[Tantrum Cycles]

Is hand fatigue still a thing, now that we have brakes and forks that usually work quite well?

I don’t think I’ve experienced it in 10years, other than minor early season fitness issues.

Ya man. At least for old beat up people. I don't even want to get into the injury contest, let's say I'm lucky to be alive..or at least riding.

Oury grips, the fattest, most cushiony, most tackygripyourfingersback rubber. From my moto days.

Still wanna try Revgrips, no shimz

Maybe Ti bars.

Because after maybe 45-60 minutes, while my can still hang on to the bars, my fingers have a problem reaching and gripping the brake levers. And even the shifter and dropper.

And man, you want to get the fear of DOG, have your fingers slip off the brake levers at the steepest, fastest, most inopportune moment.

You accelerate like a mother while trying to grab the lever without spiking...

Keeps you young.

I briefly ran a 2.8 Rekon fr tire. It felt a little sluggish but definitely improved "root isolation" and hand fatigue. It will be revisited.

I also have a pair of Spank Vibracore bars to try. Anybody try those?

Is hand fatigue still a thing? I'll try anything to keep riding semi-safely (don't be like my wife and tell me to slow the fuck down)

 

[Tantrum Cycles]

Yes, ironically the domestic produced aluminum billet we buy for CNC machining recently had a price increase "because the price of aluminum is going up". I'm no economist, but I'm pretty sure that's the opposite of the tariff intention.

Nice. Like when the price of gas goes up because of a weather forecast.

Not politics, just bottom line.

 

[canadmos]

Y

And man, you want to get the fear of DOG, have your fingers slip off the brake levers at the steepest, fastest, most inopportune moment.

Kind of sounds like when one of your Shimano brakes just suddenly pulls to the bar, when you absolutely need it.

One reason to poo before riding and not after (or during).

 

[Jm_]

Core strength x11billionty. Not that you need to be some kind of freak of nature fitness-guy or "muscle bound", but when I started concentrating on stabilization and core stuff, my riding improved so much more downhill, from braking to just being able to keep my body "in position".

 

[Cerberus75]

Ya man. At least for old beat up people. I don't even want to get into the injury contest, let's say I'm lucky to be alive..or at least riding.

Oury grips, the fattest, most cushiony, most tackygripyourfingersback rubber. From my moto days.

Still wanna try Revgrips, no shimz

Maybe Ti bars.

Because after maybe 45-60 minutes, while my can still hang on to the bars, my fingers have a problem reaching and gripping the brake levers. And even the shifter and dropper.

And man, you want to get the fear of DOG, have your fingers slip off the brake levers at the steepest, fastest, most inopportune moment.

You accelerate like a mother while trying to grab the lever without spiking...

Keeps you young.

I briefly ran a 2.8 Rekon fr tire. It felt a little sluggish but definitely improved "root isolation" and hand fatigue. It will be revisited.

I also have a pair of Spank Vibracore bars to try. Anybody try those?

Is hand fatigue still a thing? I'll try anything to keep riding semi-safely (don't be like my wife and tell me to slow the fuck down)

With wrist injuries and nerve damage from powerlifting my hands go numb easily from a lot of chatter. Loose grip and thumbs over bars on easy parts of trails help. I found the Rev grips to make it worse they move too much and you grip harder. Obviously you need your suspension to be set up right but Cushcore for me is awesome.

 

[Tantrum Cycles]

Core strength x11billionty. Not that you need to be some kind of freak of nature fitness-guy or "muscle bound", but when I started concentrating on stabilization and core stuff, my riding improved so much more downhill, from braking to just being able to keep my body "in position".

the best thing for me has been my guitar finger strengthening thingy, which I can take anywhere. It seems to really help individual finger actuation (if you're into that).

The next thing is single arm curls and wrist curls, to keep wrists straight.

Core strength? I could ride the whole bike with my core if I could reach the handlebars and pedals with it....I still work on that for lower back.....

Some of us are just fighting diminishing returns from near centuries of various abuses.

 

[Tantrum Cycles]

With wrist injuries and nerve damage from powerlifting my hands go numb easily from a lot of chatter. Loose grip and thumbs over bars on easy parts of trails help. I found the Rev grips to make it worse they move too much and you grip harder. Obviously you need your suspension to be set up right but Cushcore for me is awesome.

Interesting take on the revgrips. I'll give 'em a shot and see and compare.

One thing is key for me and that is large diameter. The Ourys are large. So I don't have to tighten my hand into a much smaller circle than I've been used to since I discovered christmas. Well, at least not as much.

And the tacky rubber grips your fingers back, which helps reduce the clench.

I checked out the Revgrips at Sea Otter and they had a large dia/tacky compound option.

We'll see. Been riding Ourys for 50 years

 

[Jm_]

Interesting take on the revgrips. I'll give 'em a shot and see and compare.

One thing is key for me and that is large diameter. The Ourys are large. So I don't have to tighten my hand into a much smaller circle than I've been used to since I discovered christmas. Well, at least not as much.

And the tacky rubber grips your fingers back, which helps reduce the clench.

I checked out the Revgrips at Sea Otter and they had a large dia/tacky compound option.

We'll see. Been riding Ourys for 50 years

I've always felt I get more leverage with a smaller grip.

Just like climbing, the bigger the hold is, the harder it generally is to hold on to it. They F-with you with the holds that require "open-hand" technique, they are often incredibly hard to hold and you often have to do weird things with your lower body, hips, and feet to get just enough weight on the hand in the right way to keep it from slipping off. I digress, but I LOVE the slim-line ESI grips. HATED the chunkies.

The ourys are great just because they are so soft IMO and they compress down and give you tons of grip.

 

[Tantrum Cycles]

I've always felt I get more leverage with a smaller grip.

Just like climbing, the bigger the hold is, the harder it generally is to hold on to it. They F-with you with the holds that require "open-hand" technique, they are often incredibly hard to hold and you often have to do weird things with your lower body, hips, and feet to get just enough weight on the hand in the right way to keep it from slipping off. I digress, but I LOVE the slim-line ESI grips. HATED the chunkies.

The ourys are great just because they are so soft IMO and they compress down and give you tons of grip.

hand/finger size is critical to compatible grip dia. Smaller grips have my fingers digging into my palms, too much wrap. My hands don't even want to clench that tight to make that small a circle.

for awhile, I was experimenting with homemade double wrap grips. Like double wrap Ourys.

They were great. Except too squirmy the way I cobbled them. I had some interest from large handed people. Tagline, "Serious Meats", after a weird donato's pizza commercial at the time.

I'd like to test up to 40 mm diameter. Half the time, I don't even need to grip it, just support myself. Less PSI is better.

 

[Cerberus75]

I'm using Deity Knuckledusters. Soft but decent grip and can take three hits better than ESI

 

['size]

 

[chris_f]

Handcrafted in Greece. Doesn't have quite the ring to it that they were going for.

 

[Tantrum Cycles]

Handcrafted in Greece. Doesn't have quite the ring to it that they were going for.

won't corrode

 

[iRider]

for awhile, I was experimenting with homemade double wrap grips. Like double wrap Ourys.

Did you try to use road handlebar tape to make the grip of your liking? You can combine different brands/types/thicknesses/layers for adjusting the feel to your like. Bike shops often have leftover bar tape after shortening it to fit modern integrated bar/stems which is enough for 2 grips. They normally just throw it out, so a chance to get some material for experimenting w/o spending money.

 

[OGRipper]

Ever try actual bike-specific grip strength exercises? I picked up a couple of moves from James Wilson videos. He makes the good point that you want wrist stability, so the usual exercises where you flex your wrist up and down kind of miss the mark. I'm 48 and have broken both wrists at different times in the past. Tried a bunch of different grips after the most recent break, but putting in some focused work on grip strength has made a bigger difference.

 

[jonKranked]

Ever try actual bike-specific grip strength exercises? I picked up a couple of moves from James Wilson videos. He makes the good point that you want wrist stability, so the usual exercises where you flex your wrist up and down kind of miss the mark. I'm 48 and have broken both wrists at different times in the past. Tried a bunch of different grips after the most recent break, but putting in some focused work on grip strength has made a bigger difference.

no, but i've found that rock climbing / bouldering (even in a gym) will accomplish this as well.

 

[Cerberus75]

Ever try actual bike-specific grip strength exercises? I picked up a couple of moves from James Wilson videos. He makes the good point that you want wrist stability, so the usual exercises where you flex your wrist up and down kind of miss the mark. I'm 48 and have broken both wrists at different times in the past. Tried a bunch of different grips after the most recent break, but putting in some focused work on grip strength has made a bigger difference.

My grip strength is really good. I have to tell myself to loosen my grip on the bar most the time.

 

[Cerberus75]

Did you try to use road handlebar tape to make the grip of your liking? You can combine different brands/types/thicknesses/layers for adjusting the feel to your like. Bike shops often have leftover bar tape after shortening it to fit modern integrated bar/stems which is enough for 2 grips. They normally just throw it out, so a chance to get some material for experimenting w/o spending money.

I've thought about this. The have gel for vibration canceling for road bikes. Though about wrapping my own grips with these.

 

[iRider]

I've thought about this. The have gel for vibration canceling for road bikes. Though about wrapping my own grips with these.

You can also use different types of tape for making a grip that is soft under the palm but firm towards the outside, etc. Lots of opportunities to play around. It feels best to have the final layer made of a continuous wrap of one type of tape though.

 

[rideit]

Ultralight at 700 grams!

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/VG-sports-11-52T-11-speed-mtb-bicycle-freewheel-sprocket-cdg-bike-cassette-cog-velocidade-mountain/32882209021.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.29.48022baa9CY6Iy&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_3_10152_10151_10065_10344_10068_10342_10343_10340_10341_10696_10084_10083_10618_10304_10307_10820_10821_10301_10843_10059_100031_524_10103_10624_10623_10622_10621_10620,searchweb201603_43,ppcSwitch_5&algo_expid=1754cc86-0dd8-4888-b618-7cec99f1df71-4&algo_pvid=1754cc86-0dd8-4888-b618-7cec99f1df71&priceBeautifyAB=0

 

[OGRipper]

no, but i've found that rock climbing / bouldering (even in a gym) will accomplish this as well.

Yes indeed. Or both.

 

[Kanye West]

Just do barbell rows in the gym sometimes. Grip problems generally go away after a few weeks of that.

 

[Tantrum Cycles]

Did you try to use road handlebar tape to make the grip of your liking? You can combine different brands/types/thicknesses/layers for adjusting the feel to your like. Bike shops often have leftover bar tape after shortening it to fit modern integrated bar/stems which is enough for 2 grips. They normally just throw it out, so a chance to get some material for experimenting w/o spending money.

interesting, never thought of that....although....ignorant I am, would it have security? like, almost lock on?

Still seems like it would be very hard.

Funny thing about the soft Ourys, on the Sea Otter DH course, there is a very fast hard pack washboard section that I found myself squeezing the grips and compressing them. I realized it and knew I could safely back off on my grip..and needed too. A look at my knuckle color might have confirmed

 

[Tantrum Cycles]

Ever try actual bike-specific grip strength exercises? I picked up a couple of moves from James Wilson videos. He makes the good point that you want wrist stability, so the usual exercises where you flex your wrist up and down kind of miss the mark. I'm 48 and have broken both wrists at different times in the past. Tried a bunch of different grips after the most recent break, but putting in some focused work on grip strength has made a bigger difference.

I agree that specific strengthening can help immensely. In every area. There-in lies part of the problem. I need a LOT of help in a lot of areas.

At 61, I see muscle mass and strength trying to decline in EVERY area

But one thing that has gotten stronger is my fight. I'm lucky, I can swim a couple thousand meters a week as well as ride. And Yoga, fuckin do your damn yoga or die. And curls at my desk and guitar finger things on the plane and and and

BUT and I mentioned no injury contest, a whole other thread.....in relation to grip issues...

Separated left shoulder 40 yrs ago, never repaired. Broken left wrist, 44 yrs ago. Spinal compression resulting in vertabrea replacement/fusion and 10-30% loss/atrophy of various left side upper body muscles, 15 yrs ago. Dislocated left elbow requiring Tommy John surgery and nerve relocation 6 yrs ago. My fastball is SMOKIN

DUPYTRENS desease in BOTH HANDS, starting 20 yrs ago. mother fucker. Look it up. Fuckin evil. At least it curls your fingers in the shape of a grip.

anyway. my point is, some of us are looking for specific reasons or handicaps. It all helps, for sure. But there's only so much time in the day for yoga and hand surgery. Gotta ride, you know.

Ti handlebars. Wanna try. Anyone try? Spank Vibrocore?

 

[rockofullr]

I've always felt I get more leverage with a smaller grip.

Just like climbing, the bigger the hold is, the harder it generally is to hold on to it. They F-with you with the holds that require "open-hand" technique, they are often incredibly hard to hold and you often have to do weird things with your lower body, hips, and feet to get just enough weight on the hand in the right way to keep it from slipping off.

hand/finger size is critical to compatible grip dia. Smaller grips have my fingers digging into my palms, too much wrap. My hands don't even want to clench that tight to make that small a circle.

I'm with @Tantrum Cycles here. My fingers hit my palm on small grips. Obviously there's a sweet spot for each hand size.

Also @Jm_ I'm much better on open hand grips than on crimps, I actually never use the true crimp hand position. Could be that I've got big meaty hands

 

[iRider]

interesting, never thought of that....although....ignorant I am, would it have security? like, almost lock on?

Still seems like it would be very hard.

It will feel like a soft lock on grip if done right. There is some give in the axial direction, like what you get with soft rubber. Depends also on the bar tape you use. Keep in mind, you can also just use one type of thick tape and wrap it with a lot of overlap. In case you do multiple layers you need to secure each layer separately with electrical tape. The real challenge is the end of the bar as most plugs made for the bar tape won't accommodate multiple tapes. Needs a little playing around.

 

[Cerberus75]

Just do barbell rows in the gym sometimes. Grip problems generally go away after a few weeks of that.

Rows and deadlifts are great for grip.

 

[William42]

Getting back to whats wrong with the industry, howabout one piece carbon bar/stem combos that don't lose any weight, reduce adjustability, and reduce strength? Coworker was excited to put one on his hardtail. I was excited to make fun of him for it.

 

[Jm_]

Getting back to whats wrong with the industry, howabout one piece carbon bar/stem combos that don't lose any weight, reduce adjustability, and reduce strength? Coworker was excited to put one on his hardtail. I was excited to make fun of him for it.

Carbon stems are definitely what is wrong with the industry. No one can make one lighter/better than an aluminum because the structure doesn't lend itself well to carbon, so I guess they are making these stem/bar combos to make up for this and hope that no one notices.

 

[William42]

Oooh, and I forgot to mention that if you get in a wreck bend/crack/break your bar in anyway, now you have to buy a new stem too! Huzzah!

He also puts campy on everything. I make fun of him for that too. Some people just deserve wedgies.

 

[HAB]

I'm way too OCD for that shit. Every time I change bars, or bikes, or stems, or whatever it takes me about 5 iterations of trial and error to get the roll just right. Anything where I can't adjust that is a complete non-starter.

And fuck carbon bars too.

 

[jonKranked]

Something I witnessed today, parked next to me at the trails. Be glad I didn't get a picture.

 

[rideit]

It goes to...13.

https://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/rotor-1x13-groupset-details-specs-52573/

 

[Jm_]

It goes to...13.

https://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/rotor-1x13-groupset-details-specs-52573/

Damn, when I went riding today I was just thinking how awesome it would be to have 2 more gears to shift through.

 

[rideit]

Bring back Shimano Air Lines!

 

[Westy]

Bring back Shimano Air Lines!

8 speed and 71 degree head angles!!!!

 

[Jm_]

Bring back Shimano Air Lines!

And water-cooled brakes with dual rotor surfaces and 3 brake pads.


On second thought, don't tell Udi about that.

 

[rideit]

Well, it's thinking outside one wall of the box...

https://bikerumor.com/2018/07/08/wild-ceramicspeed-driven-13-speed-drivetrain-concept-shifts-with-no-derailleur/

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/07/ceramicspeed-driven-drivetrain/

 

[Cerberus75]

I'm way too OCD for that shit. Every time I change bars, or bikes, or stems, or whatever it takes me about 5 iterations of trial and error to get the roll just right. Anything where I can't adjust that is a complete non-starter.

And fuck carbon bars too.

And I thought I was the only princess with a pea under my bed. I'm with you. I'll fiddle with a new bike, bar, stem combo...what ever. But if you take the ability to adjust away from me I'll be worse not better.

 

[StiHacka]

Fuck. This. Shit. https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/X-Fusion-E-Slide-Boost-Series-Fork,2440