Grips for Albatross Bars

[Mike]

I recently replaced my Ergon grips on my Surly Open Bar with the ESI Extra Chunky grips. They're great and actually feel better on my hands than the Ergons. Next time I mount up the Albatross bars I'll likely use these. You could probably cut a groove in them if you're using BE shifters with your Albas. 

Maybe RBW will even start selling them as they're made in the USA.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/index.php?category=4074

--mike

[Deacon Patrick]

Something about silicon reminds me of grabbing hold a squid in rigger. I just don't find it a pleasant experience. It's too squishy (not enough feedback from the bars) and unbreathable. What's the attraction? Now cork, cotton tape, and some shellac, I'm a happy lad.

With abandon,

Patrick

[Mike]

On Saturday, August 24, 2013 8:45:26 AM UTC-7, Deacon Patrick wrote: What's the attraction?

 

On Saturday, August 24, 2013 8:35:33 AM UTC-6, Mike wrote:

 

"They're great and actually feel better on my hands than the Ergons."

They're also easier to mount. Jeff Jones recommends them and that to me is a solid endorsement. I'm using the extra chunky model. I'm not against cork and will likely try them in the future. These are just an alternative that I've found work well so I thought I'd put it out there. They're inexpensive and if not using the extra chunky model, thery're a lot of color choices.

--mike

[Deacon Patrick]

Glad they work for you!

With abandon,

Patrick

[Mike]

For what it's worth, Jeff is a fan of cork grips and stocks those:

Grips 
I stock cork grips (130mm long and 35.5mm thick in the middle) – these are very light at 26 grams a pair and firm yet shock absorbing. They are covered on the ends to keep water out and best when used in combination with bar tape. And I also recommend ESI Silicon grips as a good option. Both are available in the store.

Read More: http://www.jonesbikes.com/h-bar.html#ixzz2cuJCktj2 

Jeff is an interesting guy, one of those unique cycling characters and innovators like Grant or Jan. He's not just some industry guy cashing in, he loves cycling and cycles to the beat of his own drum. 

It almost looks like Jared is using them on his Hunqapillar. 

http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/staff7.htm

--mike

[Matthew J]

Something about silicon reminds me of grabbing hold a squid in rigger. I just don't find it a pleasant experience. It's too squishy (not enough feedback from the bars) and unbreathable. What's the attraction? Now cork, cotton tape, and some shellac, I'm a happy lad.

ESI grips are rather firm, not at all like silicone padded saddles for instance.  I use silver ESIs on my not painted and not polished stainless steel bike, as the color is close to the stainless steel.

When I last had my Albatross bars, I used fiber infused track bar grips.  Plenty of bar feel there.