Improved strain sensitivity of critical currentsIcof the multicored over the monocored (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10–Ag tapes is shown for bending strains, but not for axial tensile strains. The improved mechanical tolerance is due, in part, to a better alignment of the Bi‐cuprate platelets achieved in the multicored tapes. Furthermore, the difference in the response to these tapes to axial tensile and bending strains is due to the difference in the precise manner in which the strains are applied to the tapes. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.