After upgrading my saddle (see earlier blog post), I also decided to consider upgrading my grips. The reason for this was quite simple. On longer rides (45 mins+) the heels of my hands became numb. I tried a number of different options; gloves with padding, different riding style, different riding position, to name but a few. Sadly all with no avail or success.
Therefore I decided to look into and start to research different grip options. Initially I started on-line, checking out the big e-tailers (Wiggle, Chain Reactions, Evans etc), then some review sites and forums. Sadly for me, nothing obvious or apparent was forthcoming. Therefore I took a trip to my local bike shop and asked their advice. They recommended a pair of Specialised Contour grips.
As you will immediately notice from the picture, the grips are designed ergonomically, under the Specialised Body Geometry range of products.
What initially appealed to me was the simple fact that the grip offered me more surface area to spread the load across my hand, particularly my palm and heel of the hand.
The technical spec and description from Specialised is as follows.....
These extremely comfortable, triple density ergonomic grips are anatomically designed to help cyclists ride longer by reducing hand numbness and fatigue.
- Unique ergonomic design mates seamlessly to the shape of cyclists' hands
- Medically designed by ergonomic specialist Dr. Roger Minkow to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and cycling-related numbness/weakness of the hands, known as Cyclist's Palsy
- Flexible, ergonomically-shaped platform acts as a shock absorber and disperses pressure
- Softest density in key contact area to cushion the ulnar nerve
- Medium density body for secure grip
- Firmest density inner core for secure bar attachment
- Easily installed locking clamp ensures secure attachment
- BG Contour "Regular" Locking Grip - Suitable for majority of riders
- BG Contour "Narrow" Locking Grip - Smaller diameter for more aggressive riding styles or for cyclists with smaller hands
Fitting was very straight-forward. The grips are 'locking grips', making the fitting and securing simple. Removing my old grips was a little more challenging, particularly if you want to remove them in one piece and reuse.
A hint or tip is to grease or lubricate the inside of the grip before you initially slide onto your handlebar. Once the grip is at an angle and position you are happy with, you then "lock" the grip via locking ring (this is the metallic ring at the right end of the grip in the picture above).
This secures the grip in place and ensure no slippage or twisting.
The only real issue and annoyance I have with these grips is the end caps. They are cheap plastic plugs that are very hard to fit. No matter what I tried (heating them up, lubricating, hitting with a rubber mallet) they did not fit either snugly or simply. I will at some stage upgrade to a pair of Hope Grip Doctor bar ends.
Summary
Overall I am very happy with the quality and performance of these grips. I would highly recommend them.
You spelled "Specialized" wrong in one place of your review. Obviously you know there is a "z" in the word, but in one place, you used an "s" instead of a z.
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