stickmangumby

I haven't had to do this before and am looking for some guidance...

They have a small hex bolt which when removed loosens them (not sure what it's called - same thing as the seat post where you tighten the bolt to hold the post in place) so they can be moved horizontally along the handlebars. However, I think I need to remove the grips to take them off fully as I can't figure out how to do so without sliding them off the end of the handlebars.

Is this usually the case?

If so I'll need some new grips as they started cracking apart when I tried to remove them - they are very old!

Juha

Cheers and welcome to the Forums!

Remove the grips.

If they're old to the point they're breaking up, I'd just cut them open and get new ones. When you put new grips on, pressurised air helps. Get a small can with the long, thin nozzle. Slide the grip on as far as it goes, then insert nozzle between the grip and handlebar surface. A blast of air will loosen the grip for a moment, making it easier to slide it further. Blocking the other end of the handlebar (if it's wide open) makes the blast more effective. Having three (or more) hands helps.

Some people use window cleaner sprayed inside the grip before installing, haven't tried that myself. Whatever you do, do NOT use oil, grease or other "real" lubricants - you don't want the grips to rotate freely forever. Same techniques help when removing grips. But as said, I wouldn't bother trying to remove old worn out grips intact.

--J

TurbineBlade

I use hand sanitizer and a flat blade screwdriver to install and remove grips. The alcohol evaporates easily.

operator

Flat blade is liable to damage the bar. Either compressed air like post #2 said or hair spray will do the trick.

CACycling

I use window cleaner and a bamboo skewer (think shish kabob). Haven't damaged a bar or grip yet.

stickmangumby

Thanks everyone!

Looks like I'm off to buy some new grips

BCRider

To help lift the grips away buy a long skinny screwdriver and grind, sand and then polish it up smooth. Now you can push it in between the grip and bar and squirt whatever in there and then wiggle it around to help distribute it. I didn't do the buy a 'driver deal but I made one up from some 1/8 music wire I have here and stick it into a length of hardwood dowel. Just ground the end to a tapered flat blade and rounded the end and edges then polished smooth.

In my case the lube of choice is Windex. It helps them slip off and on super easily and has a decent grip in a few mintues and dries away overnight to a really firm hold. The grips and bar need to be totally oil free though. But that would apply in any case.