danoulz

Hi all,

The Ergon grips + bar-ends combo is highly rated for the Brompton as it meets the
size and folding requirements:

https://www.ergon-bike.com/gb/en/product/gc2

However, I wasn't happy to spend 35+ GBP, so I started
to look for cheaper quality alternatives. Up to now, I have been
riding with the original foam grips (ouch) and some generic 12 GBP
BikeHut stubby bar ends. It works great for small journeys, the bar-
ends are robust enough for climbing hills, but it gets quite
uncomfortable over time:





I'm happy to report that the BBB Ergoset Handlebar Grips and Bar
ends is a fantastic product,
available online for 20 GBP including postage. I actually think that
the bar-ends are more comfortable than the Ergon brand, and it looks
nearly as nice !





The rubbery material is very soft and grippy, with a solid backbone
structure. The fixing Allen bolts ensure proper long-lasting fitting,
and the whole set is easy to slide-on or remove when needed.



As you would expect, the bar-ends do not compromise the fold, and you
won't damage them on the ground:



My preferred riding position matches the rotation angle of the grip +
bar-end assembly, which itself is mandated by the folded state of the
bike. Everything is fine for me, I'm 1.74m tall and I use the extended
seat post (Brompton M6R+):





Now, this set is designed for regular-size handle bars, so I needed to
cut some material for the grips to slide far enough and to leave space
for the bar-ends. The brake level fixing part is the main obstacle:



As you can see, the cut can wrap quite nicely:



Recommended.

Cheers, Daniel

danoulz

Armed with a fine saw, cutting the unwanted material only took a few
seconds:

EDIT: There are shorter grips available, which need no cutting. I don't know how much they cost though.

https://www.bbbparts.com/grips_twistfixm_bhg15.php

jur

Excellent write-up and pics!

14R 

Thank you for the review. It seems like a really nice option!

danoulz

Jur, I enjoyed reading your cycling stories, thanks for sharing !

chagzuki

I have those grips and I like the thick rubber compound a lot, it's very comfortable. However, the plastic at the ends is (of course) hard, so unless you don't move your hands around much you find yourself gripping rigid plastic.

invisiblehand

great work!

danoulz

I find the grips softer than the bar-ends, but the bar-ends are rubbery and soft nonetheless, not hard. Maybe this varies depending on the temperature ? Or maybe you have a different model.

Regards, Dan

chagzuki

I mean the locking section of the grips, not the bar ends.

danoulz

There are shorter grips available, which need no cutting. I don't know how much they cost though.

https://www.bbbparts.com/grips_twistfixm_bhg15.php

maurice74

i am interested in the little mirror seen on the first picture...

brommie

Thanks for the nice pictures. They made it very clearly.
But IMO the Ergon grips look better, maybe therefore they are more expensive. But they are mostly covered by the hands so . . .

danoulz

Zefal Spin handlebar mirror