Fizik

Yes there are bar tapes that are more sticky, and softer and maybe have more flair to them, but this is my go to every time. It's simple, it has enough tackiness while not feeling like I'm glued to the handlebar, it's soft for a road bike, maybe not enough if you do a lot of gravel. If you want more cushion or need a little more damped

Road vibration probably put a layer of cork or cushion underneath otherwise I think it's the best all around basic bar tape. I think lizard skinz is overrated and is too tacky for my liking, plus this seems to wear much better.

I've only logged about 300 miles with this bar tape, but so far, I really like the look and feel. I've used many Fizik leather and synthetic rubber bar tapes and all have been good and long lasting. The rubber coating feels thick and durable and I can't to put them on my other bikes too. The design looks great on top of everything. You can wrap it with the white writing showing or have it be more incognito with the black letters showing (for my black colored bar tape). Most of the other bar tapes on the market like Supacaz & LizardSkin are tacky feeling but they don't last even a few hundred miles before they start to show wear and they aren't cheap.

I have low volume, long, relatively narrow feet and these are the best fitting shoes I've ever had. I used the Fizik sizing method and it put me in a 46, which is spot-on. These are the first shoes I've had where I didn't have to cinch them down super tight to keep my foot from sliding forward. In fact, I barely have to tighten the boas at all, and my foot is pretty locked in. I've seen complaints that they're a challenge to put on, and for "normal" feet I can see it. I have no issues.

The downside is that only thin socks work for me. If I wear a thicker (but not thick) sock, they get a bit too tight and uncomfortable. A half-size larger might be better, but then i worry about losing the locked-in feeling. Thin socks coupled with the very breezy mesh upper makes these a summer-only shoe for sure.

I don't love the insole, but the Specialized BG from my old shoes were too thick and made the fit too tight. I haven't tried anything else yet.

The full-retail cost is insane. I got them during a pretty good sale, and would recommend hunting for a sale before plunking down the $$$$. That said, they do tick all the boxes for premium shoes - crazy stiff sole, great boas, super light, and so far they've been easy to care for.

I recently upgraded to the Fizik Vento Argo R3 Adaptive Saddle, and it's been a massive improvement for my endurance rides. I have it mounted on my Canyon Grail Gen 1, and the 3D-printed padding handles the rougher gravel routes around Spokane perfectly. The adaptive zones provide the exact right balance of support and pressure relief, particularly when I'm dialed in on the double-decker bars pushing a hard pace. If you're putting in long miles and need a saddle that keeps you comfortable without sacrificing power transfer, this is absolutely worth the investment.