Ergon GXR Grip Review - Better Than Foam Grips?

In the past 11 months, Neil has extensively tested the Ergon GXR Grip, an innovative departure from Ergon's renowned lock-on grips. Our latest video review delves into Neil's insights on the grip's features and why it could potentially surpass foam grips as his goto choice.
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::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko ( / neil_beltchenko )
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam
Wearing: Escalator Merino Henley Med - www.kitsbow.co...

[@CranknGrindmtb]

These grips are a winner! I've been riding with these for the last couple months and they've be quite comfortable on the hands and are more durable than traditional foam grips. I have the large size which is great for increased vibration dampening. Removal is best done with compressed air (poke the nozzle underneath). Great review, Neil

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks for watching! For sure, I should have mentioned air typically does the trick, but most folks dont own compressors.

[@BenZCardiff]

These grips are fantastic. Combined with titanium bars and things have never felt more plush

[@ThePolyCyslist]

Can never go wrong with the comfort ergon provided 👏🏼

[@TheEnduranceStudio]

Thanks for the GXR grip review. I live and die by my Ergon grips for long endurance races and bikepacking rides. I had ESI Chunky grips on my Ibis Ripley and loved them for anything under 50 miles but recently switched to the Ergon GS1 Evo. With the silicon and foam style grips I found installation and removal was much easier when using an air compressor. I would shoot the air in between the grip and handlebar and it would slide off like butter. Also another method I found is working a zip tie down the foam grip which created a small gap and allowed me to put some Iso alcohol in the space. This helped lube it up a bit to get it removed without a full arm workout and much sweat.

[@johangreydanus6243]

Hi Neil, to get the grips on the handlebar i use compressed air to blow the grips on the handlebars, place a big bottle cap with small hole over the end on the grip, then the air blows inside the grip and slides on the bar(you have to close of the otherside of the handlebar) when you want to remove the grips, then you can press the airpistol between the grip and the handlebarso there is a sort of layer of air created, works with me really well, good luck...Johan

[@kylek244]

Same. Air works for me.

[@haussolutions6244]

@@kylek244 Same here.....air works a treat.

[@haussolutions6244]

I struggled for years with installing / removing ESI grips till someone suggested a simple compressed air nozzle under the lip. I now put a little blob of hand alcohol in the end and then stick the air nozzle just under the lip on the end....the grips literally pop on and off. You'll need to obviously pinch the inner side as the air can just shoot right under the grip.

[@maxmachin4894]

Hey, ergon rocks. Haven't tried these yet but have Ga2 and GA3s on all my bikes. I use hair lacquer spray to get grips on. To get them off with it is a little harder but if you put something long and thin between bar and grip to open up a gap and spray down this gap it works a treat. Also somthing I used in the bike shop i worked in. Thanks for the great work!

[@alecklassen2737]

Great review, I just love all fun colors I can have with ESI. Gotta have that flare! One grammar nazi quibble, the word is ‘intact’ rather than ‘intack’.

[@MrEaves]

Thanx for the video. I was convinced once again that there is still no rivals for ESI in past decade.

[@frutkick]

Tried ge1 evo a few years ago and my palms hated it. Not only I felt pain during regular trail riding but also when riding on smooth tarmac. I’ve gxr yesterday with zip ties and alcohol and they felt great when riding. Initially I thought it will be the same as GE1 but it is much better. And they didn’t rotate during trail riding with bunny hops and jumps. I’m not new to push on grips. I’ve rode renthal ultra tacky push on before, I’ve used hair spray and tied ends with wire but renthals still rotated in the middle. They were still comfy but a little too thin (28mm). Great grips if you want more bar feel.

[@jonamcc]

I've been using a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and it mostly works. I felt kinda silly not realizing they want you to stick the bar end plug in the grip first, so the alcohol doesn't all just run out the other side 😅. I'll probably try some of these soon. I'm an esi fan boy, but I wouldn't mind some thing that lasts a little longer!

[@rogerhart612]

Try using hand sanitizer to put on you grips . They slide on great and the liquid evaporates. You don't need to use alot.

[@oldmanbucksaw]

I've been doing this for years and it works great.

[@lindonandlisa8114]

I always use hairspray to put on my silicon groups

[@andrew_gardner]

Have you tried high pressure air to get the grips on and off? Use a compressor and a blower nozzle to spray air under the grip from the brake mount out toward the end of the bar to slide the grips off. Works amazingly well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2e2pKR4mNWLkLc

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

When I worked at a bike shop and saw this done for the first time, I was in awe. Thanks for the reminder, most local bike shops can likely do this.

[@RASirie1]

Hi! Can you compare the brand new ERGON GS1 EVO VS the GA3? I have the GA3 but i want to see if the improvements are worth it... Thankyou very much!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yes I can, but I need to test the GS1 EVO a bit longer. Thanks!

[@tmayberry7559]

So could you pair the gxr grip with the Shimano grx groupset 😂 or say the sram eagle gx groupset 😂 lol? What does G Atherton think about the ergon gxr grips? Gee that a lotof g's in thes questions. Lol Just having fun here

[@scstinger5]

Are they grippy bare handed when wet?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yes, Virginia used them exclusively without gloves, although you will notice some remanence on your hand after your ride.

[@miyui9269]

why not use wd40 to install foam grips? in my experience, they tend to prolong the setting time of the grips as the lubricant dries out, thus more time to adjust. and once they dried out, grip is no longer slippery on the bar. do they damage the foam/silicon or something?

[@michaelbondad3912]

Air compressor with a soft nozzle gets foam grips off in seconds

[@johneden432]

Soapy water for the win

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Need ❤

[@notpablo8369]

Ergon for grips, brooks for saddle 🫡🫡🫡