Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review
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Cost
★★★☆☆
Performance
★★★★☆
Overall Score
★★★★☆
Overall Score ★★★★☆
Verdict: A totally necessarily addition to your bikepacking setup for when you want to go really long!
If you’re embarking on multi-day bikepacking expeditons, gel pads for your handlebars are an excellent addition to your set-up, especially for those embarking on really long bikepacking expeditions (i.e., anything above 1500km).
These pads, designed to be installed underneath handlebar tape on drop bars, provide significant extra comfort for your hands, which is crucial during long rides. One of the standout features of these pads is Technogel™ material, that is super durable and resilient (you can see ours has been through multiple years of training!). Unlike some other materials, the gel doesn't harden, break down, or migrate, ensuring consistent comfort and protection against road vibrations.
The ability to cut these pads to shape allows cyclists to optimise the fit for any handlebar, making them versatile and suitable for various bike setups. This customisation ensures that riders can target specific pressure points, reducing hand fatigue and discomfort. For bikepackers, who often spend long hours in the saddle, this added comfort can be the difference between an enjoyable exped and an unnecessarily painful one.
Moreover, the washable and reusable nature of these pads makes them a practical and sustainable choice. Cyclists can easily clean and reposition them as needed, ensuring they stay fresh and effective over time. By enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue, the Fi’zi:k bar gel pads can significantly increase the likelihood of success on bikepacking expeditions, allowing riders to focus more on the adventure and less on discomfort.
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About the Author: Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a website design and branding studio that works with brands all over the world, a former Royal Marines officer and former risk advisor to the BBC.
Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), a Guinness World Record holder for rowing over 3500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities!