Grip question
 

A few weeks ago both handlebar grips became loose and one fell off and
was lost. So I had the LBS replace them. Once again they have become
loose. They're sort of half-grips since the bike has grip shifts.

The LBS used some sort of glue and told me to wait 24 hours before use
and I did. But the LBS here at work suggests not using glue but just
cleaning the handlebar thoroughly with alcohol and using a bit of
water in new grips while sliding them on. Apparently the suction
created is sufficient to keep them on.

I scanned previous threads for the subject of grips but only come up
with the suggestion to use Oury grips. A quick look at Nashbar shows
those but they are full length and I don't see a way to cut them down
to fit, nor does it answer the question of how to keep them on.

I know I can't be the only one with this problem because just
yesterday I saw a grip in the bike lane (not my lost one). It was the
half-grip type so I suspect that kind is more of a problem than with
full grips.

Suggestions are now in order.

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 10:28:46 -0400, dgk
wrote:

A few weeks ago both handlebar grips became loose and one fell off and
was lost. So I had the LBS replace them. Once again they have become
loose. They're sort of half-grips since the bike has grip shifts.

The LBS used some sort of glue and told me to wait 24 hours before use
and I did. But the LBS here at work suggests not using glue but just
cleaning the handlebar thoroughly with alcohol and using a bit of
water in new grips while sliding them on. Apparently the suction
created is sufficient to keep them on.

I scanned previous threads for the subject of grips but only come up
with the suggestion to use Oury grips. A quick look at Nashbar shows
those but they are full length and I don't see a way to cut them down
to fit, nor does it answer the question of how to keep them on.

I know I can't be the only one with this problem because just
yesterday I saw a grip in the bike lane (not my lost one). It was the
half-grip type so I suspect that kind is more of a problem than with
full grips.

Suggestions are now in order.

I've used clear lacquer from spray cans, sprayed on the inside of the
grip. At an art supply store, this would be sold as 'fixative' for
charcoal drawings, etc., or as a clearcoat. The present can I have is
from Blair, I believe.

At a hardware store, this would be sold as a brass clear coat. At a
drug store, it would be hairspray.

It dries quickly, so be prepared to put the handle on and position it.
Dries within a day or less. Easily removed using a thin screwdriver
and some windex.

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 10:28:46 -0400, dgk wrote:

Suggestions are now in order.

The best grip period is the Ritchey True Grip. Awesomely comfy, simple,
and durable. REI stocks them and you should easily find them online.

I've never had a failure with this method: clean bar, spray cheap
hairspray (aqua-net) on bar, slide on grip, wait for it to dry.

"dgk" wrote in message
...
A few weeks ago both handlebar grips became loose and one fell off and
was lost. So I had the LBS replace them. Once again they have become
loose. They're sort of half-grips since the bike has grip shifts.

The LBS used some sort of glue and told me to wait 24 hours before use
and I did. But the LBS here at work suggests not using glue but just
cleaning the handlebar thoroughly with alcohol and using a bit of
water in new grips while sliding them on. Apparently the suction
created is sufficient to keep them on.

I scanned previous threads for the subject of grips but only come up
with the suggestion to use Oury grips. A quick look at Nashbar shows
those but they are full length and I don't see a way to cut them down
to fit, nor does it answer the question of how to keep them on.

I know I can't be the only one with this problem because just
yesterday I saw a grip in the bike lane (not my lost one). It was the
half-grip type so I suspect that kind is more of a problem than with
full grips.

Suggestions are now in order.



You can use alcohol or even water to get enough lubricating action to get
the grip on, relying on friction after the fluid dries. If there isn't
enough friction, or water gets under the grip, they're apt to come loose.
To deal with this, there is a spectrum of possibilities, at one end, you
have mild adhesives, 2 favorites of mine are hairspray and tire patching
cement. These may or may not be sufficient. At the far end, my 2 favorites
are contact cement or wire. Contact cement usually requires a 15 min setup
time, but that won't work with grips, so I slide the grip on immediately
over the wet cement. Actually, any kind of adhesive that grips smooth
surfaces and has some flex would work (RTV?). The problem with strong
adhesives is that you usually have to slit & peel the grip to get it off,
where with milder glues you can break the bond with a thin screwdriver and
a little patience. Wiring involves taking a loop around the grip, twisting
the ends tight, then folding the cut ends into the grip. You need to wire
both ends. If done right, it's nearly invisible and can be removed without
much trouble.

The LBS used some sort of glue and told me to wait 24 hours before use
and I did. But the LBS here at work suggests not using glue but just
cleaning the handlebar thoroughly with alcohol and using a bit of
water in new grips while sliding them on. Apparently the suction
created is sufficient to keep them on.

The problem is that there's some kind of coating on your handlebar that's
preventing the grip from sticking. Sometimes you can lightly sand it off,
but you run the risk of making things worse if the bar is slightly
undersized. Best adhesive for stuff like this is 3M Fastack. I seriously
doubt you'll have a problem with the grips coming off with Fastack.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


"dgk" wrote in message
...
A few weeks ago both handlebar grips became loose and one fell off and
was lost. So I had the LBS replace them. Once again they have become
loose. They're sort of half-grips since the bike has grip shifts.

The LBS used some sort of glue and told me to wait 24 hours before use
and I did. But the LBS here at work suggests not using glue but just
cleaning the handlebar thoroughly with alcohol and using a bit of
water in new grips while sliding them on. Apparently the suction
created is sufficient to keep them on.

I scanned previous threads for the subject of grips but only come up
with the suggestion to use Oury grips. A quick look at Nashbar shows
those but they are full length and I don't see a way to cut them down
to fit, nor does it answer the question of how to keep them on.

I know I can't be the only one with this problem because just
yesterday I saw a grip in the bike lane (not my lost one). It was the
half-grip type so I suspect that kind is more of a problem than with
full grips.

Suggestions are now in order.

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 16:05:57 GMT, "Mike Jacoubowsky"
wrote:

The LBS used some sort of glue and told me to wait 24 hours before use
and I did. But the LBS here at work suggests not using glue but just
cleaning the handlebar thoroughly with alcohol and using a bit of
water in new grips while sliding them on. Apparently the suction
created is sufficient to keep them on.

The problem is that there's some kind of coating on your handlebar that's
preventing the grip from sticking. Sometimes you can lightly sand it off,
but you run the risk of making things worse if the bar is slightly
undersized. Best adhesive for stuff like this is 3M Fastack. I seriously
doubt you'll have a problem with the grips coming off with Fastack.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


Ok, thanks to everyone. Hairspray and if that doesn't hold, Fastack.
Or they get wired.

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 15:40:48 GMT, maxo wrote:

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 10:28:46 -0400, dgk wrote:

Suggestions are now in order.

The best grip period is the Ritchey True Grip. Awesomely comfy, simple,
and durable. REI stocks them and you should easily find them online.

I've never had a failure with this method: clean bar, spray cheap
hairspray (aqua-net) on bar, slide on grip, wait for it to dry.



This even looks like it's made for grip shifts!

http://www.yuccadune.com/product91.html

I always balk when the shipping is more than the item. I'll check the
LBSs first.

Dan Daniel wrote in message . ..
On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 10:28:46 -0400, dgk
wrote:

A few weeks ago both handlebar grips became loose and one fell off and
was lost. So I had the LBS replace them.

What the heck does LBS stand for? Lying Bull Sh*tters? I work in
public construction, that's all that comes to my mind. I think I
should get a job in a profession more in tune with my feminine side.
If I have one.
Peace.

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 15:28:44 -0400, dgk wrote:

This even looks like it's made for grip shifts!

http://www.yuccadune.com/product91.html

Nice. Never seen the shark pattern before, I've always just used the
smooth hexagonal ones. Should be just as good.

What I like about them is the brilliant amount of cushion and the smooth
finish, so they're great on city bikes where you might go gloveless and
not get a logo imprinted on your palm, and I'm sure they're great off road
too. The cushion increases the diameter so adult hands are more comfy.

Let us know what brand of hair spray works for ya. LOL :D

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 15:28:44 -0400, dgk wrote:

This even looks like it's made for grip shifts!

Here's the model I use, not for GS, but a razor blade will take care of
that--they're very easy to cut. Still the shipping price is always stupid
on small stuff...


http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4500801