Skip to main content

Ergon GA2 grips


These grips are a little more traditional in terms of shape than what we’re used to seeing from Ergon. Though there’s still some of the German brand’s signature ergonomic shaping, the GA2s’ curves are far more subtle than those of the GE1s, which we’ve had mixed experiences with in the past.As a result, they’re easy to get on with straight from the off, no matter what you’re riding.

The side-specific grips use a single, inboard lock-on collar with a meaty 3mm bolt to keep them properly secured to the handlebar. This means you can comfortably hold the tips of your bar without getting battered by the grip collar, which is always a plus. Even though there’s just the one lock-on collar, we had no issues with the grips slipping. Considering the narrow diameter, the GA2s are surprisingly forgiving on your hands, thanks in part to the soft rubber used, which is surprisingly tacky even with wet gloves.

Price 37$

Popular posts from this blog

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.