From a gravel grinders perspective - SRAM SuperCork or Pro Sport Comfort. But all of my hard bitumen riding friends go Super Sticky Kush Classic from Supacaz nowadays.
Yeah, I'd love to put some red bartape on my black & red Trek Checkpoint ALR4 but that gel tape from Bontrager that came with it is really, really comfy and I'm afraid that new bartape won't match that, so I'm pretty hesitant about it. Especially cause I don't have any bike shops in the area which specialize in road or gravel bikes so I'd have to order something. I'd appreciate any suggestions, though.
I like silicone tape. It's easy to install, pleasant grip and won't cut your finger. The original handlebar tape that my merida cyclocross bike had, was something 3mm thick foam with microtex top layer, I think. But the edges were sharp and cutting the back side of finger on hot day when hands get sweaty.. Normally it did not cut, but when my back got tired from too far reach. And I was holding the handlebar tops with just fingers.. the little finger and thumb rear of handlebar and other fingers from front. The edge was cutting into skin of back side of pinky. NowI have 2 layers of handlebar tape. Bottom layer is PRO sportcontrol and top layer is quee sio dura... black! I did chose by material and length.. Price too, but there wasn't much choice all the silicon tapes were expensive and kinda short for second layer. It's not like my hands are big, rather little smaller than average hand of male person. But.. I really feel much more comfortable with little thicker handlebar..
Been using Fabric's Knurl tape for about half a year now. Very cheap, comfy due to the rubberized top and silicone backing, grippy due to the knurled texture pattern and I like its low-key look. Blends well with the look of my daily steel commuter.
Editors... Please turn down the music when the presenters are talking. This is true across all videos. It is very distracting! otherwise, wonderful work....
@Jeff-King's-comment "Editors... Please turn down the music when the presenters are talking. This is true across all videos. It is very distracting! otherwise, wonderful work....": I second that. (Or since @Tomi-Saaranen said it first, I third that).
I used ESI last round. It is very long lasting, and the customer support is incredible. I broke it while wrapping, and they sent me a new roll. On this go around, I got a call from Peter Sagan, and he told me to try Supercaz. I like the installation and feel. Hopefully, it will be long-lasting.
My fav >>> Black Marine Canvas Edging Tape ! Looks perfect for years, easy to re-wrap, too. Low-cost & available everywhere. I double-wrap over old inner-tube inner wrap. Old Italiano tip :-)
Lizard Skins DSP 2.5. Easier to install than the superfat 3.2 but still very comfy. Very grippy and lovely looking as well. And with the best fixing tape for people who wrap from the bottom up.
My 1982 Guerciotti has original hand stitched leather handle bar tape. I put 20+ k on this bike before making it my winter rollers bike. Not much padding, but its lasted nearly 40 years!
I like fizik classic bar tape and i dont use gloves, only mountain bike do i wear gloves. I do have superkaz tape in box for next year use. Using this in up till new years day when i change my bar tape as a celebration!
Just bought a set of supacaz kush silicon gel for my next bike, last pair I had was fizik performance tacky, and before that was lizard skin. Haven't even put it on my bike yet and the supacaz is already my favourite
Great video & presentation! I've got a question about something you did NOT cover. What about those of us who like to put bar-gel UNDER handlebar tape? What type of tape is most compatible with bar-gel? ...so that it keeps it from moving around, or the tape loops bunching up etc.? Personally, I like the fizik bar-gel. I only put it on the top, straight portion, but in two layers (fizik bar-gel is fairly thin, so on ROUND bars two layers does the job). The purpose is to create comfort for the forearms, when riding "puppy-paws" (i.e. "elbow steering" in TT position) I typically do about half my rides in "puppy-paws", but do NOT wish to switch to real TT bars -- for reasons both of travel convenience (bike box packing), as well as position on the bike (you get a fair bit LOWER with "puppy-paws" than TT bars). Thanks for any hints.
Thin and black (I cant stand the look of 6 week old white bar tape that's grey in the middle already) is the common criteria... Other than that, I have a rubbery one for my gravel bike, a velvety one on my road bike and on my touring/commuting bike I have the same indestructible leather/leatherette tape it came with, and it looks as good after 25,000 km as the day I bought it.
1st don't be afraid to ask questions, because your hands need all the comfort while riding your bike. I've used an array of bar tape. From high end to low end. I've tried Cinelli, Bontrager, State, and now I've made a home at Serfas. Serfas has the best from top to bottom tape choices. I've, tested them all. My favorite is the 2 tone stitched bar tape, classic look with modern feel. An my 2nd is their woven and then silicone. Even before I wrap my bars I insert gel pads to add extra comfort. Color does play a roll so take your time in making the right choice. Call ahead or scout it out before making a purchase. I've never been a fan of cork that's just not my preference.
Got some amazing tape with my cannondale, wasnt able to find anything closely as good as that was. Really sticky, no slip even when totally soaked, and soft enough to have no aches in my hand. I want them baaaaack :'(
The Cannondale Synapse and S-Wrap Roubaix bar tapes are the best I've found for riders who don't wear gloves, but for some reason, Cinelli, Fizik, Lkzard Skin, Supacaz, etc, all refuse to make that suede finish EVA foam with gel backing.
Is it weird that i match the bar tape color with the accent color (not the body color) on my frame. For example the triban rc 520 has an orange strip running down the seat stays... So pair it up with orange bottle holders and orange bar tape... Personally, with the dark blue frame color, the orange accents look sick.
All black bike including brand labels, but I have white LOOK Keo pedals and White bottle cages (both salvaged from my previous bike when I upgraded) should I do white bar tape to help tie the pedals and cages in or just wait till I can afford to change out the pedals and cages?#GCNpimpmybike (that needs to be a thing) thanks GCN
Can you go into more detail about bartape material types and features - cork, leather, modern gels etc.? Ive noticed that compared to old styles, modern grips are much more reliable in terms of grip in wet.
Hi Jon!!!!! I have to bikes one road and one mtb and I use in both bikes lizards skins brand with dsp material. Also in the road bike it’s 2.5 mm thick and two color way. See you later!!!!
90% of pro teams still by simple EVA foam tape by the barrel. It's the best stuff out there. Supacaz and LizardSkins are okay but get dirty fast and it's hard to wrap.
I'm using hockey stick tape! hahaha!! it has a great grip, & I've got tons of it in a variety of colors .. it only cost $3/roll -~Just kidding...but not a bad idea; I'll try it sometime :)
@Aramintai not how it is wrapped. Where my hands spend most of the time, the surface just starts coming lose or off. I've not had that issue with others I've used. It is comfortable and has great grip even when wet though.
3t microfiber bar tape for my fast touring. Never rips or wears. Cant fault it. Brooks began bar tape same reliability but feels a bit too solid for some. Waterproof however. Fwe microfiber bar tape. 17.99 identical virtually to lizarskinz without paying the price and its alot more durable than lizardskinz. Then i would choose bontragers microfiber minimalist bar tape if i really wanted to munch miles and keep weight down. Remember narrower bar tape actually gives you more control vs thick but most thin tapes don't last long. This stuff lasts years. I was recommended by a trek enthusiast and ex time trialist. It's the only tape he'd use for its price and reliability. Again you feel the road a tad more but you eventually enjoy the feel of this tape F
Default option is to go for thick tape, especially for newbies, but 2mm just gives great road feel. Anything thicker just feels horrible to me, and don't believe the stuff about absorbing road buzz, it's barely noticable.
I was using a Bontrager tape on my kayak paddle, but I discovered that when I paddle in salt water it was tearing my hands up - I guess the tape was holding the salt and it was acting like an abrasive on my hands. Surprisingly most reviews of bar tape don't tell you whether it absorbs salt water or not.
The problem with being sponsored is showing only one brand. Terror tape? Maybe subtitles will help. His voice isn't so bad that it needs to be covered by music.
The thing I find annoying when shopping for bike stuff at bike stores is how each store seems to only stock one or a Max of two brands. I always walk away thinking "maybe the perfect product for me isn't even at that store but at another one", but who has the time to visit every shop? Hence I blindly buy online and suck it up if it's crap.
All one brand so is more like an advertisement. I like the guy who did this video but I would have rather liked to get an overall view on different types and brands.
I am disappointed. I ride on fizik tape for years and it is not great. It wears down way too fast and does not like heavy weather. It literally disintegrates. I was hoping to get some information on leather bar tape, but instead it was a generic video on trivial aspects of bar tape. You can do better.
DISSAPPOINTING, GCN...Just a repeat flash of the sponsor's new product introductions, which Si already did on the "more motivational" (read: Giveaway) vid. Is it "laterally stiff yet vertically compliant"? Say something NEW! Test some, provide data (how grippy/long-lasting, soft?). Bah.
there are so many options ....... but our friends at fizik ..... .... Do you know that this is illegal in many countries? (mine included) this is an obvious advertisement and you should state it. I like your channel but this is pathetic.
@sysPanda: Why do you think there's a repeated blend in of "Sponsored Promotion" in the beginning?! And in the info box they explicitly state "in association with fi'zik" too! Seriously, what more do you want? A blinking neon sign running across the whole screen "we were bought!"? You might gripe with their amount of sponsored content. That would be a reasonable discussion. Bearing in mind, that beloved GCN started as part of Google's RUclips original channel initiative. And it's owned by a media company (and now Eurosport too), to promote not only cycling and quality cycling content, but "to provide a media channel for the promotion of the parent company's client brands." But I've NEVER seen it not suffiently declared by GCN - whether it's Alta Badia, Oman, Canyon, Trek, Gran Canaria, or the horrible chemical nutrition and protein stuff... It's always with a declaration on the video and in the info box! And they certainly never claim their sponsored brands are the only ones who work. In fact they usually state there are a variety of good options available! So, no. Unless you live in a country where sponsoring and declared product placements itself are illegal, what they do is perfectly fine and legal.
1 - It is OK to title the video "flat vs drop" and then test them on Orbea bikes "kindly provided" BUT it's not OK to title the video "how to choose handlebar tape" and then show only fizik tape as if this is the only option - it should be called "how to choose fizik handlebar tape" 2 - the "sponsored promotion" label is in the player and not in the video itself which is legally different thing and on top of that does not always show - try rewinding the video from the beginning
![Lil Uzi Vert - We Good [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DrSfBULAsek/mqdefault.jpg)
What kind of bar tape is your favourite? Do you have different tape types on different bikes?
I love the factory standard Merida bar tape on my Reacto 400.
From a gravel grinders perspective - SRAM SuperCork or Pro Sport Comfort. But all of my hard bitumen riding friends go Super Sticky Kush Classic from Supacaz nowadays.
Bought cheap tape online with rubbery honeycomb pattern. Grips are good.
Yeah, I'd love to put some red bartape on my black & red Trek Checkpoint ALR4 but that gel tape from Bontrager that came with it is really, really comfy and I'm afraid that new bartape won't match that, so I'm pretty hesitant about it. Especially cause I don't have any bike shops in the area which specialize in road or gravel bikes so I'd have to order something. I'd appreciate any suggestions, though.
I like silicone tape. It's easy to install, pleasant grip and won't cut your finger. The original handlebar tape that my merida cyclocross bike had, was something 3mm thick foam with microtex top layer, I think. But the edges were sharp and cutting the back side of finger on hot day when hands get sweaty.. Normally it did not cut, but when my back got tired from too far reach. And I was holding the handlebar tops with just fingers.. the little finger and thumb rear of handlebar and other fingers from front. The edge was cutting into skin of back side of pinky. NowI have 2 layers of handlebar tape. Bottom layer is PRO sportcontrol and top layer is quee sio dura... black! I did chose by material and length.. Price too, but there wasn't much choice all the silicon tapes were expensive and kinda short for second layer. It's not like my hands are big, rather little smaller than average hand of male person. But.. I really feel much more comfortable with little thicker handlebar..
After the Covid bike rush, my preference changed to bartape that is in stock
Yeah, the same with virtually every component. Use that what's in stock and ride those damn bikes.
I like bar tape that doesn't cost $20+.
Electrical tape is the way to go. Lol
@@jerryjin3427 LOL, now that's a bit too cheap, $10 is the sweet-spot.
True that bro
Fabric Knurl costs about 15-20 £$€apples
Badminton grip tape and bar tape is similar
Been using Fabric's Knurl tape for about half a year now. Very cheap, comfy due to the rubberized top and silicone backing, grippy due to the knurled texture pattern and I like its low-key look. Blends well with the look of my daily steel commuter.
Fantastic and helpful video as usual!
For me, my preferred bar tape is thick bar tapes with padding to absorb road vibrations. Hats off to Jon.
Cheers Omaris!
Anytime! (^_-)
Editors... Please turn down the music when the presenters are talking. This is true across all videos. It is very distracting! otherwise, wonderful work....
I 100% agree
@Jeff-King's-comment "Editors... Please turn down the music when the presenters are talking. This is true across all videos. It is very distracting! otherwise, wonderful work....":
I second that. (Or since @Tomi-Saaranen said it first, I third that).
Darn muzak...awful stuff!
I used ESI last round. It is very long lasting, and the customer support is incredible. I broke it while wrapping, and they sent me a new roll. On this go around, I got a call from Peter Sagan, and he told me to try Supercaz. I like the installation and feel. Hopefully, it will be long-lasting.
Best cycling channel out there. Keep up the excellent work.
I like that even in a sponsored video you managed to give really decent universal advice. Thanks for that! Also, perforated handlebartape looks best!
Can GCN make a video about gloves next?
theyre not fans of gloves because of the tanlines
My fav >>> Black Marine Canvas Edging Tape ! Looks perfect for years, easy to re-wrap, too. Low-cost & available everywhere.
I double-wrap over old inner-tube inner wrap. Old Italiano tip :-)
Lizard Skins DSP 2.5. Easier to install than the superfat 3.2 but still very comfy. Very grippy and lovely looking as well. And with the best fixing tape for people who wrap from the bottom up.
Great vid 👍 silly question but does one side have adhesive or is the tape secured another way? I want the tape for a different use. Thank you.
My 1982 Guerciotti has original hand stitched leather handle bar tape. I put 20+ k on this bike before making it my winter rollers bike. Not much padding, but its lasted nearly 40 years!
Only shellacked cloth bar tape for my vintage bikes(with twine instead of electrical tape of course!)
I like fizik classic bar tape and i dont use gloves, only mountain bike do i wear gloves. I do have superkaz tape in box for next year use. Using this in up till new years day when i change my bar tape as a celebration!
Just bought a set of supacaz kush silicon gel for my next bike, last pair I had was fizik performance tacky, and before that was lizard skin. Haven't even put it on my bike yet and the supacaz is already my favourite
Great video & presentation!
I've got a question about something you did NOT cover.
What about those of us who like to put bar-gel UNDER handlebar tape?
What type of tape is most compatible with bar-gel? ...so that it keeps it from moving around, or the tape loops bunching up etc.?
Personally, I like the fizik bar-gel.
I only put it on the top, straight portion, but in two layers (fizik bar-gel is fairly thin, so on ROUND bars two layers does the job).
The purpose is to create comfort for the forearms, when riding "puppy-paws" (i.e. "elbow steering" in TT position)
I typically do about half my rides in "puppy-paws", but do NOT wish to switch to real TT bars -- for reasons both of travel convenience (bike box packing), as well as position on the bike (you get a fair bit LOWER with "puppy-paws" than TT bars).
Thanks for any hints.
The thicker bar tapes will bunch up using the gel pads. I've used regular thin cork bar tape with good success.
Thin and black (I cant stand the look of 6 week old white bar tape that's grey in the middle already) is the common criteria...
Other than that, I have a rubbery one for my gravel bike, a velvety one on my road bike and on my touring/commuting bike I have the same indestructible leather/leatherette tape it came with, and it looks as good after 25,000 km as the day I bought it.
1st don't be afraid to ask questions, because your hands need all the comfort while riding your bike. I've used an array of bar tape. From high end to low end. I've tried Cinelli, Bontrager, State, and now I've made a home at Serfas. Serfas has the best from top to bottom tape choices. I've, tested them all. My favorite is the 2 tone stitched bar tape, classic look with modern feel. An my 2nd is their woven and then silicone.
Even before I wrap my bars I insert gel pads to add extra comfort. Color does play a roll so take your time in making the right choice. Call ahead or scout it out before making a purchase. I've never been a fan of cork that's just not my preference.
Lizard skins 2.5 is my favorite kind of bat tape. Perfect grip and comfort, intertwined.
Everyone loves a nicely taped bat.
Pete Smyth That is why you have to mix lizards with bats.
I totally disagree unless you get black. It is nearly impossible to clean, peels within a couple of months, and isn't worth the cost.
Got some amazing tape with my cannondale, wasnt able to find anything closely as good as that was. Really sticky, no slip even when totally soaked, and soft enough to have no aches in my hand. I want them baaaaack :'(
Danke Stefan, I'll take a look at that. I've even contacted cannondale to know what grip they are shipping the superx with, but no answer yet :(
The Cannondale Synapse and S-Wrap Roubaix bar tapes are the best I've found for riders who don't wear gloves, but for some reason, Cinelli, Fizik, Lkzard Skin, Supacaz, etc, all refuse to make that suede finish EVA foam with gel backing.
Is it weird that i match the bar tape color with the accent color (not the body color) on my frame. For example the triban rc 520 has an orange strip running down the seat stays... So pair it up with orange bottle holders and orange bar tape... Personally, with the dark blue frame color, the orange accents look sick.
All black bike including brand labels, but I have white LOOK Keo pedals and White bottle cages (both salvaged from my previous bike when I upgraded) should I do white bar tape to help tie the pedals and cages in or just wait till I can afford to change out the pedals and cages?#GCNpimpmybike (that needs to be a thing) thanks GCN
Do I need a roll for each side of the bar or can one roll cover both sides
This is perfect thanks
I prefer thin bar tape since I use gloves. For me the colour matches the brake wires (orange).
Can you go into more detail about bartape material types and features - cork, leather, modern gels etc.? Ive noticed that compared to old styles, modern grips are much more reliable in terms of grip in wet.
Hi Jon!!!!! I have to bikes one road and one mtb and I use in both bikes lizards skins brand with dsp material. Also in the road bike it’s 2.5 mm thick and two color way. See you later!!!!
>how to choose a handlebar tape
>Includes paid promotion
I'd really appreciate some pictures of how the tape does actually look on the bars.
Black... Silicone type or similar... Some kind of interesting pattern stamped on it. Basically Fabric or Supacaz. Job Done. =)
Bontrager's non-adhesive cork tape is lovely, goes on dead easy and cleans up almost like new every time! (I like white bar tape!)
Is tape with adhesive better? I currently have one with none which I've had to rewrap
Seemed like a subtle ad for Fizik
I put £40 I got for £30 Specialised HD pearlescent purple stuff on mine wanted heavy duty stuff as I destroyed the original tape on my 1st ride on it.
I've found handlebar tapes, especially the more recognized brands, to be terribly over-priced. I mean $45 - $70 for BAR TAPE???
I have Fizik bar tape :)
I bought gel cork, when it drys after a rainy day white residue gets all over it!
90% of pro teams still by simple EVA foam tape by the barrel. It's the best stuff out there. Supacaz and LizardSkins are okay but get dirty fast and it's hard to wrap.
I'm using hockey stick tape! hahaha!! it has a great grip, & I've got tons of it in a variety of colors .. it only cost $3/roll -~Just kidding...but not a bad idea; I'll try it sometime :)
Lizard skin 3.2 black ,nothing better!
Nope. It sucks. Doesn't last long at all.
@Aramintai not how it is wrapped. Where my hands spend most of the time, the surface just starts coming lose or off. I've not had that issue with others I've used. It is comfortable and has great grip even when wet though.
3t microfiber bar tape for my fast touring. Never rips or wears. Cant fault it.
Brooks began bar tape same reliability but feels a bit too solid for some. Waterproof however.
Fwe microfiber bar tape. 17.99 identical virtually to lizarskinz without paying the price and its alot more durable than lizardskinz.
Then i would choose bontragers microfiber minimalist bar tape if i really wanted to munch miles and keep weight down. Remember narrower bar tape actually gives you more control vs thick but most thin tapes don't last long. This stuff lasts years. I was recommended by a trek enthusiast and ex time trialist. It's the only tape he'd use for its price and reliability. Again you feel the road a tad more but you eventually enjoy the feel of this tape
F
Default option is to go for thick tape, especially for newbies, but 2mm just gives great road feel. Anything thicker just feels horrible to me, and don't believe the stuff about absorbing road buzz, it's barely noticable.
Ad for Fizik.
The 5 euros one. Always black. As good as any other, 4 times cheaper.
where has Jon gone...he is dang good.
TO GNC tech who won the FSA groupset? havent announce the winner?
it will be announced this week on the GCN Tech Show.
Thankz im just too excited
Can I use handle bar tape on a regular handle bar like not those weird curved ones can I use the tape on a regular handle bar
Get Supacaz!
Cloth bar tape finished with shellac is the best, bar none.
Fabric Knurl is THE handlebar tape. You're welcome.
I was using a Bontrager tape on my kayak paddle, but I discovered that when I paddle in salt water it was tearing my hands up - I guess the tape was holding the salt and it was acting like an abrasive on my hands. Surprisingly most reviews of bar tape don't tell you whether it absorbs salt water or not.
When you like it on your handlebars, you'll likely enjoy it on your tennis racket.
Haha lol
So what I'm hearing is that the classic bar tape is the best choice for those of us with "grubby little hands"??? :-)
The problem with being sponsored is showing only one brand. Terror tape? Maybe subtitles will help.
His voice isn't so bad that it needs to be covered by music.
The thing I find annoying when shopping for bike stuff at bike stores is how each store seems to only stock one or a Max of two brands. I always walk away thinking "maybe the perfect product for me isn't even at that store but at another one", but who has the time to visit every shop? Hence I blindly buy online and suck it up if it's crap.
#askGCNanything
Why no one wrap bartape over hud rubbers? I think that best table feel better on hand than slippery rubber.
Can ya get it in orange?
Hockey tape! 👍
John found his true calling! Love the elevator music
Closely related is the poor grip on the hoods while riding in the rain. Scary.
Its also for the cold. Hands on bare metal on a cold day !
🌻
supacaz super sticky kush silicone
Lizard skin 2.5 or 3.2.
Otherwise I really like the $5 cork tapes from eBay.
No cloth tape? :(
Of course handlebar tape should match your saddle. They are to be white, and of Italian make.
#orec
Sponsored by Fizik
My road bike is a black , gray and green for the memes
I swear by the original tape can u buy the original bar tape to replace
I use ductape or electrical tape :)
W T F cotton track tape is fine for me and my dad 50 years ago !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought my bar tape at Wal-Mart 🐴
All one brand so is more like an advertisement. I like the guy who did this video but I would have rather liked to get an overall view on different types and brands.
Heya - as we have mentioned before we don't do reviews, and we're using fizik bar tape here as they're our sponsor. Hope that helps!
Anyone out there tried the Supacaz super sticky Kush tape? thoughts on it?
Evan Williams yes. It tore when fitting it around Di2 sprint shifters. Returned. I've gone back to Lizard Skins.
Cork and it must be orange.
Supcaz all the way ! :))
One company makes almost all the bar tapes in the world so... it's quite funny to compare them when they all come from the same factory.
Best tape is no tape because weight wheenism and weight over function.
Lizard skins. 3.2mm. YELLOW!
Focus game strong at 5:02
Brand$ are overacted &
The rules says... BLACK BLACK BLACK
Zwift commercials are annoying!
This video is an ad
I am disappointed. I ride on fizik tape for years and it is not great. It wears down way too fast and does not like heavy weather. It literally disintegrates. I was hoping to get some information on leather bar tape, but instead it was a generic video on trivial aspects of bar tape. You can do better.
There is nothing wrong with making 7 min long add for a single sponsor. So stop being ashamed of it and finish that video title ...from Fizik range.
And they don't even make foam tape
DISSAPPOINTING, GCN...Just a repeat flash of the sponsor's new product introductions, which Si already did on the "more motivational" (read: Giveaway) vid.
Is it "laterally stiff yet vertically compliant"?
Say something NEW! Test some, provide data (how grippy/long-lasting, soft?). Bah.
They are just saying what they want them to say.
there are so many options ....... but our friends at fizik ..... .... Do you know that this is illegal in many countries? (mine included) this is an obvious advertisement and you should state it. I like your channel but this is pathetic.
@sysPanda: Why do you think there's a repeated blend in of "Sponsored Promotion" in the beginning?! And in the info box they explicitly state "in association with fi'zik" too! Seriously, what more do you want? A blinking neon sign running across the whole screen "we were bought!"?
You might gripe with their amount of sponsored content. That would be a reasonable discussion. Bearing in mind, that beloved GCN started as part of Google's RUclips original channel initiative. And it's owned by a media company (and now Eurosport too), to promote not only cycling and quality cycling content, but "to provide a media channel for the promotion of the parent company's client brands."
But I've NEVER seen it not suffiently declared by GCN - whether it's Alta Badia, Oman, Canyon, Trek, Gran Canaria, or the horrible chemical nutrition and protein stuff... It's always with a declaration on the video and in the info box! And they certainly never claim their sponsored brands are the only ones who work. In fact they usually state there are a variety of good options available! So, no. Unless you live in a country where sponsoring and declared product placements itself are illegal, what they do is perfectly fine and legal.
1 - It is OK to title the video "flat vs drop" and then test them on Orbea bikes "kindly provided" BUT it's not OK to title the video "how to choose handlebar tape" and then show only fizik tape as if this is the only option - it should be called "how to choose fizik handlebar tape"
2 - the "sponsored promotion" label is in the player and not in the video itself which is legally different thing and on top of that does not always show - try rewinding the video from the beginning