I just upgraded the lock-on grips on my MTB from a no-name pair to try to eliminate the flexing/twisting, but the new grips (PNW Loam) are doing exactly the same thing: The collar is clamped to spec (3Nm), and seems secure, but the body of the grip flexes enough to rotate slightly, with a creaky sound, when torqued. In the video it's hard to see, since the twisting is only maybe a degree or so, but you can hear it creaking as it rotates.
Is this just expected for lock on grips? I don't remember having this problem before…
I tried adding some hairspray inside the grip and reinstalling, but so far it doesn't seem to have helped (maybe it will improve as the hairspray sets…)
The bars are fairly new RaceFace Next R 35 carbon, if that makes any difference.
I know double ended lock-on grips exist, but they aren't that common, so I assumed normal lock on grips would work fine…
MTB lock on grip flexing at far end…
byu/sprashoo inbikewrench
by sprashoo
24 Comments
It’s a feature, not a bug. If the lock on section isn’t spinning, it’s fine
If you want to avoid that twist definitely go for some with locks at both ends of the grip. They used to be more common than the single collar ones. ODI would be my go-to.
If you were in my riding crew, you’d be hearing someone yelling out “omg dude, you need a new bike!”
if the lock section is tight you should be fine (but consider a new bike just in case)
On motorcycles people use mechanics wire on the outside edge. Ymmv.
Good thing the lock is where you grip the grip instead of the outboard end here
Make sure the grips are all the way on. Some grips just do that. FWIW, I’ve not had issues like this with ODI or Ergon. Also, generally there’s more force at the inner part of the grip, and it looks like you’re trying fairly hard. Is it noticeable while riding?
Hairspray won’t help that if PNW makes their single clamp grips like most companies do (hard plastic inner that goes all the way out and around the end of the bar), as the soft part of the grip is just squirming a bit on the plastic inner.
You can buy and apply some grip glue. Pretty common on dirt bikes. You could even wire them if it’s an issue for you. I have the same grips on my mtb and they do feel as if they move the slightest bit on the outer most section.
Get some carbon grip paste, and try it again. Do you notice when you’re riding, they ever slip?
Hairspray is for slide-on grips. Your lock-ons likely have a plastic sleeve under the rubber grip, so hairspray won’t do anything. I’ve got DMR Deathgrips, and if they’re at all similar to your grips, you don’t need to worry about the slight bit of rotation at ends. You do need to make sure that they’re fully seated. I don’t know about other brands, but the inside of my DMR grips taper slightly at the end so that they’re a snug fit, and they need a firm push or a few taps of a soft faced hammer to seat properly.
no way you notice this while riding, and if you do, youre holding on too tight.
You’re holding it wrong, try it again after you choke up on the grip.
so why are you flexing it 🤔 ?
I have these same grips and they are also doing this. New grip time.
Spray your handlebar with hairspray and then slide on the grip. Once the hairspray dries it will glue the grip in place.
Hey man people pay big money for that feature.
Very normal for grips without lock at the ends, not everyone is gonna have this problem it depends on the brand and material used. Some rubber solutions are more flexible than others.
The grip is a plastic tube it’s going to flex when you spin it like that.
Your not gaining or losing performance with this is a normal function of a single clamp..
You can do a double clamp if needed for better stiffness. But most people want compliant grips to take up some bumps.
Find ones that have locks on both sides. I’ve never liked the single sided ones exactly for that reason. ODI, Renthal, Ergon all have double locks.
Are you certain that the grip is seated all the way ? I have these grips (thick ones) and have to hit them with a mallet to get them to seat all of the way on. I have zero rotation in my grip ends on my pnw grips
Buy sensus emJ push on grips for like $12, add some safety wire, be twist-free and happy.
Hair spray has always worked for me I have Loam’s on both my bikes and the definitely don’t do that
I have the exact same grips, the silicone is flexing
That’s why I always use double lock on grips.