When to replace bar tape?

[smittykitty]

DH is replacing his dirty white bar tape with black. I'm ok with just cleaning mine, but wondering if the padding starts to fail a bit over time.
My bike is 4 or 5 years old. With moderately heavy summer riding.
No idea how many miles I've ridden.
Anyone know if there is a general rule on the life of gel tape? Thanks.

[pll]

You can replace it whenever it gets ugly, or you get bored with it, or when the cables are replaced, whatever comes first.

[smittykitty]

So if I find something I like better than what I have?! Great, kinda like everything else I seem to buy!!! I like that! Right now I'm more interested in a new jersey and shorts. TE here I come!

Thanks ladies.

[pll]

Always happy to aid and abet spending on cycling-related stuff.

[smittykitty]

Muirenn, Sounds like I need to check out the Lizards Skins tape. Why do you like it so much. Padding, grip, looks???

I just ordered new shorts, so guess I'm loving the white tape, at least for now! Oh, and I really "need" a new jersey, but which one????????!!!!!!!

[pll]

Really a personal choice, like every contact point in the bike. I tried Lizard Skins tape and lasted about 2-3 weeks on it. I did not like the feeling of it on my fingers. I use Fizik superlight glossy bar tape with gel pads.

[pll]

Yeah, a guy in my office hates the stuff. :)

I've never felt the Fizik glossy, looks beautiful in pictures, though.

Something that might be unique to the glossy tape: fellow cyclists tend to "pet" my handlebars when the bike is leaned against a counter in a bike shop or against a wall in front of a coffee shop. :cool:

[Whocautencen]

I love leather, the feel and the way it wears and ages. Ive moved brooks tape from bike to bike more than once. Ive got rolls of brooks spare but next might buy some DiPell, made in Melbourne.