VP Components always has some sweet pedals to show off, but they brought something a little different this year to Taipei with a complete lineup of grips, bartape, and even a pretty cool commuter pedal. While we’ve seen a lot of locking grips that are similar aside from aesthetics, VP went their own route with a unique grip construction and new patented locking clamp. Plus, that simple yet pretty neat commuter pedal that will do the trick in case your ride home gets a little rad!
VP had several grips on hand in Taipei, and they are pretty much unlike other locking grips on the market. Instead of the rubber grip being bonded to a hard nylon shell to which the locking clamp “snaps” onto, VP uses a flexible PVC inner sleeve that is much softer as well as flexible. Their patented locking clamp uses a small polypropylene ring insert that sandwiches the grip’s PVC tab between the collar and clamp rather than smashing it against the bar. Their reasoning behind it is that the PVC liner creates a softer grip with a more traditional feel, like that of a standard solid rubber grip.
They’re making the grips and patented locking clamps in-house and are primarily aiming them at the OEM market; BUT, Erik Saunders, VP’s Brand Director said they are eager to hear feedback from everyone to see if there is a demand for the aftermarket. The raw, asphalt looking grips above have a polyurethane outer layer that is a little harder than normal rubber, but is super grippy. I ride with a “loose hold” and these literally don’t let go when I was playing with them. Despite being a little on the fugly side, I sorta thought about going home with a pair.
A little more on the traditional side, they had several patterns and colors available, using the soft PVC-style lock.
Of course a company with a line of BMX pedals making grips, it was no surprise to see a BMX grip with an inner hood. They have a mark where you can trim the hood in case you prefer it without.
VP also had some bartape on display made with a polyurethane outer and PVC foam inner layer (and some, ahem… backwards wrap jobs.)
Another cool thing was their reflective bartape. Commuters can never get enough reflective real estate so this could be a good addition for a safer ride.
Last but not least is a pretty cool commuter pedal. The Bauhaus pedal (see even the name is cool) is made of nylon and uses the same spindle and sealed bearings as some of their dirt-worthy flats, so they are even re-buildable. They have a concave profile like VP’s BMX pedals and use replaceable grip-tape to keep you hooked on (and maybe open it up for some color customization?) Sticking with tradition, they sport orange reflectors to keep us safe and are available now for $60
