AMS Bar Tape

Trusted by the Pros

AMS Bar Tape is used by the Spanish UCI ProTeam Caja Rural–Seguros RGA during the 2026 and 2027 racing seasons. Across the range, Sterrato and Tessel have been selected for their grip, control, comfort, and clean installation in elite-level competition.

Performance components. Classified by use.

Bar tape is not just padding. It is a performance component that affects grip, vibration, fatigue, and feel over time.

At AMS, we design bar tape the same way riders choose tyres or grips: by purpose, not by vague comfort claims.

Different rides demand different feel. This collection reflects that.

How to choose AMS Bar Tape

Choose based on what matters most to you at the bars.

Direct control and clarity
Choose Tessel 1.8 mm for fast road riding, race pace, and a denser, more direct feel.

Balanced feel for long road and all-road rides
Choose Tessel 2.5 mm for more comfort, more support, and a controlled performance feel across mixed road surfaces.

Maximum damping for rough surfaces and big days
Choose Sterrato 2.5 mm for gravel, endurance road, rough roads, and long rides where vibration and fatigue matter more than immediate sharpness.

Feel comes first.
But design is not neutral.

Sterrato uses a more flowing, organic pattern that aligns with endurance, gravel, and adventure riding. It reflects continuity, comfort, and time in the saddle.

Tessel uses a more technical, structured pattern, directly linked to AMS frame protection. It reflects precision, density, and performance-focused riding.

Surface feel is part of the choice. Sterrato is glossier and tackier in hand. Tessel is matte and more mechanical.

Both designs are intentional. They communicate how the product is meant to be used, not just how it looks.

What is AMS Bar Tape, and what makes it special?

AMS Bar Tape is designed for riders who care about control, comfort, and clean installation across road, all-road, gravel, and endurance riding. Across the collection, AMS uses a premium dual-layer construction with an EVA foam base and PU top layer, delivering grip, vibration damping, and durability. A gel strip on the back adds cushioning and secure placement without permanent adhesive, making wrapping easier and cleaner.

Sterrato is the benchmark tape in the range: planted, cushioned, and especially strong on rough roads and long rides. Tessel adds a denser, more performance-oriented feel, available in both a direct 1.8 mm version and a more balanced 2.5 mm version.

How does it perform long term?

In AMS’s real-world test, Sterrato Bar Tape was ridden for almost 10,000 km across gravel, tarmac, and wet conditions. It maintained comfort, grip, and appearance with minimal wear, proving its durability and all-condition performance.

That long-term durability is one of the reasons Sterrato became the benchmark for the AMS bar tape range. Tessel builds on the same product philosophy, but with a more road and all-road focused feel.

What features set AMS premium bar tape apart?

Superior grip: secure control in dry, wet, and sweaty conditions.
Gel-backed cushioning: extra comfort and vibration absorption without bulk.
Flexible construction: allows riders and mechanics to fine-tune feel during wrapping.
Residue-free installation and removal: clean, easy setup without permanent adhesive.
Durable PU surface: resists tearing and abrasion over time.

Each model then builds on this in a different way:

Tessel 1.8 mm focuses on direct control and performance road feel.
Tessel 2.5 mm adds comfort and balance for longer road and all-road use.
Sterrato 2.5 mm maximizes damping and planted feel for gravel and endurance riding.

How do I install AMS Bar Tape correctly?

1. Remove any old tape and clean the handlebar surface.
2. Start wrapping from the bar ends inward, overlapping about one-third of the tape width.
3. The gel strip helps keep the tape in place, so you can adjust tension easily without sticky residue.
4. Fine-tune the final feel through stretch and overlap, depending on how much damping you want at the hoods, tops, or drops.
5. Finish with the included end plugs and finishing tape.

How often should I replace or refresh the bar tape?

Depending on mileage, weather, and conditions, most riders replace bar tape every season or once grip and cushioning feel reduced. AMS bar tapes are designed for long-term use, but the right moment to replace them depends on how and where you ride.

If you ride rough roads, gravel, or high mileage all year, Sterrato and Tessel will both outlast many standard tapes thanks to their PU surface and gel-backed construction.

Can I reposition or reuse it after removing?

Yes. Because there is no permanent adhesive, AMS Bar Tape can be unwrapped and adjusted during installation. However, like any bar tape, once fully removed and used, rewrapping may affect grip, stretch, and final appearance.

How do I clean bar tape?

Wipe with mild soap and water. Avoid aggressive solvents or degreasers that may damage the PU finish or EVA foam underneath.

Lighter colors may need more frequent cleaning. As with any performance bar tape, regular maintenance helps preserve both grip and appearance over time.

Why Choose Gravel and Road Bar Tape for Your Rides?

Upgrading your handlebar tape is not just a cosmetic choice. It is a performance decision for any cyclist riding road, all-road, gravel, or endurance routes.

Premium road and gravel bar tape helps absorb vibration, improve grip, and reduce fatigue in your hands and wrists. It changes how the bike feels over time, especially on broken roads, rough tarmac, gravel sectors, and long rides.

Whether you want direct road feel, balanced all-road comfort, or maximum damping for rougher surfaces, the right bar tape can transform the feel of your cockpit without unnecessary bulk.

Explore all AMS bar tape models, or dive deeper with our guide to the best bar tape options for gravel and all-road riding.

Features That Set Premium Bar Tape Apart

When it comes to choosing the right bar tape, not all materials and constructions are the same. The AMS bar tape collection combines technological innovation with ergonomic design to deliver real differences in feel, grip, damping, and control.

Sterrato stands out for its planted feel, tackier surface, high damping, and endurance-oriented comfort.
Tessel stands out for its denser feel, more mechanical surface grip, and clearer road-performance positioning.

Superior grip in all weather conditions thanks to high-quality PU top surfaces.

Shock-absorbing gel backing to minimize road buzz and reduce hand fatigue.

Different thickness options tuned for direct control, balanced comfort, or maximum damping.

Flexible construction for tuning feel during wrapping.

Residue-free installation and removal, making tape changes easier and cleaner.

With a length of 215 cm and width of 3 cm, AMS bar tapes fit a wide range of handlebar sizes and shapes. Whether you are racing, riding all-road, exploring gravel, or doing long endurance days, they are a reliable upgrade that improves comfort and control.

9000+ km Test on This Bar Tape – Is It Still Rideable?

What makes AMS Sterrato special is not only its initial feel, but how it holds up over time. In long-term use across gravel, tarmac, and wet conditions, it kept its grip, comfort, and appearance far better than many riders would expect.

That real-world durability is part of what shaped the AMS bar tape range as it exists today.

Check our 9000+ km Sterrato test