grips
#2
I've never used foam grips but I think I'd avoid them. Besides sounding completely not durable, as with most things cycling you want the equipment to fit you. Using padding to make that happen isn't usually a great solution. Best bet is go to a LBS and put your hands on all the grips and find something that fits your hands. I'd suggest looking at the Ergon line of grips. I have some and they are very good.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 2,841
Likes: 1,062
From: South Shore of Long Island
Bikes: 2010 Carrera Volans, 2015 C-Dale Trail 2sl, 2017 Raleigh Rush Hour, 2017 Blue Proseccio, 1992 Giant Perigee, 80s Gitane Rallye Tandem
Not bad if you're just looking for something cheap to replace with and only ride occasionally. Really depends on the foam as well. Older style open foam grips were usually fairly basic and could break down quickly compared to a rubber grip or get kind of hard and crunchy if low use and got old. They weren't all that comfortable but also not typically uncomfortable. Newer, high density foam can be quite nice, still not quite as durable as rubber but often more cushioning for the same thickness as they are less dense then rubber. When wet they're also more prone to moving on the bars. But very good vibration dampening. Up side to rubber is that you can get better shaped grips for even more comfort but at still greater cost. For a low use hybrid, wouldn't hesitate to get a high density foam, for higher mileage I'd spend more.
#7
Old age cyclist
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 194
Likes: 105
From: Great Falls Virginia
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for semi-serious touring.
I recently purchased new grips for a from-parts hybrid Motobecane bicycle that included PRUNUS Bike Grips Rubber Ergonomic Antislip Handlebar Grips (Amazon, $17.99). They have a flat palm rest that I find very comfortable and you adjust the angle to what suits you the best. More long lasting than foam. They also have a right angle bar at the end of each grip that protects your hands or brake levers in case of crash, not that I am planning that. I have Carpometacarpal syndrome (pain at the base of the thumb) from osteoarthritis and these help. Good luck.
#8
Full Member

Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 176
From: Central PA
Bikes: 1984 Cannondale road w/ MANY upgrades, 2017 Trek Fx7.5 Hybrid, 1953 Rudge "Path Racer", a 1956 Hercules "Royal Prince", 1974 Peugoet U08, 1960 Schwinn Corvette, and an unknown year, unknown frame lot's a fun single-speed!
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 2,841
Likes: 1,062
From: South Shore of Long Island
Bikes: 2010 Carrera Volans, 2015 C-Dale Trail 2sl, 2017 Raleigh Rush Hour, 2017 Blue Proseccio, 1992 Giant Perigee, 80s Gitane Rallye Tandem
Only when the weather is cold, usually I find them uncomfortable, don't like the reduced feeling of grip, and typically can't be bothered looking for a pair since the kids scatter them. Personally I will always wrap or install grips on the basis of what I'm comfortable with for just hopping on the bike and riding. If I need gloves to make it comfortable then I take the time to fix the bike to what it should be.
#11
Quidam Bike Super Hero
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 416
From: Stone Mountain, GA (Metro Atlanta, East)
Bikes: 1995 Trek 800 Sport, aka, "CamelTrek"
Totally agree! I had minor wrist discomfort with round grips till I found a used pair of GP2 (minimal horns). The support is phenomenal, discomfort gone, control improved, and alt positions appreciated
Had them for at least 4 years and don't know how many years with previous owner. Just now showing minor wear and endured a couple of spills with only nominal scraping to the end caps.
Even new, they are in the $30 range and WELL WORTH the price!
Had them for at least 4 years and don't know how many years with previous owner. Just now showing minor wear and endured a couple of spills with only nominal scraping to the end caps.Even new, they are in the $30 range and WELL WORTH the price!





