Better grips?
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 244
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 206 Post(s)
Liked 38 Times
in
27 Posts
Better grips?
The grips on my Trek Verve2 are functional. My main complaint is that they slip/turn on the bar easily. Is there such a thing as a grip that doesn't do this? Ideally if there was a grip that doesn't slip and was even more comfortable it would be ideal.
#2
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Tons of companies make lock-on grips that use allen bolts to secure the grip to the bar; any local or online bike shop will carry them. They work great, but because they have a stiff inner core, I don't find them to be as comfortable as non-locking grips.
With proper installation, non-locking grips shouldn't twist. Swish some rubbing alcohol inside the grip, and slip them onto your bars. Once on, you can shoot some compressed air between the grip and the bar or use a hair dryer to accelerate the evaporation. Otherwise, wait a day and they should be solid.
I'm using ESI silicone grips these days, and using the method just described, they really stay on the bars, to the point where it's a bit of a pain to take them off!
Hope this helps!
With proper installation, non-locking grips shouldn't twist. Swish some rubbing alcohol inside the grip, and slip them onto your bars. Once on, you can shoot some compressed air between the grip and the bar or use a hair dryer to accelerate the evaporation. Otherwise, wait a day and they should be solid.
I'm using ESI silicone grips these days, and using the method just described, they really stay on the bars, to the point where it's a bit of a pain to take them off!
Hope this helps!
Likes For Rolla:
#3
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,828
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12762 Post(s)
Liked 7,675 Times
in
4,072 Posts
But if you want to stabilize existing grips you can remove the grips, spray some hairspray (aquanet extra super is good stuff) in a grip and slide it onto the bar quickly, let sit for a couple hours. Some guys even go nuts and use spray paint. On the milder side, sometimes removing the grips, cleaning the bar with rubbing alcohol, then pouring a little rubbing alcohol into the grips and quickly pushing them on the bar and letting them sit for a while will sometimes be enough to make them stick.
#4
Junior Member
I use Ergon grips on all my flat-bar bikes - huge improvement over any other grips I've used.
https://smile.amazon.com/Ergon-42410...4-135149aa9081
https://smile.amazon.com/Ergon-42410...4-135149aa9081
Likes For Trocadile:
Likes For GeezyRider:
#6
Senior Member
Hair spray.
#7
Cheerfully low end
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,976
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 645 Post(s)
Liked 1,044 Times
in
667 Posts
I’ve seen recommendations for using hair spray but I’ve always used cheap isopropyl alcohol and it’s worked so well I’ve never needed to try the hairspray.
Also, since you have bars with only a small sweep back, I’d give another nod to those excellent Ergon grips. That’s exactly what they are made for.
I use bars with a lot of sweep and mainly use the grips for riding out of the saddle including braking, so I just need a grip that is grippy and a has a bit of cushion. The Oury mtn bike grips are perfect for that.
Otto
Also, since you have bars with only a small sweep back, I’d give another nod to those excellent Ergon grips. That’s exactly what they are made for.
I use bars with a lot of sweep and mainly use the grips for riding out of the saddle including braking, so I just need a grip that is grippy and a has a bit of cushion. The Oury mtn bike grips are perfect for that.
Otto
Likes For ofajen:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 254
Bikes: my bikes: Old: 1965 Schwinn 10 speed, 72 Monshee 12 speed, 77 Norco 12 speed, 95 Trek 850, two Specialized Crosstrails, 2016 Specialized carbon Sirrus. New 2020 Trek FX1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
14 Posts
+ 3 for the Ergon grips, mine are Ergon GP3's and have a small built in bar end, best grips I've ever had!
Likes For trainchaser:
#9
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 244
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 206 Post(s)
Liked 38 Times
in
27 Posts
Looks interesting. Will it accommodate a Cat Eye mirror that goes into the end of the bar? That's what I currently use. You have to be able to drill a hole in the end of the grip.
#10
Junior Member
No need to drill. Ergons have a separate piece at the end which can either be inserted into the bar as a cap, or left out to leave the bar end open.
Likes For Trocadile:
#11
I’m a little Surly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Near the district
Posts: 2,422
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, a Karate Monkey, a Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 699 Post(s)
Liked 1,294 Times
in
647 Posts
I'm just here to say if you want to try Ergons try the cheap version first their "comfort" is very biased to one hand position.
Likes For Germany_chris:
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 254
Bikes: my bikes: Old: 1965 Schwinn 10 speed, 72 Monshee 12 speed, 77 Norco 12 speed, 95 Trek 850, two Specialized Crosstrails, 2016 Specialized carbon Sirrus. New 2020 Trek FX1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
14 Posts
Likes For trainchaser:
#15
aka Phil Jungels
I used to use Ergon grips, but switched to the Specialized equivalent. I find the Specialized grips very slightly softer rubber, and kinder to my hands.
#16
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,505
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4347 Post(s)
Liked 3,984 Times
in
2,661 Posts
Another vote for Ergon grips, the real ones not the various knockoffs out there. I do not recommend trying cheaper grips to see if you like Ergons I recommend trying Ergons to see if you like Ergons.
The one thing with Ergon grips that I recommend is trying them in different positions. The owner of my shop loves to put them at a fairly extreme upward angle and it works quite well for him and his CTS. Experiment and you will find the right spot. Having tried a lot of different grips on different bikes I use Ergons exclusively on any flat/alt bar bikes I own and wouldn't do anything else. I like the support they give my hands and the better blood flow they provide to prevent numbness and discomfort.
If you have a swept back bar, I highly recommend using the GC1 version of the grips as they are designed for the more swept back bars to keep your hands in a more natural position.
RockBros is cheap knockoff stuff (even the name is knocked off from Crank Brothers) and the fact they needed to be modified to make them to make them comfortable is a good sign to avoid. ESI is probably the grip you are looking for in their Fit line (probably CR), they are higher quality and made right here in America.
The one thing with Ergon grips that I recommend is trying them in different positions. The owner of my shop loves to put them at a fairly extreme upward angle and it works quite well for him and his CTS. Experiment and you will find the right spot. Having tried a lot of different grips on different bikes I use Ergons exclusively on any flat/alt bar bikes I own and wouldn't do anything else. I like the support they give my hands and the better blood flow they provide to prevent numbness and discomfort.
If you have a swept back bar, I highly recommend using the GC1 version of the grips as they are designed for the more swept back bars to keep your hands in a more natural position.
RockBros is cheap knockoff stuff (even the name is knocked off from Crank Brothers) and the fact they needed to be modified to make them to make them comfortable is a good sign to avoid. ESI is probably the grip you are looking for in their Fit line (probably CR), they are higher quality and made right here in America.
Likes For MyRedTrek:
#18
Senior Member
I used ESI Grips chunky for a few years. Really comfortable and they don't slip.
I switched to Aliexpress Rockbros silicone grips as they're as comfortable, don't slip, they're cheaper, and I've discovered they're also more durable.
I switched to Aliexpress Rockbros silicone grips as they're as comfortable, don't slip, they're cheaper, and I've discovered they're also more durable.
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Another vote for Ergon grips, the real ones not the various knockoffs out there. I do not recommend trying cheaper grips to see if you like Ergons I recommend trying Ergons to see if you like Ergons.
The one thing with Ergon grips that I recommend is trying them in different positions. The owner of my shop loves to put them at a fairly extreme upward angle and it works quite well for him and his CTS. Experiment and you will find the right spot. Having tried a lot of different grips on different bikes I use Ergons exclusively on any flat/alt bar bikes I own and wouldn't do anything else. I like the support they give my hands and the better blood flow they provide to prevent numbness and discomfort.
If you have a swept back bar, I highly recommend using the GC1 version of the grips as they are designed for the more swept back bars to keep your hands in a more natural position.
RockBros is cheap knockoff stuff (even the name is knocked off from Crank Brothers) and the fact they needed to be modified to make them to make them comfortable is a good sign to avoid. ESI is probably the grip you are looking for in their Fit line (probably CR), they are higher quality and made right here in America.
The one thing with Ergon grips that I recommend is trying them in different positions. The owner of my shop loves to put them at a fairly extreme upward angle and it works quite well for him and his CTS. Experiment and you will find the right spot. Having tried a lot of different grips on different bikes I use Ergons exclusively on any flat/alt bar bikes I own and wouldn't do anything else. I like the support they give my hands and the better blood flow they provide to prevent numbness and discomfort.
If you have a swept back bar, I highly recommend using the GC1 version of the grips as they are designed for the more swept back bars to keep your hands in a more natural position.
RockBros is cheap knockoff stuff (even the name is knocked off from Crank Brothers) and the fact they needed to be modified to make them to make them comfortable is a good sign to avoid. ESI is probably the grip you are looking for in their Fit line (probably CR), they are higher quality and made right here in America.
Likes For jack1234567:
#21
aka Phil Jungels
Like I said earlier, I have had both Specialized and Ergon, and find the Specialized far more comfortable. I have now switched out all of my Ergons for the Body Geometry ones, and like them a whole lot more. I gave the old ones to the neighborhood kids who needed grips. Win-win!
Bonus on the Specialized grips is they only cost $25, and even come in colors!
Bonus on the Specialized grips is they only cost $25, and even come in colors!
Likes For Wanderer:
#23
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,359
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,214 Times
in
2,362 Posts
The ESI grips come in 11 different colors, at least 3 different thickness and can even be ordered in 2 and 3 color combinations. I have the Extra Chunky on several bikes and really like them. They can be a bit of a bear to put on but they stay put and they are thicker than you’ll get with lock on grips.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#24
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,505
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4347 Post(s)
Liked 3,984 Times
in
2,661 Posts
Like I said earlier, I have had both Specialized and Ergon, and find the Specialized far more comfortable. I have now switched out all of my Ergons for the Body Geometry ones, and like them a whole lot more. I gave the old ones to the neighborhood kids who needed grips. Win-win!
Bonus on the Specialized grips is they only cost $25, and even come in colors!
Bonus on the Specialized grips is they only cost $25, and even come in colors!
#25
jj
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 110 Times
in
78 Posts
As a few others mentioned, clean & reinstall. My pops got me on just using dawn dishsoap back in my bmx days and it’d work fine till I dumped the bike enough times for dirt to work its way up in them again. Rinse ‘n repeat till the grips wore through.
I tried those Ergons for a week or so on a bike I built for a friend. They were neat. Since growing up into road bikes, I’m perfectly happy just using Newbaum’s cloth tape on my commute weapons and have fizik tape on one just because I like how it looks.
I tried those Ergons for a week or so on a bike I built for a friend. They were neat. Since growing up into road bikes, I’m perfectly happy just using Newbaum’s cloth tape on my commute weapons and have fizik tape on one just because I like how it looks.