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SOC17: How to install ESI Grips in under two minutes, ltd edition purple & colored bar plugs!

Written by Tyler Benedict
22 Comments
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ESI Grips limited edition purple silicone foam mountain bike grips

Just before Sea Otter, ESI Grips teased a new limited edition color grip program, promising the first would be unveiled at the event. And here it is…Purple! But that’s not the only new colored item they’ve got. Now you’ll be able to match your bar end plugs to your grips, with a wide range of colors to match almost everything they make, including their silicone handlebar tape for road, cyclocross, etc.

If you’ve ever struggled to install their silicone foam grips, the video below shows you how to do it in under two minutes. If only we’d known it was this easy…

ESI Grips colored bar end plugs to match silicone foam grips

The bar plugs are just $2.49 per pair, or five for $10. Available now. Big thanks to ESI for sponsoring our 2017 Sea Otter Classic video coverage, too!

ESIgrips.com
Tyler Benedict
11,282 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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22 Comments
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Birdman
Birdman
7 years ago

Awesome! Now I won’t be afraid to buy another one!

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Mr. P
Mr. P
7 years ago

Love ESI grips. But please make the bar plug wider.

Signed,

Guy who has had handlebar impaled 6cm into abdomen.

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Dan
Dan
7 years ago

Yeah but can you remove them? How about a lock on version?

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edge
edge
7 years ago
Reply to  Dan

I install and remove them with WD-40. To remove I stick a very thin screwdriver or auger then stick the red straw in and spray. remove the screwdriver and the WD-40 will work it’s way around. Then the grips just slip off.

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David V Dye
David V Dye
7 years ago

I’ve never had it go that easily with Alcohol. Dish soap works great though.

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GoneRiding
GoneRiding
7 years ago
Reply to  David V Dye

Dish soap never goes away, a bit of rain and your grips start spinning or come right off! Bad move. Alchohol, hair spray or blow them on with an air compressor.

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Andrew
Andrew
7 years ago

I’ve always had them go on super easy with Alcohol…. probably faster than the 2-mins shown here!

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Wewe
Wewe
7 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

SOMetimes alcohol is the answer

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Brocktoon
Brocktoon
7 years ago

It’s interesting to see more pro teams using foam grips on their aerobars. Very clean look. I think grips will eventually replace bar tape

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CXisFun
CXisFun
7 years ago
Reply to  Brocktoon

Bar tape already replaced foam grips on drop bars…..about 30 years ago.

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Chase
Chase
7 years ago

I use the 6.75″ ones on 800mm wide bars and the alcohol works but due to the added length definitely requires some muscle and quick action.

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b_p_t
b_p_t
7 years ago

Hand sanitizer gel, ftw.

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Chase
Chase
7 years ago
Reply to  b_p_t

I like it. Basically alcohol gel

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Greg
Greg
7 years ago

These instructions come with every grip set. Everyone should already be doing this.
He forgot to mark on the end of the grip which side is the thicker.
Blow drying the alcohol helps them set up faster.
Use 70% alcohol for longer work time.

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boo
boo
7 years ago
Reply to  Greg

70% tip is good tip

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edge
edge
7 years ago

I use WD-40. Just as fast, but already in my shop. They dry overnight.

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Bob
Bob
7 years ago

Final Net aerosol hair spray, mine went on easy & have not budged since the day I put them on. Bought a travel size years ago and do my mtb & motorcycle grips with it.

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Jacob Johnson
Jacob Johnson
7 years ago

Hairspray for the win…

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PurplePeopleEater
PurplePeopleEater
7 years ago

Still waiting patiently for purple (or fuschia) RCT Wrap. Please, please, please ESI, make it happen!

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LC
LC
7 years ago

I normally use hairspray, but installed some BMX style grips recently; one with hairspray and one with isopropyl as an experiment. Isopropyl was an easier install and held more solid, but I still wired them on afterwards to be sure.

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NEXTIME
NEXTIME
7 years ago

The most easy way I’ve used to mount those grips is with an air compressor. Put the bar end in, start to put the grip on the bar, blow air into grip and move it as much as you want. I dont use any liquid and Mine have never slipped.

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DaveDave
DaveDave
7 years ago

I started using the zip tie method. It was late in the day and I had drank my alcohol and used the hair spray to get ready to go out.

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