, Stafford lake or lake Sonoma for afternoon and weekend fishing.

Cinelli tape made for bicycles, I know someone posted on another forum that they use this for handles on fishing rods. I also know someone else who said they didn't like it. It's a mottled color.

Steve......

Your email is hidden!

Billy.

The mottled color can be good or bad depending on the person I guess. I don't really have a problem with it but I know others do. Yet another reason I build for fun and not for profit, so I can get away with doing it my way. You inspire me BTW....Have a bunch of fancy eva grips to glue and shape this weekend. Mostly simple inlays, but I think they will really MAKE the rods they go on.

Probably the ONLY real thing that handlebar tape has going for it is the color selection. I am building a Surf Beast on an 11' White E-Glass blanks and will use florescent green and orange wraps. Would you believe that there is a florescent green, orange and white CAMO handlebar tape out there waiting for me.

I am sick, I know it and have to deal with it, but the rod is gonna look killer when done.

Saving up for your book, that is for sure!



Derek L. McMaster
Rohnert Park, CA

Born to Fish, FORCED to Work