How To Install Bike Handle Grips

This article will walk through how to remove and install grips on flat handlebars, including lock-on and slip-on styles. For drop style handlebar tape installation, see Handlebar Wrapping.

Getting Started

What Tools do I need?

Repair Stand — holds wheel secure for easy work
HBH-2 or HBH-3 Handlebar Holder — makes work easier
For lock-on grips:
- Hex wrench
- Torque wrench or commuter
For slip-on grips, one or more of the following may be required:
- Scissors, sharp knife or razor bract
- Rubbing alcohol or window cleaner
- Compressed air
- Spray adhesive or hair spray

The handlebar grips on upright or flat confined should not skid or movement during the ride. With time, grips tend to aggrandize and will loosen on the bar. It is possible to help the grip bond to the bar using adhesives. However, grips will eventually wearable out and should be replaced.

Typical handlebar grips use either a slip-on or lock-on method of zipper. Sideslip-on grips rely on a friction fit or interference fit, in which the grips are stretched effectually the handlebar. Lock-on grips are designed with a locking collar arrangement, keeping the grips secure until they are completely worn out.

Grip Removal

Before removing the grip, remove whatsoever bar-end plugs if present. They can usually be pried out with a pocket-sized screwdriver. Some designs use an expansion plug organisation. Loosen with the appropriate wrench and remove the plug.

Traditional plugs can be simply pried out

Expansion plugs must be loosened to remove

Slip-On Grip Removal

Several methods can be used to remove slip-on grips:

An air compressor with the appropriate accessory tin can be used to create an air gap between the bar and grip. Twist and wiggle the grip to remove it.

Create an air gap with an air compressor attachment

Use a tool to open up upwards one end of the grip and spray rubbing alcohol inside. This volition deed as a lubricant, assuasive them to slide off.

Inject alcohol between the bar and grip using a spray bottle — Inject alcohol between the bar and grip using a spray canteen

If other methods neglect, cut through the grip with a pair of scissors or a blade. Do not attempt this method with carbon fiber bars, every bit scoring the surface will weaken the handlebar. Scoring steel or aluminum will only crusade corrective impairment.

Use only enough pressure to cut through the grip material — Apply only enough pressure to cut through the grip material

Lock-On Grip Removal

Only loosen the bolts that are clamping the grip to the bar. These are typically a 2.5, 3, or 4mm hex fitting.

Lock-on grips may feature one or two locking collars

Grip Installation

First, clean the bar off with a nonresidual cleaner similar isopropyl alcohol to ensure that the bar is complimentary of contaminants and oils.

Sideslip-On Grip Installation

Information technology tin can be challenging to slip the new grips onto the bar, peculiarly with tight fitting styles.

Bravado air between the bar and grip can exist helpful when working the grips on.

Like to the removal process, booze can be used as a lubricant. Spray inside the grip and onto the bar, and slide the grip onto the bar. Be sure to expect until the alcohol has fully evaporated before riding the bike — this may accept a few hours.

Finally, adhesive spray can also be used as a lubricant, and will assistance attach the grip to the bar in one case dry. Hairspray can likewise be used for this purpose. It may accept a twenty-four hour period or so for some adhesives to fully dry out.

Lock-On Grip Installation

Only slide the grip on, orient the grip where y'all like it, and torque the bolts to the manufacturer's stated torque value.

Bar Cease Plug Installation

Once you accept the grips on, install the bar end plugs. These are an important function of your bicycle and should be considered a safety item. Bar stop plugs are usually be pressed in by hand. If they are stubborn, the can exist gently tapped in with a hammer. In the case of expansion plugs, install into the bar and snug the bolt.