My old stumpy had the fox fork on it. Can you say velvet? And the new ones are even smoother, lighter, and stiffer too.

 

I want to switch out my hand grips later to the lock ring type since you do not have to push them on with a mixture of soapy water.

In that PDF file for the shorts/knickers I just ordered, down below them is a review on the Specialized grips using lock rings.
Are the Specialized ones the way to go?
The stock ones seem to thin to me.

 

If youre gonna pay for lock on grips, get a pair of ergons. I have the GE1s which I have been liking alot. Very comfortable, light, and easy to grip while not being to skinny.


Ergon also makes grips with even more surface area for more wrist support too. They can be had with an integrated barend for climbing, or without. When adjusted correctly, these grips are SUPER comfortable, but I like a more conventional shape a bit better.
(Image from bikeradar.com)

 

flash, drooling over your Fox fork. That looks like it belongs on an airplane, and prolly cost like it too.

Ergon grips? Dang, I should've asked you before ordering Odi Rogues. I saw those with barends and they do look trick, but figured it's one more thing ready to cause a puncture wound.

 

The Ergons look good.
http://www.mtbtrailreview.com/blog/e...y-chad-oliver/



I had barends on my last mountain bike that I had put on.
You can see them in one of the pics earlier I posted of my old Raleigh.

Question on these, what is the scale marks on the clamp, how tight it goes?

 

Dunno. Maybe some kind of helpful aligning marks?

The new '09 version of those is nearly impossible to find online. Most look to be selling last year's version.

Edit: Found the manual for the GE 1's. I think the Odi's are going back uninstalled (new handlebar arrives tomorrow) in place of GE 1's. I wanna be like flashkl.
And Corey I agree, the OEM grips are too small. My palms went numb on every ride and with the new handlebar and stem tweaks, I'll be placing alot more weight on my hands.

http://www.ergon-bike.com/-download/ge1-manual.pdf

 

Bob, are these the '09s?
http://www.amazon.com/Ergon-GE1-Endu...0820709&sr=8-1

I like Amazon, I buy a lot through them.



If those are the new ones, I will place an order.
The small grips in black are also eligible for free shipping since I am an Amazon Prime member.
Some merchandise ships for free and two day shipping which is great.

I think the smaller grips are the way to go to save room on the bars.
Bob, here is their site too.
http://www.ergon-bike.com/gb/en/prod...1-team-edition

 

I can't tell for sure if they're '09's, but don't think so since the end caps are different.

I think the small size might be meant for twist grip shifters, so we'd need the large. Not sure, but thought I read that size related to length, not diameter, but have been researching so many grips can't recall.

I called around the biggest LBS and nobody has the new '09's yet.

Yeah, I buy from Amazon, maybe the best online e-tailer IF the item is provided directly from them and not a vendor.

 

After more research besides mtb reviews I ordered these from a LBS tonight:



I know, it has barend grips, but hear me out. I'm possibly the world's worst climber and need any help for ascents. I hate it when my riding buddy's wife leaves me behind, but she leaves everyone behind. Anyway, I'm hoping the different positions may help climbing. That, and the fact that my two small fingers are still partially numb from Sunday's ride made me consider options to spread the load and think these might be up to the task.

$70 MSRP was shocking, so I went hunting and found them for $57.75 that my LBS cheerfully (they said) matched.

http://www.ergon-bike.com/gb/en/product/gx3-leichtbau

 

wow, 57 bucks is pretty cheap for those grips, my shop sells them for about 70. The marks on the grips are aligning marks so you can make both sides even (the rubber portion adjusts independently of the clamp). And yes the short grips are for grip shift type shifters.

 

My guys matched this price:

http://www.ride-this.com/index.php/e...nd-gryblk.html

Now I have to read the manual to get the most out of them. I should have the new bars and grips mounted by tomorrow afternoon and am planning a test and tune ride over the same trails as last Sunday for a back-to-back comparo.

 

flash, I was just reading the installation manual d/l from the ergon site and one of the first warnings was to not use them with carbon bars which of course the incoming Monkeybars are. Is it CYA or should I keep the OEM aluminum bar?

Edit: The Easton site says Monkeylite is compatible with barends so I'm good.

http://www.eastonbike.com/PRODUCTS/B...ise_ml_xc.html

 

Yeah, it'll be fine with carbon bars just dont overtighten. Use a torque wrench and tighten to the specified torque (about 4 Nm??)

 

Took me awhile to get used to the whole carbon bars thing but i guess there strong?

 

Spot on, 4 Nm. Whatever that feels like. Must be lightly and I only have a big torque wrench so I'll wing it. Well, there's a Harbor Freight nearby, maybe I'll check there first then wing it if needed. I guess carbon is strong is certain directions but not crush strength?

 

Bob, that Monkey bar, does it just angle up higher than our stock bars?
I wonder if it is worth the trouble to change mine out or leave it stock.

I was pretty much going to leave my bike stock (not modded like the FJ ) except for the tires which I already had done, the new pedals, and possibly some new hand grips later.
Oh, and also that lighting system I want.

 

You can choose either high or low rise bars. I went with low b/c the 19" frame has me too upright. I actually measured up for a 21" frame but after riding both decided on the 19" for lower top tube standover height. A little insurance for the boys, slightly lighter and shorter geometry for quicker handling given the 29" wheels. At least that's my theory that seems to be working out.

Also, the OEM bars are swept back and up too much for my liking and put unusual pressure on my wrists. The Monkeylites have a little less upsweep and rise (I got the low riser) that should help. Saving weight off the front should too. Plus I then moved the saddle forward slightly that helps power transfer to the pedals.

The new bars and grips combined with an inverted stem and rejiggered shim stack (those three different sized shims under the stem) have me stretched out more making for a more secure feeling, a lower CG, reduced tendency to wheelie uphill and more efficient. It feels like a new bike.

If you're happy with your setup now I'd say play with the stem and shims first. Those couldn't compensate for the unusual wrist angle for me, the main reason I went with Monkeylites and the great $75 sale price currently at JensonUSA. Swapping out is bog simple with our 4-bolt stem faceplates and easy on-off controls. A couple allen wrenches and a half-hour job, then fine tuning tweaks after test rides.

I'll keep the OEM bars with grips installed for resale.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...er+Bar+08.aspx

 

Thanks Bob for the info.
I may change out to that bar later for a bit of weight savings.
I am impressed with how light this bike is even compared to my old alloy one by Raleigh.

Adding in that killer 1200 lumen light system though is going to add some weight back if I get it.
But that will be cool for some night time rides local here, or at dusk when camped.
1200 lumens are very bright considering my new Surefire LED light which lights up the night is only 80 lumens.

Those shorts I ordered will be here Tuesday.
The ones I have now are a tad tight, and these new ones are a baggy fit, should be easier to ride in.
Free shipping from that company, but they come ground via FedEx.
Could have gotten faster shipping, but I am not in a hurry.

 

Just got off the tele with my LBS, and they do carry the Ergon ones, but they would have to order the GE1s from a local supply house.

Bob, the type you got I do not think you mentioned the part #, but I see quite a few different ones on Ergons site under the Pro Racing and Performance Comfort pages.
They normally carry some of those too.

I am also looking at the GA1s, I believe they are newer than the GE1s.
http://www.ergon-bike.com/gb/en/prod...u-team-edition

 

I got the GX3's, a new model just out and the last set at my LBS, looks like they're becoming popular around here.

http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/gx3-leichtbau