Marsas BAR PADS

MARSAS handlebar pads go under the tape on your drop bars. They absorb bumps and vibration. These pads are a simple product that do a good job.

Product Background (from the packaging)

• Material designed primarily for military use
• has since been developed for use in space head-restraints to minimise g-force whiplash
• being used in car-bumpers so that they maintain shape better on impact
• used in more advanced crash helmets
• has thermal properties

The STANDARD kit is pictured to the left and -as packaged- on the left above.

The new, improved AUDAX kit is pictured to the right and in its package to the right of the standard kit above.

Pictured below is the Standard kit being installed on our test mule. Under the grubby Cinelli tape the right side has the Marsas pads . The left side is in process. The stickyback tape didn't work too well for us but it was easy to work around. (Keith Marvin has informed us that we have the pads on backwards, the cuts should be on the inside. Plus the pads work better on Campag equipment. Plus Keith doesn't like Shimano gear too much.)

We put out a call for a volunteer to test one set of these pads. Jeff Taggert responded and we mailed off the pads. Jeff says he "rides regularly in all weather conditions." Here is Jeff's report:

I'm writing to report on my reactions to the Marsas Audax Bar Pads you sent me to try out. I've experimented with the pads for the last few weeks. I began by wrapping one side of my handlebars as directed and leaving the other side unpadded. Later I wrapped the wrapped the side I originally left unwrapped but used only one layer on the top instead of the two layers that this Audax version supplies. My reactions to the pads are as follows:

--- Directions and installation are excellent. The cutouts provided in the pads allowed them to be easily wrapped around the bends in the handlebars and the double sided tape held the pads in place very effectively during the wrapping.

--- The fact that the pads only cover the top of the bars eliminated the bulky look created by double wrapping handlebars with cork or synthetic foam tape to provide extra cushioning.

--- The cushioning was excellent. When I rode with one side wrapped and one side unwrapped the difference was striking. Vibration over uneven road surfaces was virtually eliminated even when riding in the drops where there is only one layer of foam. The jarring impact normally felt when I hit ruts in the road was also greatly reduced.

--- Originally I did as directed and put a portion of the pad under the hood (STI levers - Ultegra). The idea of having padding under the hoods sounded great given that most riders spend lots of time in that position. The actual experience was less impressive. First the portion under the hood created a ridge where it ended under the hood on what was normally a flat surface. I didn't like that feeling. Secondly the padding under the hood changed the angle of my hand and arm when riding on the top of the hoods to a position that wasn't comfortable. Third, even if I forced it the padding didn't reach to where most of the pressure is when riding on the hoods. When I wrapped the second side I started the padding immediately behind the hood and found that much more comfortable.

--- I'm also not sure the double padding found in the Audax version is necessary. The single layer absorbed so much of the shock that the double layer on the top seemed like overkill. Perhaps in extremely long rides it would be helpful but for centuries and shorter distances I think one layer on top is sufficient. The double layer is also a bit bulky to the eye.

--- I think these are worth carrying but would suggest you consider the 5mm and 7mm versions* as opposed to the Audax version. Those looking for super padding could always buy two sets and customize both the tops and the drops by using two layers where they want depending on their riding style.

--- These would be worth $15 to $20 to me if I were buying them.

Thanks for the opportunity to try these pads out.

(*note. The manufacturer is condesning the offering to the 7mm Standard set and the extra thick Audax set. That is what we have in stock.)