Comfortable and cushy handgrips?

[Antonella]

I have a 1970 era girls Raleigh Sport three speed that I'm converting to a Tongsheng E bike and I wonder what you recommend for a good cushy handle bar grip and seat for that matter. And how do you get those damn grips off without ruining them?

thank you,
Antonella

 

[Deacon Blues]

I've used WD-40 (with the long, thin, plastic nozzle, with success. Stick the nozzle up under the grips and give them a blast, twist the grips and then give them another blast. Keep that up until the grip starts to move around and you should be able to work it off the bar.
As far as comfortable grips go, I've been very happy with my Ergon grips, but they're on the pricey side. There's also a number of cheaper, copycats on Amazon.

Recommending a comfortable seat is a tough one. What is comfortable for me may not be comfortable for you. Also, it depends on the type of bike you're riding. I have a Fabric seat (that's the brand name) on my road bike that I love, so I thought I'd give it a try on my commuter bike. After a 30km ride I couldn't wait to get it off my commuter bike. What a pain!

 

[Deacon Blues]

I've used WD40, but I have to admit that I now use compressed air, since I have an air compressor. I didn't mention compressed air, because most people don't own an air compressor.

 

[Merle Nelson]

True but, some neighbor close by probably does.

 

[Antonella]

True but, some neighbor close by probably does.

Not in my neighborhood

 

[bones774]

Squirting a bit of gasoline works also, acts as a solvent and dries out quick

 

[fooferdoggie]

I use really good soft bar tape it is expensive but it sure feels good on my hands when I do 250 miles in a week. but you cant remove any components without taking off the tape.

 

[Antonella]

I just found an easy and clean way to remove your grips. I took a syringe filled with dish soap and water with a 18gauge needle. I slid it in all the way and squirted a little soap under it. Then I took the handle of a bottle brush and inserted in the same spot little by little you squirt and dance the wire handle. When the handle is at the end you remove the needle and twist the grip from side to side. It will free it up real easy!

 

[Merle Nelson]

Great idea.

 

[Antonella]

Great idea.

Thanks Merle!

 

[Mike TowpathTraveler]

Questions about handlebar grips and saddles are such a subjective thing to answer cause what works for one may not work for someone else. Anywhooo..... after using the Ergon GP handgrips, I found them to be too hard and unforgiving after alot of miles on the road. Pictured here are the only grips and bar ends I'll ever buy: Ergon GA2 Fat handlebar grips. Thicker overall diameter and a nice, soft rubber to help absorb vibrations. They are long wearing. Not to be confused with the Ergon GP's, which are made of a harder nylon/plastic. Link: https://ergonbike.shop/collections/grips/products/ergon-ga2-fat-1

The bar ends that I have on 3 of my bikes, including this Haibike, are Cane Creek Ergo Control Bar End Grips. These things, unlike what @fooferdoggie shows, fits snug in the palm of your hand. Made of soft, kraton rubber, they take road vibes and hits with no problem. Having the ability to move your hands to multiple positions helps ease fatigue and aids in climbing hills, too. Link: https://canecreek.com/product/ergo-control-bar-ends/

Finally, saddles & which one is the most comfortable represent the king of subjective discussions. Some swear by the hard leather saddles by Brooks. Others may like the Infinity saddle which is in a league by itself as far as looks goes. Me, I like my Ergon ST Core. The upper layer of the saddle in which you sit on, is supported by a thick layer of closed cell foam that has a good amount of give when you hit bumps in the road. Don't forget, there are suspension posts out there that reportedly do a great job in aborbing alot of road shocks and vibes, so that is something to consider as well. But remember, there is always a price to go with top tier components. Link: https://ergonbike.shop/collections/saddles/products/ergon-st-core

 

[rich c]

I prefer Ergon GP2 grips. They aren't cushy, but with the short horns, I can ride for miles without gripping them. I just let me hands rest on top and lean them against the horn. Control is just as good as gripping. I really dislike big cushy seats. A well designed road seat with a little gel padding is perfect for me. I suggest talking to a local bike shop to get a fit for you. IF you have one of those in your neighborhood.

 

[Antonella]

I've used WD-40 (with the long, thin, plastic nozzle, with success. Stick the nozzle up under the grips and give them a blast, twist the grips and then give them another blast. Keep that up until the grip starts to move around and you should be able to work it off the bar.
As far as comfortable grips go, I've been very happy with my Ergon grips, but they're on the pricey side. There's also a number of cheaper, copycats on Amazon.

Recommending a comfortable seat is a tough one. What is comfortable for me may not be comfortable for you. Also, it depends on the type of bike you're riding. I have a Fabric seat (that's the brand name) on my road bike that I love, so I thought I'd give it a try on my commuter bike. After a 30km ride I couldn't wait to get it off my commuter bike. What a pain!

Thank
You. What is the purpose of those horns that stick out on some of the Ergon grips and would you recommend those types?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What is the purpose of those horns that stick out on some of the Ergo grips and would you recommend those types?

Multiple hands positions on a long ride. Ergon grips that are equipped with bar-ends are to be held as if the handlebars were a car's steering wheel. Meanwhile, you rest the part of the the palm below the thumb (cannot remember the English name) on the protruding part of the ergonomic grip. Your hand is very comfortable with that, you feel better control over the steering, and the riding experience is greatly improved.

One of possible hand positions on Ergon GP3 grip. Recently, I've come to like the GP2 even more.

 

[Antonella]

I prefer Ergon GP2 grips. They aren't cushy, but with the short horns, I can ride for miles without gripping them. I just let me hands rest on top and lean them against the horn. Control is just as good as gripping. I really dislike big cushy seats. A well designed road seat with a little gel padding is perfect for me. I suggest talking to a local bike shop to get a fit for you. IF you have one of those in your neighborhood.

Thanks Rich! What bike do you use them on?

 

[Antonella]

View attachment 109391
Questions about handlebar grips and saddles are such a subjective thing to answer cause what works for one may not work for someone else. Anywhooo..... after using the Ergon GP handgrips, I found them to be too hard and unforgiving after alot of miles on the road. Pictured here are the only grips and bar ends I'll ever buy: Ergon GA2 Fat handlebar grips. Thicker overall diameter and a nice, soft rubber to help absorb vibrations. They are long wearing. Not to be confused with the Ergon GP's, which are made of a harder nylon/plastic. Link: https://ergonbike.shop/collections/grips/products/ergon-ga2-fat-1

The bar ends that I have on 3 of my bikes, including this Haibike, are Cane Creek Ergo Control Bar End Grips. These things, unlike what @fooferdoggie shows, fits snug in the palm of your hand. Made of soft, kraton rubber, they take road vibes and hits with no problem. Having the ability to move your hands to multiple positions helps ease fatigue and aids in climbing hills, too. Link: https://canecreek.com/product/ergo-control-bar-ends/

Finally, saddles & which one is the most comfortable represent the king of subjective discussions. Some swear by the hard leather saddles by Brooks. Others may like the Infinity saddle which is in a league by itself as far as looks goes. Me, I like my Ergon ST Core. The upper layer of the saddle in which you sit on, is supported by a thick layer of closed cell foam that has a good amount of give when you hit bumps in the road. Don't forget, there are suspension posts out there that reportedly do a great job in aborbing alot of road shocks and vibes, so that is something to consider as well. But remember, there is always a price to go with top tier components. Link: https://ergonbike.shop/collections/saddles/products/ergon-st-core

Thank you

Multiple hands positions on a long ride. Ergon grips that are equipped with bar-ends are to be held as if the handlebars were a car's steering wheel. Meanwhile, you rest the part of the the palm below the thumb (cannot remember the English name) on the protruding part of the ergonomic grip. Your hand is very comfortable with that, you feel better control over the steering, and the riding experience is greatly improved.


View attachment 109774
One of possible hand positions on Ergon GP3 grip. Recently, I've come to like the GP2 even more.

Thank you Stefan. Seems like a great thing to have. I don't know if the horns would work on my bike though which has those curved back bars. I forgot what they are called.

 

[Antonella]

View attachment 109391
Questions about handlebar grips and saddles are such a subjective thing to answer cause what works for one may not work for someone else. Anywhooo..... after using the Ergon GP handgrips, I found them to be too hard and unforgiving after alot of miles on the road. Pictured here are the only grips and bar ends I'll ever buy: Ergon GA2 Fat handlebar grips. Thicker overall diameter and a nice, soft rubber to help absorb vibrations. They are long wearing. Not to be confused with the Ergon GP's, which are made of a harder nylon/plastic. Link: https://ergonbike.shop/collections/grips/products/ergon-ga2-fat-1

The bar ends that I have on 3 of my bikes, including this Haibike, are Cane Creek Ergo Control Bar End Grips. These things, unlike what @fooferdoggie shows, fits snug in the palm of your hand. Made of soft, kraton rubber, they take road vibes and hits with no problem. Having the ability to move your hands to multiple positions helps ease fatigue and aids in climbing hills, too. Link: https://canecreek.com/product/ergo-control-bar-ends/

Finally, saddles & which one is the most comfortable represent the king of subjective discussions. Some swear by the hard leather saddles by Brooks. Others may like the Infinity saddle which is in a league by itself as far as looks goes. Me, I like my Ergon ST Core. The upper layer of the saddle in which you sit on, is supported by a thick layer of closed cell foam that has a good amount of give when you hit bumps in the road. Don't forget, there are suspension posts out there that reportedly do a great job in aborbing alot of road shocks and vibes, so that is something to consider as well. But remember, there is always a price to go with top tier components. Link: https://ergonbike.shop/collections/saddles/products/ergon-st-core

Thats quite a great bike you have there.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I don't know if the horns would work on my bike though which has those curved back bars. I forgot what they are called.

Probably wouldn't...

 

[Merle Nelson]

Handlebars might be one of the easiest things to change out on a bike if a person decided they would be better served by another design.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Handlebars might be one of the easiest things to change out on a bike if a person decided they would be better served by another design.

Come on Merle. We don't want Antonella to get rid of her comfortable bars for sure!