Recently I got some really nice, grippy, soft grips on my mtb and they were so nice and light even it made me wonder if:
Anyone run grips instead of tape on aero bars?
I think the problem you’ll find is that aside from the few grips made specifically for aero bars, the grips on the market (such as those for mountain bikes) will not fit on your aero bars. The aero extensions are much smaller in diameter than a mountain handlebar, so the mountain grips won’t fit. Profile design does make these, though: http://www.profile-design.com/profile-design/products/bars-wraps---grips/all-bars-wraps---grips
I run old school Profile cushion on mine. It’s the sleeve they used to package with the original 1 piece bars an eon ago. Works great
I got the PD aero grips linked above, and so far so good. They are comfortable, and I hated having tape come loose, so that is another good thing about them. So far I am pleased with them, wouldn’t really go back to tape, but haven’t had them in heat or many outdoor rides yet.
Brent
I’ve wanted to try the Syntace version, which looks a little more minimal than the Profile:
My original tape is still holding up OK, but when it comes time to replace it, I’m going to try going no-tape at all (well, probably some electrical tape to tuck in the cables). Heck, 99% of the time, I’m just resting my hands up there - I don’t really see the need for any cushy tape or pads at all.
On my Vuka bar brake pod extensions (WTH are those things called? Is that the bull horn? I never get that right…), I don’t use any tape or grip any more. Works fine for me.
Cheers, Chris
EDIT: I use s-curve extensions, not ski handles, so that admittedly makes a difference…
I’ve been going tapeless on my aero bars for a while now. When I’m using the bars, my weight’s on the elbow pads, so when I peeled off the old nasty tape that was on there when I got the bike, I saw no reason to re-tape.
Works great, cuts down on the weight.
Recently I got some really nice, grippy, soft grips on my mtb and they were so nice and light even it made me wonder if:
Anyone run grips instead of tape on aero bars?
Yes, Felt has been using the Tri-Tip grips which help facilitate the flippable function of the base bar while maintaining an “upturned” end on the otherwise straight hand position where the brake lever mounts.
They are available from our Felt Dealers or our website and remain a popular item. As a poster above mentioned there are different diameters in base bars so they may not fit every bar on the market. They work great with the Bayonet handlebars.
Those look great, I will keep an eye open for them. Right now I use nothing, but I do Sprints, so comfort isn’t as big an issue.
I’ve been using this for a few years now. Have it on my aero bars & it also stretched over my Profile T2 wings just fine. The are a well regarded Mtn bike grip that he has made available for road bikes. I orderd a cstom length so I could cut it for the aerobars a needed. They really cut the vibration out on rough roads. Won’t go back. Easy to clean.
Barb
http://www.esigrips.com/Silicone_Road_Grips.htm
check out all the reviews
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/controls/bar-tape/esi-grips/PRD_366178_2478crx.aspx
I’ve used these:
http://lizardskins.com/...ps/bar-end-grip-long
2mm neoprene grips. I found them more comfortable then regular bar tape, especially in the wet. They fit perfectly around curved or S-bend style extensions. I had them on my now outlawed (thank you UCI) Oval bars, and got an extra pair to install on my USE Tula bars, but I’ve been using those bare. If I do put anything on, it will be these Lizard skins.
Hi Nick,
Did you ever try these syntace aero race grips? If so, what were your thoughts? I want to get some new grips but I don’t want anything to bulky or thick. What are you using right now? I’m looking for something for a 9.9 SC on the extensions and maybe even the base bar.
Cheers
Do they work with the vision aluminum basebar? Looking to get rid of tape and go with grips but wasn’t sure if they’d fit.
What diameter are they?
As a poster above mentioned there are different diameters in base bars so they may not fit every bar on the market. They work great with the Bayonet handlebars.
Do they work with the vision aluminum basebar? Looking to get rid of tape and go with grips but wasn’t sure if they’d fit.
Nope, the smaller 22mm diameter Vision uses presents a problem as does the upturned ends.
A small chunk of “soaker hose” from a gardening shop works great and is smaller, flexible, thin, absorbant and gives added grip/cushion.
-SD
Hi Nick, Did you ever try these syntace aero race grips? What are you using right now?
I haven’t tried them. I’m still using Arundel Gecko tape (same as Shimano Digital). I like it a lot. But on the shifters, most of my hand is on the pod, because I grip around the front. So I ended up putting skateboard grip tape all over my Di2 shifter pods, because I kept sliding off the smooth plastic:
out of curiosity, why do some of you use tape/grips on your basebars? Do you frequently ride on the basebars?
fwiw, i borrow/steal griptape from my son.
out of curiosity, why do some of you use tape/grips on your basebars? Do you frequently ride on the basebars?
I tape the bullhorns because when I am on them is when I really need a good grip. That’s sharp corners, braking, climbing, etc. I don’t really see a need for tape on the extensions, but I do anyways because I think it looks cleaner, and I find it more comfortable to have something a little wider to rest my hands on.
Ok thanks for the response.
When you guys say tape, what are you referencing? Regular bar tape? I’ve always used climbing tape, the kind you buy to wrap your hands for rock climbing. It’s cheap and adds some grip to the bar and I’m sure it’s lighter than regular bar tape (though obviously this is negligible).