Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review
Ethics statement: Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission. To know more about our terms of service, you can visit the link at the bottom of the page. Thank you!
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.
You might also like:
The Rab Mountain Cap, now crafted under Rab's Lowe Alpine brand, is designed to handle the worst that winter can throw at you and holds its ground as an outdoor essential for those who prioritise functionality over fashion.
The Pelago Commuter Front Rack (large) is a sturdy, well-crafted piece of equipment, designed to carry everything from daily essentials to more adventurous loads. Although designed as a front rack, with some creative adjustments, we modified for rear use, even on unique setups like the Kona Wo fatbike with its 26” wheels and 4.8” tyres!
The Fjällräven Keb Trousers are renowned for their durability and practicality, making them a strong choice for hiking and trekking in cooler conditions, particularly outside of the summer months.
A few years old and now succeeded by the Force Tee, this lightweight, quick-drying technical base layer from Rab still holds its own for outdoor enthusiasts.
The North Face Back-To-Berkeley IV sneaker boots (we’re divided on how to refer to them!) are a solid choice for those seeking both style and function in their winter footwear.
The Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants are a great, lightweight option for bikepackers, fastpackers and generalist adventurers seeking reliable protection in wet conditions, at a decent price.
The Rab Men’s Microlight Vest strikes a solid balance between warmth, mobility, and eco-conscious design, making it a versatile choice for us outdoor enthusiasts.
The Bontrager Sport Saddle is a good choice for adventure seekers and everyday riders looking for comfort without breaking the bank.
The JBL Endurance Run 2 Wireless headphones offer a solid choice for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts looking for reliability, comfort, and durability in their headphones.
The Adidas Five Ten Five Tennies are a simple yet cult classic that continues to impress us with their blend of style, comfort, and durability (these are now almost 4 years old!).
The FL920 bike light by Decathlon’s ELOPS is designed for both visual efficiency and versatility, making it effective for use in bike-borne adventures.
Engineered by the Swiss brand On Running, Cloud 5 Waterproof trainers are designed to offer the great combination of comfort, performance, and weather protection for those urban exploring adventures we all need!
The Cloudsurfers from the Swiss running brand "On" offer a unique experience for us as runners, combining innovative design with practical performance features.
The Merida 5.4L Framebag Travel is a good choice for mountain bike packers seeking a half-frame bag with high-capacity (we opted for the large with 5.4 litres of space) storage solution for bikepacking adventures.
These simple adaptors from German bike kit manufacturers, M-Wave, are a super affordable way to turn a set of Shimano SPD pedals back into flats, for mountain biking or gravel riding when you need your feet free.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a solid companion for those who lead adventurous lifestyles, offering a good balance of performance, durability, and utility at a good price when compared to other sports watches.
The Bergamont Grandurance 8 is a standout gravel bike that offers great value for money (and cool looks!), making it an excellent choice for both seasoned riders and newcomers to the gravel scene.
Priced competitively, this bike offers a feature set typically found in more expensive models, making it a smart investment for those looking to explore various terrains without breaking the bank.
These pedals are a popular choice among XC mountain bikers due to their robust design and reliability. Despite being lightweight, they feature a durable aluminium body and a Cromoly steel axle, ensuring longevity and consistent performance across various disciplines.
The Sonder Bomber Flared Drop Bars are a great choice for bikepacking expeditions, offering a blend of comfort and control that enhances the riding experience across varied terrains. Constructed from 6061 aluminium, these bars are both lightweight (275g) and comfy, making them suitable for long-distance journeys where you need extra space for the front gar.
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).
The Merida fork bag and cage is a solid choice for bikepacking adventures, whether you're heading out for an overnight trip or just need some extra storage on your ride.
As you can see from our photos, the Road 100 shoes by Decathlon’s Van Rysel are a sleek, aerodynamic design that looks like a much more expensive shoe.
The North Face Thermoball Traction Mule Slippers are a cool, adventure-inspired homeware option for those seeking warmth and comfort during the cold winter months.
The Procaliber 6 is an affordable cross-country mountain bike, built for those who crave adventure on challenging trails.
After a great experience with Adidas’ freehiker high top boots, we opted to test the freehiker low top trainers and had a similarly great experience!
As we train for the Silk Road Mountain Race and the other bikepacking adventures, we’re always on the lookout for gear that can keep, and this waterproof shell jacket certainly delivers on performance.
The Belstaff Trialmaster Pro Wax Jacket—a stylish and high-quality choice for adventure motorcycling. Its retro vibe, combined with modern protection, makes it a standout piece of motorcycle apparel.
The Montane Featherlite Down Micro Jacket stands out as a really versatile and lightweight option for us outdoor enthusiasts engaged in a range of adventuress, from climbing, bikepacking to mountain walking.
The Montane Icarus jacket boasts versatility and comfort, making it a good choice for a range of outdoor adventures in various conditions.
The Onyx 50 flashlight presents a blend of features that make it a practical option for outdoor pursuits. With its compact size, push-button tailcap switch, and an output of 30 lumens, it provides adequate brightness for various tasks.
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!