rumrunn6

I dislike reusing MTB grips. I prefer to just cut them off and put on new ones when I'm replacing shift/brake levers. I reused one last night so I know I can get the old off, etc, but it's a hassle. Anyone ever get grips from Walmart or Target?

I'm also thinking about ditching the vertical bar ends for now. Opinions?

FYI: This bike is getting set up for a 26 mile round trip winter commuter with fenders and studs. It's a '90 era GT Talera rigid MTB

Zephyr11

I buy Walmart grips when I sell a bike, so I can keep my lock-ons. Lock-ons, btw, may be your solution, since they're easy to take off and all you have to do is loosen the collar with a screwdriver.

Do you use the bar ends? In general, they've become less popular in favor of riser bars.

bikinfool

If you use compressed air to install and remove grips you wouldn't need to cut them at all, or use anything else to install/remove them either. I wouldn't even think of bike stuff in a big box store, let alone buying any in one; rarely go into a Target and never Wallyworld for that matter. Getting lock on grips is the way to go these days IMHO (and my ODI locks use a 2.5mm allen, not a screwdriver, although that may be semantics at work).

Bar ends should never be vertical, unless you just like to scream to the world "I'm a confirmed dweeb" (plus dangerous in a crash). Bar ends are about multiple hand positions, though, so a riser doesn't replace a bar end (unless I guess you're a dweeb using them to gain bar height). Bar ends on riser bars are also dweeb material (fashion faux pas rather than function).

Zephyr11

Yeah, my bad, I meant allen.

rumrunn6

the bar ends are good for when I flip the bike upside down to work on it ... hahaha

lock on bar grips? wow, what a concept. thanks ill keep that in mind. I don't have compressed air so I use dish soap and screwdrivers to manhandle the grips off and on. I picked up a cheap but nice pair at Walmart for $6.95

Luke52

Here's my lock-on grips. As you can see, the collars on the end of the grip bolt down, making removal and replacement MUCH easier than what you're describing.

bikinfool

Another plus to the lock-on grips is that they never slip (when properly installed), unlike a standard grip can in the wet with a little help. Why I switched. You'd have to break into the cobwebbed part of your wallet, though, they'll cost more than $7. Just what does $7 get you at Wallyworld?

rumrunn6

Bell Max Comfort Bike Grips
https://www.amazon.com/Bell-Max-Comfo...1613156&sr=8-1

I like the looks of those lock-on grips!

bikinfool

Looks like you like a large grip? The Oury version is a nice fat comfy kinda grip (I love the texture and durometer aspects myself) available in lock-on. Have you experimented much, is grip diameter an issue for you? You can get the ODI locks with a variety of grips from several brands these days, pretty good choices. There's also a few competing types of locking systems/grip choice, but ODI is the leader. If you have issues with the ergonomics of a grip, Ergon offers some very nice stuff.

Daspydyr 

Hey bikinfool, can I hold onto one of your Hecklers for a while? I promise not to ride it and keep it shined up.

rumrunn6

bikinfool - thanks for those tips. I haven't experimented much with grips. I usually just settle for I can find easily and cheaply. This last pair is kind of an experiment. I don't MTB much. However for a long time my older red GT was all I had and I worked that bike and bars really hard on the road as a commuter. Even added 2 sets of bar ends, vertical and drop style, plus big fat slicks. It was ugly but very functional. This newer (to me) and bigger gray GT is getting fixed up as a winter commuter for those days where my regular commuter would be outmatched by the conditions. I am considering that since this bike is my size and since it's getting some good gear, and since I racked up 2,000 road miles last spring and summer, that maybe I should take up a little off road riding too. I can take the studs off come spring and get dirty. Not sure the fenders would last long with a lot of bouncing around though. And I noticed that most MTBs on this site don't have full fenders.

For commuting, it was a drag keeping my hands in 1 position, but since this bike will be for rough snowy icy conditions the one hand position will provide the most control and power, so I'm less concerned with having the the other bar ends. Frankly though the drop style bar ends as goofy and off-angle as they were - did work to help me get lower and more spread out to crank a little harder on the paved straights.

Thanks for the grip info, I'm sure these won't be the last I buy! :-)

This is the older bike with funky bar ends I mentioned. I wrapped hockey tape on the bar ends.

bikinfool

Just food for thought. I don't think I've never seen a mountain bike with full fenders, no way to mount them on any of my bikes (or racks for that matter).

Well, am sort of thinking of parting with the oldest one, but for $$$ (and I'll probably change my mind once I finish building it up again, a project am currently in the middle of)...shiny isn't an issue, although the oldest one does have a good looking powdercoat finish still, the middle one not so good, went anodized on the last one. Maybe if you came up for a test ride we could talk about it...

rumrunn6

got everything on - just waiting for the snow

bikinfool

You've got something else I don't ever see on mountain bikes...a kickstand! They're just unnecessary and even dangerous for mountain biking. For commuting they're useful as are those full fenders and the rack...

rumrunn6

thanks, yeah the kickstand does help when loading the rack trunk with clothes and lunch; unlocking the door at work; and keeping the bike out of trouble inside the work office. the rear stand is new for me but I like it cuz I can spin the pedals without bumping into it. this bike is cool and it sounds like a tank on the roadway. who knows I may get hooked on MTBs now that I have one my size.

Chris_F

If you're just west of Boston then there's an EMS near you. They sell ODI lock-ons. I like the Rogue.

varminter

Seat post rack

varminter

Geez.. I forgot what the Ruffians are supposed to look like! Mine are completely smooth and mighty thin with holes in them.. they still work good though.. LOL

Luke52

Heh, mine aren't genuine Ruffians. But yeah, same basic style.

I have a pair on my old bike too, and I know what you mean; All smooth and worn down.

bikinfool

Then there's the whole issue of why would I want a rack on my mountain bike at all, especially a relatively wimpy one. If I really want to haul something that doesn't fit in my pack, I'll hook up a BOB trailer.