The evolution of the favorite Ergon‘s GE1 grips produced their latest iteration the GE1 Evo and GE1 Evo Factory grips that feature a new surface structure that offers more adhesion and stickiness. The Factory versions that we tested get a unique rubber compound that delivers an improved grip and rebound over its brethren making them ideal for control and comfort on the gnarliest terrain. Both the GE1 Evo and GE1 Evo Factory come in two sizes, Regular at 32mm in diameter and the Slim at 30mm. The GE1 Evo comes in four colors (Black, Blue, Red, Lazer Lemon) and retails for $34.95, while the GE1 Evo Factory comes in two colors (Frozen Stealth, Frozen Orange) and retails for $39.95.
Features
The EVO grips have an ergonomic shape and are optimized for wider riser handlebars that are popular with All Mountain and Enduro riders. Using feedback from their EWS (Enduro World Series) riders they redesigned and improved the original GE1 for the utmost in response and comfort. The surface texture offers a more slip-proof surface, and the softer rubber compound provides a more consistent and precise grip and tactile feel.
It actively supports a proper upper body and forearm position during downhill riding, by rotating the grip area towards the steering axle so that the elbows raise outwardly. They created an optimized pressure distribution section by the thumb for improved holding power and added damping at the outer edge to decrease the pressure to your hand’s sensitive ulnar nerve. It features a forged alloy inner pinch lock-on clamp with a fully integrated grip end connected to a tuned dampened inner core that utilizes varying thicknesses throughout its grip-zones.
Installation
The grips are left and right specific and have a default upwards orientation marked on the inner side of the grip, and the angle of direction can be tweaked for personal requirements. I left them in their default position since I found it fit my hands the best. They slid onto the handlebars and had an internal auto-stop (sort of an outer bar plug), and I tightened them down using a 3mm hex socket to 3 Nm of torque.
Impressions
The first thing you notice is how well they fit your hand, though they did feel more round in shape than the standard GE1 grips. They’re comfortable and have this proper tacky, grippy and tactile feel, becoming one with the hand. The softer rubber compound practically feels like it molds to your hands as you hold onto the grips.
When you start riding, you don’t have to grip the bars as tight, and you can use a bit looser grip on the handlebar, which saves a good deal of energy when you’re not battling to hold on. On longer rides, the grip gives considerably less numbness in the hands, along with decreased hand, arm, and upper-body fatigue.
The ergonomic design of these grips feels right, pleasant and comforting. The different damping and thickness zones along the length of the grip become readily apparent when you hammer down a trail; the inner section offers up excellent holding power to grasp with your thumb and fingers while the outer edge offers extra comfort for your ulnar nerve. I enjoyed the texture of the grip, and the surface had a sort of soft rubbery ribbed pliability to itself making it extremely comfortable to hold onto with it feeling gooey and sloppy. By the thumb are small soft winged sections that help you to hold onto the grips and they offer just a tad of leveraging capabilities.
Bottom Line
The Ergon GE1 EVO Factory grips ergonomic design, damping characteristics, and surface textures give less fatigue to the hands, arms and upper body, allowing for longer rides, less cramping and numbness, greater strength and comfort, and performance. The uber soft rubber compound provides superior grip in any conditions and offers excellent damping on the most rugged and gnarly trails.
The tactile feel of the ribbed surface texture, its soft, sticky rubber compound, and ease of holding offer up excellent comfort and precision control for climbing, steering, and maneuvering
- Compatible with carbon handlebars.
- Use – MTB, Enduro, Gravity, All-Mountain
- Weight – Regular 105 g, Slim 90g
- Sizes – Regular 32mm OD, Slim 30mm OD
- Color – Fron Black, Frozen Orange
- Material – Gravity Control Rubber
- Clamp – Cold Forged Aluminium / CNC Machined
{ 0 comments… add one now }