Hybrid Bicycles - Ergon grips - poor mechanical design

Thought I would try a pair of Ergon GP1 grips on my hybrid bike. As I put them on, and tightened the clamp, the clamp self-destructed. Looking at the design, instead of becoming stronger in compression, they put the nut where it will tear itself out of the plastic as the clamp is tightened. A very poor design in my opinion. No way these would hold up during riding. I'm glad they broke immediately instead of out on the road! Since these were probably the 'best' of these type grips, I think I'll re-install my original unbreakable round grips and put up with the wrist pain.

You must've torqued the screw on that sucker down really tight. Installed a pair of these on my girlfriend's bike. She's had them on for a few hundred miles with no problems so far. I see no problems with the design.

Maybe you got a poorly manufactured pair?

Maybe they where defective? I have had no issues with mine after two years. They are still tight. Or maybe you need a torque wrench?

It sounds like you might have gotten a defective pair. I've owned/used nearly every single model they offer, and have never had a problem like the one you describe.

I had no problem tightening the (non-Ergon) bar ends I put on at the same time. Perhaps the Ergon grip was defective (it only did this on one side). The weak point is the plastic clamp. They should use a metal clamp.

+1 on the torque wrench. I had the same problem with my GC2s except for me it was the bolt that failed when I over-tightened it. The clamps are forged aluminum, not plastic, at least according to the Ergon website. My LBS replaced the grip at no cost and I let them install it for me. I would suggest that you get a replacement and do the same. You might want to invest in a torque wrench; the grips only need to be tightened to 5 Nm or 44.25 inch pounds. I love my grips - they are way better than the OE grips that came with my bike. They are definitely one of the best upgrades I've made.

I have the GC-2 model myself - on my custom hybrid. I noted the very light weight of the clamps - which was not unexpected as they are designated for racing applications. So I grabbed my torque-wrench and hex-socket set. But I could easily see where someone would go 'gorilla' without thinking - and wind up rather upset with the result. And the GP-1 model is sold as an ultimate weight-saving design with CF and cork! Yep - I imagine the clamps are at least as light alloy as mine. GP-1:

http://www.treefortbikes.com/97_333222356543__GP-1-Bio-Cork-grip.html

This is yet another example of why reading, and following, torque-settings is becoming all-important lately. It's not a fad - it's here. Even the home-mechanic must start looking for decent torque-wrenches and fittings for same.

If Ergons really need a torque wrench to install, that's a major design problem! I doubt that even 1% of the target market own a torque wrench. Even most people who ride a racing bike probably don't have one.

These GP-1 grips have a plastic, not alloy clamp, but they are not the super lightweight "Leichtbau" model. They were the only Ergon model the shop carried. The whole thing is made of plastic except the rubbery coating on the outside. I will return them and shop around for a set with alloy clamps. Looking at Ergon's web site, I see the basic GP1 model pictured on their site has an alloy clamp. The package I bought says "GP-1 Nylon Composite Clamp Performance Comfort Series." REI across the street also had the GP1 for about $5 more, if those have the alloy clamp I will return these and get the ones at REI.

OK, I took the GP-1 grips with the plastic clamp back to the shop where they gave me a refund. They said they had a number of customers returning them with the same problem. Went across the street to REI, they had the alloy clamp GP-1's for about $4 more. I put them on the bike with no problems at all, these tighten up securely and feel real good. Now going out for a ride to try them out.

Back from the short ride - these things are fantastic. I'm glad I persevered and went with the alloy clamp version. The bar ends I'm using have a similar rubbery texture, a great combination. Looking forward to a long ride now.

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ekh6idf/Ergon%20GP-1.jpg

Very nice! Mine are similar and I'm very happy with the grip and how well it worked to disappear my ulnar and medial nerves from making me shake my hands around like a spazz! LOL!

Great grips! Just be aware of what they are before installing.

Rode 26.93 miles today with the new grips. Wrists definitely feel better than before. They were not real bad before after a 20+ mile ride, but I would say this is about an 80% improvement!

I still wear my Pearl Izumi 'Slice' gloves while on my bike with the Ergons. Now I get very little of the numbing and electrical sensations. Before the Ergons - YOW!!

Still troubled? Get some good padded gloves.

And, don't be afraid to play around with "fine" angle adjustments. Getting them dialed in perfectly, makes a big difference, and helps balance the Comfort/Function equation.

And, don't be afraid to play around with "fine" angle adjustments. Getting them dialed in perfectly, makes a big difference, and helps balance the Comfort/Function equation.

+1, the fine adjust is the key. +/- 1 or 2 degrees makes a noticable difference. Once you get them set, don't touch 'em!

They feel pretty good the way they are set now. So they are close to the right setting. Not sure whether to go higher or lower on the angle, guess I'll have to try both and see which way feels better. And I always wear my padded gloves so yeah, it's a very nice combination, Ergons + gloves.

After lots of experimentation, I found that a slightly downward position works best for me. This allows for more control on descents or in technical terrain.

I have mine adjusted to help keep my wrists straight, tweaked to just keep the excess pressure off the heels of my hands. Then, my bar ends are adjusted to the natural angle of my wrists, for exactly the same reason. Adjusting the bar ends that way, let you hook them with your thumbs, to mimic riding on the hoods. You end up with 3 excellent hand positions.

I really helped take the pressure off my wrists.

Back from the short ride - these things are fantastic. I'm glad I persevered and went with the alloy clamp version. The bar ends I'm using have a similar rubbery texture, a great combination. Looking forward to a long ride now.

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ekh6idf/Ergon%20GP-1.jpg

Who makes those bar ends?
Me likey.

These are the bar ends:

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes//Product_10052_10551_1078143_-1___

It sounds as if you purchased the Superlight version the first time. The standard GP-1 has an alloy bracket. The Superlight has a composite bracket. All part of the cyclist's never-ending battle between weight and durability. I guess that means I became more durable during the winter.

I snapped the head off a bolt adjusting my GC3s. Ergon does have replacement parts, but they cost as much as a new set. The really stupid thing is I actually have a torque driver and didn't use it. The first question Ergon will ask you if you contact them for support is "what make and model torque driver did you use?" Lesson learned.

I did the same thing. It was my fault, as I have a bad habit of making things "gorilla tight".

http://i.imgur.com/nq5oF.jpg

I wrote to Ergon and they sent me a replacement pair. It turns out that the ones from Performance Bike have a plastic clamp, but the ones from Ergon have a metal clamp. The ones that Performance sell is a custom design made specially for their company.

If Ergons really need a torque wrench to install, that's a major design problem! I doubt that even 1% of the target market own a torque wrench. Even most people who ride a racing bike probably don't have one.
You're probably right... I certainly don't own one. I instead just tightened my Ergons to the point where I could no longer twist them by force.

You're probably right... I certainly don't own one. I instead just tightened my Ergons to the point where I could no longer twist them by force.

I just installed the GP1's with the composite clamp, tightened the same way as you.

So what constitutes `poor mechanical design`? That you overtorqued something because you installed it without a torque wrench? The instructions clearly read torque to a MAX of 5Nm. If you don`t have a torque wrench and don`t have the experience to judge how little force that is - thats ignorance - not a design problem. You probably could have had the grips installed no-charge as a courtesy where you bought them.

So whats next? There are some components on your bike that require a MINIMUM of 40Nm of torque. How do you know you have that and if you end up with issues due to insufficient torque is that gonna be ANOTHER poorly designed component?

When someone takes authority over a situation they should also be prepared to assume responsibility for the consequences. Its easy to blame someone else for your own inexperience - its also very unfair.

I have cycle design carbon bar ends and like them turned down a bit because there most useful for a standing uphill sprint. :thumb:

So what constitutes `poor mechanical design`? That you overtorqued something because you installed it without a torque wrench?

Yes. :) I like things that are built to exceed the need.

Yes. :) I like things that are built to exceed the need.

LOL If thats the case the only recommendation I can make is to stick with steel frames and cromoly components. Modern bicycles using aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium components aren`t stronger - they`re just lighter and in every case I`m aware of - require tighter tolerances and more expertise to manufacture, assemble and maintain.

Not that they`re overly complicated or require an engineering degree to own and operate - but reading and respecting owners manuals is always a good idea. And something that simple should be well within the reach of anyone capable of riding a bicycle.

I too like those bar ends. Just ordered a pair from performance.