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.