I want to talk a bit about bike grips. More specifically, the Ergon GE1 Evo Factory grips. I’m a fan of Ergon Bike products. I use their SM Pro Men’s saddles when not riding my trusty Brooks B17. And for grips, I’ve used Ergon grips for over 6 years.
First, it was their GA2 and then I switched to the GA3, which I ran for most of the 6 years. I use their GP1 Evo (the one with the big “wings”… you’ve all seen them around) on my Rivendell Clem Smith Jr. And, most recently, I’ve fallen for their GE1 Evo Factory for the mountain bikes in the stable.
The GE1 Evo Factory is by far my favorite Ergon grip. I use this grip on both of my all-mountain bikes, the Haro Saguaro 1, and the Salsa Blackthorn. I wasn’t planning on reviewing them, but I think they’re great and thought I’d share my thoughts.
Ergon = Bike Ergonomics
Ergon Bike is a German company that focuses all of its attention on making our riding experience more comfy. They have a staff full of people like physicians, engineers, and even sports scientists. They focus their products on the ergonomics of human anatomy. This kind of focus, in my opinion, is highlighted in the comfort of their products.
If you want to find a grip and saddle that fit your body and needs, check out the Grip Selector and Saddle Selector.
I mean, they aren’t messing around over there.
The Ergon GE1 Evo Factory Grip
Retail: $40
The Ergon GE1 Evo Factory Grip is an ergonomic mountain bike-specific grip that was developed in partnership with Ergon’s Enduro World Series athletes. Ergon says that the ergonomic shape of the grip will “automatically put you in an active riding position”.
This is 100% the truth. After installing the grip and going for that first ride, I found my riding position to be more “active” than it would be without the GE1 Evo. I wasn’t even trying, it really was “automatic”.
The grip is made entirely in Germany, using their unique in-house produced Factory rubber compound. I find that compound to provide a very useful amount of damping, without losing the “feel” of the trail.
The GE1 Evo is also specifically designed for use with wide handlebars, like my 800mm wide PNW LOAM bars. The grips have textured zones that are oriented against the direction that your hands naturally rotate on the grip.
There is an aluminum inboard clamp and built-in handlebar end plugs. This gives the grips a great, high-end fit and finish. The end plugs do not come out, so if you have a quick tool or tire repair kit that fits in the handlebar end, these grips won’t work.
Installing the GE1 Evo
They are right and left-specific, as well as top and bottom-specific. Setting up the grip is easy. Each grip is labeled Right or Left, and has an ‘Up’ graphic printed on the shoulder of the locking collar (it’s harder to see on the oil slick clamps). Match up the left and right grips, and slide the grips over the bar with ‘Up’ pointing… up. Situate yourself in the riding position of choice, and wrap your hands around the grip.
You can rotate the grip slightly until you find that the grip matches the ergonomics of your hand. You can use the hash marks on the collar to make sure both grips are equal. Once this happens, tighten the 3mm screw and you’re done.
Quick GE1 Evo Specs
- New unique in-house produced Factory rubber compound.
- Design to be used on the wide handlebars found on most gravity MTBs.
- Textured zones orientated against the direction of rotation of the hand.
- Lightweight high-quality inboard aluminum clamp.
- Built-in handlebar plug.
- Right and Left specific grips, which are also Top and Bottom specific.
- 135mm length
- 32mm average diameter
- 119 grams for the set
- No removable end plug
Riding with the Ergon GE1 Evo Factory
I received the Ergon GE1 Evo Factory grips in Frozen Stealth (black) with the Oil Slick clamp on the Salsa Blackthorn, and the Frozen Moss (green) with the Oil Slick clamp on the Saguaro 1.
This grip is one of the most noticeable, low-cost upgrades I’ve made to a bicycle. They instantly made a difference in how my hands felt on both short and long rides.
I noticed the grip’s highlights and features on rides with long technical descents, where the terrain requires a tighter grip while using more brakes. The soft compound helps keep the numbness at bay while providing ample damping.
The ergonomics of the grip are subtle, but obvious as it keeps you in a riding position that is ready for action. And while the grip’s compound feels soft, its purposeful shape still feels very defined and precise.
Besides the awesome appearance, vibration damping, and ergonomics of the grip, I think one of my favorite features of the GE1 Evo Factory is the extended outer edge.
I tend to ride with my hands to the outside, and sometimes hanging slightly off of the end of the bar. And these extended end portions of the grip seemed to be made just for me. It gives your hand a nice perch to be on.
The Gripping Conclusion
In my opinion, most grips that boast relief from hand numbness or offer damping, often end up feeling too vague and squishy. This results in a grip that leaves you feeling less in control. The GE1 Evo Factory grips manage to accomplish the real job of offering relief from hand discomfort. Plus they offer great damping that doesn’t leave you feeling disconnected from the trail.
For $40, the Ergon GE1 Evo Factory grip is a low-cost, upgrade for your bike that will yield very noticeable differences in your ride feel and hand comfort. I would highly suggest trying them out. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.
Check them out at the link below.
