First Look: New AG-1 Lock-On Grips From ODI - Sea Otter 2014
Grips may not get as much time in the spotlight as other more tech-heavy products, but they're a crucial part of any mountain bike, and a grip with well thought out ergonomics can go a long ways towards improving how a bike feels. ODI Grips allowed us to take a sneak peak at their upcoming lock-on grip offering, the AG-1. Developed with extensive input from Aaron Gwin (hence the AG in the name), the grip is intended to meet the needs of the most demanding riders around, including World Cup athletes like Gwin.
![ODI AG-1 grip]()
The AG-1 is the same thickness as ODI's Ruffian grip, but it has several new features.
Roughly the same thickness as ODI's popular Ruffian grip, the AG-1 has a few additional features that were added based on Gwin's suggestions. Like many riders, Gwin rides with his hands at the very edge of his handlebars, often resting the outer portion of his palm on the lock-on clamp itself. To address this, the AG-1 does away with the outer lockring, replacing it with an integrated plastic end cap that the rubber portion of the grip nearly covers. Extending the grip's surface over the spot where an end cap would typically be gives riders 1/4” more hand room on a grip that is the same exact length as the Ruffian. Four raised rubber lines are located around the grip's surface to provide extra traction in challenging conditions. The positioning of the lines is meant to match the articulation points of a rider's hand, providing a solid feel without adding much overall thickness. The plastic outer end cap should also help the grip to glide rather than get hung up on rocks should you end up off the bike in a rocky section of trail.
![ODI AG-1 lock-on grip]()
There is the potential to use up to five different colors on the AG-1 - expect to see all type of color combinations when the grips hit the market in late May.
Each grip has one lock on clamp located on the inboard portion of the grip, a clamp design ODI has been using on their motorcycle grips for the last four years. Unlike ODI's other lock-on mountain bike offerings, the aluminum ring is not removable – the AG-1's ship with the ring already in place. Installation is as simple as sliding the grip on and tightening the one hex head bolt.
The AG-1's are awaiting Gwin's final approval – he'll be trying them out at round two of the DH World Cup in Australia. If they meet his expectations, they should be available by the end of May with an MSRP of $35 USD.
www.odigrips.com
Roughly the same thickness as ODI's popular Ruffian grip, the AG-1 has a few additional features that were added based on Gwin's suggestions. Like many riders, Gwin rides with his hands at the very edge of his handlebars, often resting the outer portion of his palm on the lock-on clamp itself. To address this, the AG-1 does away with the outer lockring, replacing it with an integrated plastic end cap that the rubber portion of the grip nearly covers. Extending the grip's surface over the spot where an end cap would typically be gives riders 1/4” more hand room on a grip that is the same exact length as the Ruffian. Four raised rubber lines are located around the grip's surface to provide extra traction in challenging conditions. The positioning of the lines is meant to match the articulation points of a rider's hand, providing a solid feel without adding much overall thickness. The plastic outer end cap should also help the grip to glide rather than get hung up on rocks should you end up off the bike in a rocky section of trail.
Each grip has one lock on clamp located on the inboard portion of the grip, a clamp design ODI has been using on their motorcycle grips for the last four years. Unlike ODI's other lock-on mountain bike offerings, the aluminum ring is not removable – the AG-1's ship with the ring already in place. Installation is as simple as sliding the grip on and tightening the one hex head bolt.
The AG-1's are awaiting Gwin's final approval – he'll be trying them out at round two of the DH World Cup in Australia. If they meet his expectations, they should be available by the end of May with an MSRP of $35 USD.
www.odigrips.com
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. but I would worry the plastic end cap might fall out, leaving you with "holy" grips
Can you comment on the post below on how secure is the outer portion of the grip with only one clamp. seems like you would be able to twist the grip towards the end?