Touring - Grips for moustache bars

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View Full Version : Grips for moustache bars


Yen
10-24-08, 10:40 AM
For even more hand comfort I'm considering adding some grips to the ends of my moustache bars on the LHT. The LBS owner suggested some black foam grips they have in the shop. I really like the looks of these rubber and cork grips at Velo Orange (http://www.velo-orange.com/blruandcogr.html). I also like the looks of the shellacked cork grips but I wonder about the long-term durability of cork, even shellacked. Of course, I also love the leather and could wrap that over other less-expensive tape with gel pads underneath for additional padding , possibly eliminating the need for grips.

I have cross levers below the ends (for ergonomic wrist comfort) and the stock bar-end shifters. Eventually I may end up with brown tape to match the soon-to-be honey B17 saddle, so I'm thinking long-term design. :-)

Does anyone have a favorite solution to add more padding to the end of bars, other than grips? If you use grips, do you have a favorite that has a combination of good looks and durability?


Re-Cycle
10-24-08, 11:08 AM
I have such a love/hate relationship with mustache bars. First off I prefer using handle bar tape and not grips so that you actually have multiple hand positions. Next, I like using TT levers mounted in the bar ends so that the bar isn't broken up by the lever's mount. Anyway, I know this doesn't directly answer your question but you might want to consider going a different direction because, to me, mustache bars are only useful if you get to move your hands around and if you are stuck on the ends then why not use a simple riser bar.

rhm
10-27-08, 08:07 AM
+1 to what Re-Cycle said.

I too vote for tape. If you see an old leather sofa on the curb on trash day, cut off some big pieces of leather and use that, perhaps with some dense foam padding underneath. There are photos of this kind of thing in the Classic and Vintage forum.


Michcruiser
10-27-08, 08:37 AM
Funny you should post this. I was messing around a couple nights back with mine. I needed to replace my bar tape but before I did I pushed on a pair of Oury grips I had. They have plenty of padding but I don't think they will look good with the leather tape. My plan is to try them out this week with some tape also. (for more hand placement). I may even cut the "lip" off the ends, if I add tape. I guess I'm more after function then looks.