Review: Ergon GR2 Leichtbau Carbon Grips

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Words: Ryan LaBar
2/5/08

When I started mountain biking 11 years ago bar ends were on just about any serious rider's bike. I ran them on my first three bikes, and then I watched them disappear as riser bars gained popularity. It soon became an unspoken law that no mountain biker shall run bar ends on riser bars, and so they have been on the verge of Dodo status (in the states at least).

Enter the Ergon GR2 grips. These lock-on grip/bar end combos do more that just add that nice extra hand position of bar ends, they offer comfort and control. I was surprised at the increased feeling of control the extra surface area of the grip gave me—especially on longer rides. I never felt like I lacked any control or comfort before using the Ergon grips, but after going back to standard grips I found I missed the ergonomic contours of the GR2s.

The grips lock solidly to the handlebars via a single M5 bolt on the underside of each bar end. I have yet to have any throttle-grip or slipping issues with the Ergons. The relatively large clamp bolt is more difficult to strip out than a lot of the lock-on grip offerings out there—a definite plus. The grip and bar ends are independently adjustable to maximize comfort and accommodate personal preference, and the grips themselves come in small and large (tested here) sizes to cater to different hands.

Having bar ends on my bike again made me remember why I first installed them—extra hand positions and more leverage on climbs, but if you don't like the tree-grabbing feature that sometimes comes with them, you can get the same “ergon”omic grips sans, bar ends, in several different configurations.

The only thing keeping these grips down is the price. The standard GR2 sells for about $50, but the GR2 Leichtbau Carbon version (tested here) runs a jaw-dropping $110. The carbon fiber bar end itself is the main difference between the two, but except for the added “bling” status of the carbon the weight difference between it and the magnesium version is marginal, making the standard GR2 grips a solid pick that’ll leave an extra $60 in your pocket for a new chain and cables.

For more information visit: http://www.ergon-bike.com

Reader Comments

Posted Fri Feb 6, 2009, 8:28 AM — By Chris

Why no bar-ends on riser bars? I consider them essential on my Singlespeed, and it's got a riser. I don't get it.

Posted Fri Feb 6, 2009, 12:50 PM — By Lesser

re: why no bar-ends on riser bars - something about riding in hunting season...

Posted Sun Feb 8, 2009, 1:12 PM — By boris

unspoken law??? who sais??? sick and tired of people trying to tell others what is cool and good to ride and wear. use and wear whatever works for you.....its all good!

Posted Wed Feb11, 2009, 10:33 AM — By Yves

Why not on riser bars? The conventional thought is that risers already give you different hand positions while riding with the slight back and up sweep, that you don't get with a flat bar, reducing fatigue. Plus bar ends mounted on risers tend to point out a little (5-10% depending on the sweep of your bar) making them more prone to hooking branches, etc. That's conventional thought...but if it works for you and feels good, nothing is stopping their use.

Posted Tue Feb17, 2009, 11:17 AM — By jamal ali

I agree

Posted Tue Feb24, 2009, 6:18 PM — By Chad

I've got GC2s on both my Mt. Bikes and I love 'em. Both my bikes also have riser bars. Before I added the GC2s, I used regular lock-ons. I could tell the difference after the change. In Georgia, we have rocky ridges (rock gardens)and the bar ends on the GC2s have saved my hands on numerous occasions. These grips also give me better feel and control. The Ergon GC2s are a great grip for those on a strict budget (got 3 kids) and cannot afford the carbon or magnesium versions.

Posted Wed Apr29, 2009, 8:14 AM — By Tommy

Total newbie to mountain biking. Just got my GF Marlin Disc and didn't like the stock grips. My LBS suggested the Ergons...I selected the GC2 and installed them. Night and day difference for me. As others have stated along with the reviewer, these grips provide more control or at least a greater sense of control. Coming from a motox heritage (25 yrs ago) this experience has been quite refreshing...and the Ergons have been a good addon for me. T

Posted Sat Sep 5, 2009, 12:19 PM — By John

Ergon says the bar end is a three finger bar end. Honest question: Which three fingers? My instinct tells me to grab it with my top three finger, but my pinky has no comfortable place. Is this wrong? How do you grab it?

Posted Thu Dec10, 2009, 1:12 PM — By Jeeve

Can some1 post the weights on these plz? - the standard - the carbon sort