Changing grips secret?

I have SRAM grip shifters and I HATE the rubbery grips themselves, they are too thin and not cushy at all. I want to change the grips, but how do I get the old grips off? :confused: They aren't attached to the shifters but they are really stuck on the handlebars. Since I have never removed grips before, what's the secret? Am I going to have to cut the darn things off? :p

Oh, and can something like the Ergon GC2 grips (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22585) be used with a grip shift? Just wondering if there's enough room on the handlebar.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Heifzilla

I have SRAM grip shifters and I HATE the rubbery grips themselves, they are too thin and not cushy at all. I want to change the grips, but how do I get the old grips off? :confused: They aren't attached to the shifters but they are really stuck on the handlebars. Since I have never removed grips before, what's the secret? Am I going to have to cut the darn things off? :p

Thanks!

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Hairspray. Work a screwdriver under the grip and squirt in some hairspray. Work the grip around the bar until it starts sliding easily. Use hairspray also to help the new grip slide on. When the hairspray dries, the grip will be secure on the bar.

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Originally Posted by DebW

Hairspray. Work a screwdriver under the grip and squirt in some hairspray. Work the grip around the bar until it starts sliding easily. Use hairspray also to help the new grip slide on. When the hairspray dries, the grip will be secure on the bar.

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Awesome. Thank you!

If you don't have hairspray, a little bit of water will do the same. (maybe it won't be as sticky as hairspray after it dries, but I can never move my grips anyways)

Alcohol works too.

and DON'T use one if your bars are carbon! At the shop we use shaving cream. It leaves a nice minty scent, too. :)

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Originally Posted by tride

and DON'T use one if your bars are carbon! At the shop we use shaving cream. It leaves a nice minty scent, too. :)

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My bars are definitely NOT carbon :) If they were they'd be the most expensive thing on the bike, lol. Thanks for the heads up, tho. I do like the shaving cream idea, too.

Another option : if you have access to a air compressor blow air underneath them. IT not only will make life easier, but will take very little time to take the old ones off and put new ones on.:D

At the shop the boys blow them off with an air compressor. Get the nozzle under the edge of the grip and off they go. The little kids getting new grips installed on their bmx bikes LOVE watching them do it. :)

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Originally Posted by Running Mommy

At the shop the boys blow them off with an air compressor. Get the nozzle under the edge of the grip and off they go. The little kids getting new grips installed on their bmx bikes LOVE watching them do it. :)

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I do have an air compressor and I bet my kids would love watching that, too. Thanks for the tip.

I can vouch that the hairspray trick works but I love the air compressor idea!

As for Ergon grips, not sure if they will work with your grip shifters but I have to say that the Ergon grips have been a lifesaver for me. I have terrible carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel issues in my right arm and they have helped me soooo much!

I never heard to use an air compressor. Now I can't wait to try it! I bought new grips and have not taken the time to put them on.

Well, after years of doing this, the air compressor is so much quicker and easier. One thing you will have to do is once you get one grip on, you will need to out some pressure on the grip installed so it won't fly off when you 're installing the second one. A easy way to do this is put the end of the first grip against your stomach and pull the second grip towards you with the air compressor... otherwise you'll enjoy blowing the grips across the room:D Of course, thats always fun when someone isn't expecting it HA!

I love the Ergon grips. They make a 95mm that works with the SRAM twist shifters.