Advice wanted for new grips

[John F]

Went for a longish ride yesterday on my Woosh Santana, after which I decided the handlebar grips might be improved as they are rather hard. My (unassisted) Ridgeback has thick rubber grips which are better.

The Woosh has swept back bars and also a throttle, so this would need to be taken into account. The choice seems to be extensive.

I am wondering whether replacement grips are available for bikes with throttles, and whether you can get ones which are fixed by screws rather just friction types.

Any suggestions?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

If it were my bike, I'd get rid if the full-width throttle, and fit a thumb-throttle instead. Then you can fit any grips you want.

With a thumb-throttle, you can grip the bars better and you're less likely to inadvertently operate the throttle.

 

[John F]

If it were my bike, I'd get rid if the full-width throttle, and fit a thumb-throttle instead. Then you can fit any grips you want.

With a thumb-throttle, you can grip the bars better and you're less likely to inadvertently operate the throttle.

I agree with you re inadvertently operating the throttle, but otherwise I like the twist grip. To me it controls the power very well so I'm in no rush to change it.

Are you implying that I can't change the grips whilst retaining the throttle?

My grips are marked 'Wuxing" are 115mm long and are similar, though handed, both sides

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Are you implying that I can't change the grips whilst retaining the throttle?

Yes. The larger diameter of the throttle means that you can't use any of the standard ones. You can get foam ones that stretch. You should try a thumb throttle. I can't get on with a twist-grip now that I'm used to alternatives. They make the bike feel much less in control, plus, they break easily when you're pedalling hard.

 

[KirstinS]

I have problems in my hands and wrists. I find the swept back bars and these grips sort me right out

Selle Monte Grappa Paia Manopole Leather Grips

They have a good ampount of "squish" to them and very comfy (match my Brooks saddle as well but thats just pure vanity!)

Clearly wont just fit - i have thumb throttle

But - if you look at picture - there is stiching down one side that might be cut/loosened to widen the grip and fit. With a bit of ingeniuty should be feasable ?

I think I have one old grip in a drwaer in shed. You are welcome to it for cost of postage if you want to experiment before splashing out on a new set

cheers
KirstinS

 

[John F]

Interesting stuff thanks.

D8veh - How would I break the throttle when pedalling hard? Are you saying throttles are intrinsically more unreliable? However you are slowly convincing me! How much is a thumb throttle and are they straitforward to fit?

Kirstin - thanks for the offer. I'll think about it. I must say they look good!

John F

 

[Deleted member 4366]

They're only made of plastic. Some are stronger than others. I've broken two full-width ones both the same way. I was pedalling hard going up a hill with the throttle against the stop to get maximum assistance. The hard pedalling meant that I was pulling on the bars quite hard. Then I hit a pot-hole/bump and my weight was transferred to the throttle stop, which broke. When it breaks, you end up with permanent half-throttle unless you switch off, but if you do switch off, you won't get any power when you switch on again because the controller has to see zero throttle when it initialises otherwise it won't give power. You don't get that problem with a thumb-throttle because your weight is on the grip, not the throttle.

Most throttles have the same white three-pin connector, so you only have to thread it through to the controller and connect it; however, you often need to remove the connector to thread it through. Even if the connector is different, you can cut the connectors off both throttles, thread it through and join the wires. Easier still, you can cut and join the wires at the throttle end if threading through is tricky.

I get mine from BMSBattery, but I've run out of them now. Buy 10 of them to get the postage down and then make a profit by selling the rest on Ebay. They cost about £3 plus postage, but they're selling for about £18 on Ebay.
Thumb Level Throttle with Battery Meter and a Switch - BMSBATTERY

 

[KirstinS]

Interesting stuff thanks.

D8veh - How would I break the throttle when pedalling hard? Are you saying throttles are intrinsically more unreliable? However you are slowly convincing me! How much is a thumb throttle and are they straitforward to fit?

Kirstin - thanks for the offer. I'll think about it. I must say they look good!

John F

No probs John - just send me a pm with your address if you want it

Cheers
K

 

[Ettica]

Hi Jon

I got a few hundred of these foam grips a few years ago, got loads left. They are Black (not red lol) internal dia. 22mm

Foam Grips - Foam Grip - Handle Grip - Handle Grip - Component Force - UK

I cut 2 down to fit on my stealth, for more comfort. Really nice feel. They will stretch but whether they will stretch enough I don't know, but if you want a couple foc, then just pm me.

Here they are with my San Miquel end stoppers

 

[Mike63]

Hi...I have these foam grips on my standard mountain bike....very comfortable indeed.
....should've got 'em for my Sirocco but bought rubber grips with a slight excrusion for the thumb pad.
Unless I'm missing something, just cut down to size for the throttle side.
...sorry if I'm stating the obvious.
.....Mike

 

[103Alex1]

If you do fit a thumb throttle these grips are really comfy :

Ergon, GP1 MTB Grip from only £21.66. Free UK Delivery | Wheelies

 

[Streethawk]

Ergon, yes expensive, but nothing else comes close for comfort. I've put them on every bike i've owned in the last five years (about ten bikes). Luckily my BS10 came with them already. I never have the slightest hand discomfort with them.

I've tried the Ergon copies, and they're not even nearly as good, even ones from reputable companies like Specialized.

 

[John F]

Thanks for the offer. I'll get back to you if I decide to take you up.

Mike63 - my grips are both the same length, it's just the diameter for the throttle side which might be a problem as noted previously (anyone know what it's likely to be eg 5mm less or what?)