cooleric1234

I have trekking bars currently on my commuter/hybrid. I love the multiple hand positions over the riser bars it came with, but I don't like how close in the first section of the bars are. I prefer a more road type stretched out position. So I'm considering getting Delta Ergo Bars:




But I've got a problem. My bike (Giant Cypress 2003 Hybrid) has SRAM Max Plus Grip Shifters that are about 4 inches long (see attachment). This looks much longer than most current Twist/Grip Shifters. Am I going to have difficulty getting that to wrap around these bars to get in the position shown in the first picture above? Thanks.

cetmefree

I would taper the grip shifter to the bars with electrical tape or something and then wrap it. I would imagine if you just tried to wrap it as is, the bar tape wouldn't behave correctly.

cooleric1234

Thanks for the response. I must admit that I don't quite fully understand though. I was just worried about the long section of rubber on my grip shifter being able to snake on the bars around the corners. I'll have to think about what you said though. I did tape my trekking bars and that seems to be working fine, I would hope I could do it just like the picture shows.

cetmefree

Ah, ok. I misunderstood. My grip shifters are not flexible in the least. I tried snaking them around some moustache bars once, and it didn't work. If there's a way to do it, I don't know of one. I originally thought you had an issue with wrapping them with tape....lol

cooleric1234

Thanks for the input. I can see how my original post was confusion, I was talking about "wrapping" as if it were tape. Sheldon Brown shows how to get shifters on bars similar to this here, but that doesn't seem to mention the rubber grip that goes on top, which is what has me worried now. You would think it's possible as it's advertised in the picture, maybe I'll just have to buy them and see.

frankenmike 

Remove the rubber grip from the shifter, cut slits (like sheldon describes) in the plastic inner sleeve. Once the shifter is in place, reinstall the rubber grips.

cooleric1234

Thanks. So you think the rubber grips will slide around the bars? That's the part that has me worried. I've heard soapy water helps, I guess I'll find out.

frankenmike 

Yes. I believe the rubber grip is quite flexible, i.e. unlined with plastic. As far as reducing friction between bar and rubber: do not use soap! the rubber will never grip the shifter properly afterwards. Plain old water works fine, rubbing alcohol works even better- dries quickly. P.S. if the rubber grip does have a rigid plastic inner lining, there are ways around that, too. Hopefully it won't be necessary, though.