When it comes to grips there are a ton of options out there, but few have the history of A’ME. As the producer of many of the early BMX grips the company continues to put out high end grips for bikes, power sports, even golf clubs. The MTB Clamp-On Tri and Ergo Tri grips are one of our favorites thanks to the different diameters and soft, tacky rubber.
Fortunately, A’ME isn’t changing their mountain bike grips, but they are offering more options for color. In addition to neon colored grip sections on the way, A’ME is also introducing new anodized lock collars in a variety of colors. More importantly, if you’re a vintage BMX buff who is looking for something that looks like the original Unitron without the NOS price tag, A’ME has something for you after the break…
Thanks to the recent acquisition of a laser engraver, A’ME will be offering custom engraved lock on collars in the near future. Prices have yet to be worked out, but they should be able to do fairly low numbers making it a great option for your shop or team.
Above is the last original Unitron BMX grip in A’ME’s possession. It’s getting to the point that the company wants to re-release the popular grip but they are very aware of doing it in away that doesn’t upset the owners of actual vintage grips. Bob at A’ME says they plan on adding a label somewhere on the grip that will distinguish that it is a reproduction and not an original. These will probably retail somewhere around $25-30.
Possibly the ultimate winter accessory for the bike nerd, A’ME continues with their heated grips in a number of styles.
All of the grips feature a fairly major change this year to an external on/off switch rather than the previous model which was built into the grip. While not quite a svelte as the original, the move makes the grips more durable since the circuit board no longer has to be built into the grip, and it also makes for much cheaper grip replacements. While the full kit retails for $199, a set of replacement grips will now run $35.
