Follow-up Review - Yeti Hardcore Lock-On Grips

So I finally got around to installing the new mountain bike grips. As expected, the installation went relatively smoothly. The only hitch that I noticed was that once the end caps were installed, it was difficult to determine if the grip was fully on the bar. It really came down to a judgment call. Ultimately, I figured if I tightened the outer ring first and did not notice any movement then I assumed it was in place.

The grips definitely feel more secure in my hands. I placed the large logo so that my palm falls naturally on top of it. This has created noticeably more cushion in palm than the Ritchey TGV grips they replace. I tightened the grips to factory specs. There is no side-to-side or rotational play in these grips. They are not going anywhere!

Even though both the TGV and Yeti Hardcore grips are designed for twist shifters, the Yetis are slightly shorter. In the photo below, you can see the gap between the inside of the grip and the shifter. That gap is the difference in length between the two. I have medium hands for an adult male and I cannot say I miss any of the extra length.

Initial Impressions - Yeti Hardcore Lock-on Grips

Another safety related addition this week has been these Yeti Hardcore Lock-on Grips. During my last mountain bike excursion, I was navigating a section of downhill when the right grip slipped off. The Ritchey TGV grips that have been on the bars for several years have excellent grip to the hand. The issue I had was that my hand was still holding the grip but the grip was no longer attached to the bar! It was time for them to go. I spent a great deal of time searching for shorty grips (90mm) but it appears that in the years that I have spent away from the bike scene, twist shifts have all but died out for aftermarket support. After all was said and done, I stopped by Bayou Bicycles in New Orleans and had them order me a set of these. 

I have enjoyed Yeti Hardcore grips in the past. They have a good level of cushion when the large logo is positioned for palm side placement and the smaller text provides excellent gripping texture. While they still feel a little slim, they fill up the hand nicely when paired with a good pair of gloves.

This latest version of Hardcores is the lock-on variety. I have heard excellent things about lock-on technology and I am hoping that I will never experience the terror of riding downhill with only one hand on the bar! The lock-on clamps seem fairly straight forward. The level of mechanical skill required to install these grips is about on par with installing a water bottle cage (i.e. extremely easy).

I will be installing these on the Bontrager as soon as I get back from my road ride this evening. I will post more pictures as well as a more thorough review soon.

Have a favorite straight bar grip? Tell me about it.