I actually enjoy wrapping bar tape, I don't do it very much but there is something satisfying about a nice even wrap.
BUT...
On my Silvio build I chose to go with ESI Grips - I don't remember why or how I got hooked up with them but after about 1400 miles now they are totally sweet.
http://www.esigrips.com/
They don't wear out -
They look as new now, even riding in the rain and wet Seattle weather, as they did the day I put them on.
They were EASY to put on -
I only put on the section that goes on the drops, I didn't bother mucking around running the cables through the top part since I only need the drops. Using SRAM brifters I still needed to tape up the cables (I used black electricians tape, but you could spring for the nice silicone tape and probably get a bit cleaner look. I am going to spring for some cable shrink wrap stuff when it comes time for full component cleaning and see if that isn't just the cat's meow. But I digress.
They were so easy to put on with some simple-green (or soap, or the alcohol hand sanitizer or whatever) and they STAY PUT.
They STAY PUT -
They are spongy-ish and big but they don't move - period.
They aren't cheap -
But, I bought the set that works for a full drop bar and I only needed to use the short drop-bar section for my bike, so if somehow one of them gets messed up somehow I have another longer set (for above the brifters on a DF setup) in the wings for a replacement.
Long and short -
I really like them; they fit my hand size, they are durable as anything out there, they are easy to install, have clean even lines and they come in a myriad of colors. I recommend them to anyone, esp wedgie riders because of the really nice shock absorption.
btw, freezing my drivetrain off up here in Seattle : -3?C this AM, highs at 17:00 of about 5-6?C makes for a long hot shower every morning.
