
When to replace your Handlebar Grips
Handlebar grips do need to be replaced. Know when to replace your grips so you have the confidence that you have great control and contact with your handlebars to keep you safe.

The purpose of Handlebar GripsÂ
Your handlebar grips provide the connection between your hands and the handlebars of the bike. A good connection is important so you can maintain your grip on the handlebars and steer the bike.
Your handlebar grips provide comfort and cushioning for your hands. Without good comfort and cushioning your can experience discomfort in your hands arms, shoulders and upper body.
Every time you ride your hands will make contact with your grips. Being a contact point on your bike makes them a well used component of your bike. This as well as they are often constructed from materials that are soft and less durable so they can provide cushioning contribute to the fact they often need replacing. However they are frequently a forgotten part of the bike.
,,,so it is vital that you check your handlebar grips regularly and replace them when they become worn.
What to look for in a worn grip.Â
Handlebar grips are designed with a surface that will assist you to maintain a grip. What that surface is made of as well as the design of the surface varies between different brands and the style and type of grip.
Often the grip will have multiple and small protruding bumps, ridges or waffling to provide a more effective sticky contact surface This style of grip when wearing out will often show as a smoothing and thinning of the surface,
If your grips were originally smooth then when they become worn out, you are looking for a smoother more shinier surface.
If any of these different types of surfaces are very worn out there could be an appearance of cracks, bare spots and holes
Grip ends – The ends of grips are enclosed to cover and provide protection to the end of your handlebars and provide protection to surfaces that handlebars are leant against. Grips ends are often exposed to wearing especially in kids bikes – as they rest their bike on the ground as they get on and off the bike.
Check to make sure that the ends of the grips are fully intact and replace if the end of the grip is compromised.

Smoothing of the ridges and a thining of the the material shows a worn out grip.
Other reasons to replace.Â
The main other reason to replace ,,,will be if you are finding discomfort in your hands, arms or upper body.
Consider whether you may simply need to replace a worn out grip or you may need to consider the level of cushioning you currently have in your grip. Different grips provide different levels of cushioning. You may require an endurance grip or maybe a change in shape to increase the support to your hands and upper body.
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