Cinelli Revisits its Heritage Handlebar Tape Collection with New Range

Italian cycling icon Cinelli has announced the re-launch of its handlebar tape collection, nearly forty years after its original cork EVA tape became an industry benchmark. The new range, encompassing both road and gravel-specific options, aims to meet the demands of contemporary cycling, reflecting a strategic move to revisit a heritage product line. This update follows recent internal restructuring and a renewed focus on the brand’s core identity.

This reintroduction is more than just new colours; it signifies Cinelli’s attempt to reclaim its position in a market it once dominated. Their original cork tape, launched in the 1980s, was revolutionary, offering superior comfort and grip that influenced countless competitors. In the intervening decades, the bar tape landscape has become saturated with innovative materials and designs. For Cinelli, this move is crucial for brand relevance, leveraging a powerful legacy to attract modern riders who value both performance and heritage.

Ultimately, Cinelli's return to its roots with updated bar tape is a sensible play. In an era of fleeting trends, sometimes the best way forward is to remind everyone what you were best at all along.