Gecko Grip is made from a ventilated polyurethane outer sandwiching a layer of EVA foam. It feels rubbery to the touch, and at its deepest (2mm) the core is relatively dense. The adhesive-backed tape comes in two 2.2m rolls, with end plugs shifter strips and finishing strips.
The Gecko’s moulded surface has a wavy pattern with square indentations providing most of the grip, its rubbery surface shedding water well and providing plenty of grip whatever the weather. The firmer core doesn’t feel as cushioned as some but is an improvement over cork tape.
The Gecko is less stretchy than some grips and much less stretchy than cork. But with each roll 2.2m long there’s enough for any bar. Its flexibility and tapered edges also make it easy to get a smooth fit.
As the Gecko isn’t that stretchy it’s under less tension than cork tape. That, combined with its rubbery surface, makes it pretty resilient to abrasions – though it will still shred pretty easily if it hits the road at speed. The waffle texture can fill with mud pretty quickly but it’s easy to clean and, unlike cork tape, it doesn’t stain.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.