WTB's PadLoc Grip System - Interbike 2015
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With just two or three exceptions, this year's Interbike show hasn't seen much in the way of truly interesting pieces of gear. One of those exceptions was found in the WTB booth: their PadLoc grips and modified handlebar system is certainly worth a closer look. To be honest, I was a pretty skeptical when the PadLoc press release dropped into my inbox a few weeks back. After all, a redesigned grip that can't slip but necessitates modifying your handlebar seems like overkill when you could just tighten up your lock-ons correctly. Cynicism aside, and whether it's needed or not, WTB has some clever thinking going on with their PadLoc system.
PadLoc is really two parts - the grip and a modified handlebar - that have to be used together. The grip uses a traditional lock-on collar at the inboard end much like what's probably on your bike right now, while rubber grip material is laid over a plastic barrel with relief cutouts in it. Nothing that different there, but it's the outboard end where things change. The last outboard inch of the plastic barrel has had half of its diameter cut down at a thirty degree angle, over which WTB has placed a much softer rubber compound than what's usually used for grips. The standard and softer rubber are co-moulded together and the result is a soft and thick last inch to the grip that's much more forgiving than what we're used to seeing. Think of it as a soft pad for the outside edge of your hand and pinky finger.
The grip's novel shape requires that the handlebar be cut to match, so the last inch also needs to be trimmed at a thirty degree angle to match the inner shape of the grip. This not only creates the required room for the grip's soft rubber end, but the interlocking shape means that the grip won't ever be able to rotate on the handlebar, even if the single inboard locking collar hasn't been tightened down properly (please tighten it regardless). Park Tool has just released their $20 USD SGI-7 saw guide that will allow you to easily make the required cut to existing aluminum or carbon handlebars, and word is that more than one component company will be offering PadLoc-specific handlebars in the future.
The blue and black grip is a 3D printed prototype of WTB's thickest option.
The PadLoc grip requires the handlebar to have inch-long, thirty degree chamfered ends that interlock with the grips.
Park's $20 USD saw guide should make it easy to nail the cutting.
WTB Global OEM Sales Manager and Downieville Classic overall champ Jason Moeschler had his Cannondale Habit in the booth, giving me a chance to put some gloveless hands on the PadLoc grips. Having only wrapped my hands around them for a minute or two, and without actually using them on a ride yet, I'm still not convinced that I'd be rushing to cut up my handlebar so I could fit a pair. Having said that, the outer edge of the grip was noticeably softer to my bare hands, which will be a boon to anyone who is prone to sore mitts during a ride. That doesn't describe me, so I'm one skeptic that will have to hold off on final judgement until I get to actually spend some time using the PadLoc system.
WTB will have a number of different PadLoc grip models to choose from, including 28mm and 30mm diameters for average hands, as well as a 33mm size for those with big paws. A few different shapes can be had as well, all of which retail for $34.95 USD. Availability is slated for December.
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Ever.
What a complete load of nonsense
Seriously I can't believe that so many of you read that and got that the cut out was to prevent slipping instead the actual purpose.
"This not only creates the required room for the grip's soft rubber end, but the interlocking shape means that the grip won't ever be able to rotate on the handlebar, even if the single inboard locking collar hasn't been tightened down properly (please tighten it regardless)."
...
I have recently gone to running wired bmx grips to help with comfort and to allow me to not use gloves. $12/pair, super soft, tacky, and comfy. Stays grippy when wet.
Also I practically never place my hand right on the outer end of the grips, mostly near the middle, about half an inch from each end, so this couldn't work for comfort, for me (and there's plenty ergonomic grips on the market for that purpose).
If you need a softer end, just make a grip that has a bar end plug built in with a bolt that tightens an internal wedge - this would avoid a metal end collar like ODI have
Having said that, I've been using ODI Lock-ons since they first arrived on the market, and cannot honestly say the twin locking rings have ever caused me issues. The really neat thing with the Lock-On is you can rotate the grip as it wears!
No way in hell I am cutting my £200 S-Works carbon fibre bars on my MTB to fit some WTB grips!
@ ka-brap. I ride trail, Fuel EX, my seat is slightly above bars (1.5 cm). I have a 5 degree rise on my Renthal Fatbar Lite 740 width. Not sure if I should cut bar down 20mm or get new bar w/ 10mm rise. I also have the 50mm 2 pc stem from Renthal that replaced a 90mm stock stem. (And seat is about 4 cm higher than bar now that I look at it.)
good observation about the cutting guide - when cutting a steerer, no matter how skilled the operator, the cut is never 100% parallel to the crown, as hacksaw blades tend to warp whilst under load
On some carbon fibre steerers on road bikes, I've had to use the top plate of the cutting guide as a template to hand finish the steerer with fine grit paper and water, to get it really flat for those bikes that seem to have a "sensitive" headset if the steerer is not finished very flat after cutting
Park tool Saw guide; $20
Your face when you realized you cocked up the rotation on your expensive carbon bars; priceless.
would be interested to see how many carbon fibre handlebar manufacturers would authorize (to maintain a valid warranty) the cutting of their bars at an angle to suit this grip system?
Reducing the width of a CF bar by carefully marking, taping (to reduce delamination) and then gingerly cutting using a brand new 32tpi blade with soft pressure and water for lubrication mounted in a cutting guide in a vice on a work bench, and finishing with fine grit paper works well, when you consider the layup of a CF bar
Cutting a 30 degree angle into the end is something I cannot see doing the carbon fibre structure any good whatsoever, when you consider what you will be doing to the structure!
It's a terrible idea.
Why does the poll not have an "it's a terrible idea" I can't answer the poll without it.
i59.tinypic.com/169iwjt.jpg
Would make group starts a lot more interesting...
www.wtb.com/pages/advocacy
I may not even crash but get tight to a tree or rock and clip my bar... where does the stress go.
I can't just say the stress goes to the grip with no effect to my nice carbon handlebars. So for me... nice idea but may have a serious flaw.
Does anyone really put that much weight on the outside of their grips? I guess if I do I've never noticed.
Now they follow that up with this...wtf?
A product that makes you mutilate another component to be used "correctly".
Go back to making good tires and saddles...
Preferably in 26" sizes too.
I enjoy your journalism and respect the knowledge you have. I am aware how the world works and nothing is free. Please just remember what we're all really here for.
"...a redesigned grip that can't slip but necessitates modifying your handlebar seems like overkill when you could just tighten up your lock-ons correctly."
"I'm still not convinced that I'd be rushing to cut up my handlebar so I could fit a pair."
" so I'm one skeptic that will have to hold off on final judgement until I get to actually spend some time using the PadLoc system. "
Do those above quotes read like an advertisement? Other websites wouldn't say anything like those quotes in a tradeshow article. Other websites wouldn't have put up a poll who's outcome is going to be pretty obvious. Other websites actually ran the WTB press release on the grips - we didn't even do that.
I'd like to address couples items that stuck out for me.
1) Don't knock it until you try it - You might actually like broccoli if you take a bite. I find it troubling that so many commenters will voice such strong opinions without ever having touched the product.
2) Let me dispel the assertion that WTB is some corporate monster that is pushing our product on the unsuspecting masses through marketing and trickery. WTB is a tiny company that has been privately owned for over 30 years. If you could see our "luxurious" corporate headquarters you would be embarrassed by your comments. Primarily, we do what we do because we love to ride bikes, and make products that we want to use on our own bikes.
3) There actually IS a problem that we are addressing with this product, though not everyone has experienced it. The guy who came up with the idea in the first place, is one of the most talented riders I've ever known. He had a major crash while pre-riding an EWS event last year, because his dual-clamp grip slipped. That same guy has been on the podium at Downieville more than any other racer in the world.
4) Bar makers have no issue with the 30° cut. Truvative is already making the Jerome Clemenz carbon bar with the miter. That is the bar that we displayed at the recent EB and IB trade shows.
5) We're not forcing anyone to change what they have. But please, try to keep an open mind. It actually might work better than what you like now.
Chris Feucht
WTB Product Development
I know the people who are directly responsible for making these grips happen. They are good people who ride and only make things they believe in. Period. Someone mentioned suits making marketing desicions. I'd be surprised if anyone who was involved in this product has worn a suit in the last year ( or even owns one!).
It seems a bit weird to me that there is so much negativity to having another option out there. No one is forcing any one to buy or use this system. You might try them someday and love them. You might try them and say "nah I'll stick to my old go to's". Isn't it kinda cool that you have that option though? Isn't it kinda cool that some people who ride bikes took a bunch of time energy and money to give you that option?
Grips and bars are a huge personal preference thing. Like everything on the bike I guess. Totally get it if you ride them and say no. Or even just feel them in person and say no.
What's crazy to me is that I don't think a single person who wrote comments above has even tried these on a ride.
Oh yeah these grips are totally compatible with 26" wheels and 20mm thru axles and V-brakes and 1" diameter bar clamps and tubes and your favorite drivetrain and riding area.
Cheers!
Nathan Riddle
I wear standard grips out at the ends. Having that soft edge to lean on will keep my hands more comfortable. Resistance to rotation by lighter clamp tension on carbon bars is an advantage. As for cutting bars to try; (1) an inexact angle match will work, and (2) cutting expensive carbon bars should not be done until you are convinced that the PadLoc System is to your liking. If you are convinced that what you have works well enough, stay with it. Don't discount what you have not tried.
Basically, another wiz bang idea that may or may create sales. Just call them "enduro grips" and market them to mountain bikers too. Sorry, my sarcasm lever broke. I could not get a grip.
Then i saw the $35 price tag for grips. You fcking kidding me? Knowing myself, id cut one end 2 degrees off and have a sore wrist on one side and it'd defeat the purpose.
PASS!!!
"It is a stupid idea! why would anybody come up with it?"
Can we PLEASE get a simple yes/no poll going on the site. I know PB loves to do polls.
Do you think PAD LOC is a great new idea or not?
Yes/No