Here are the steps to remove and replace grips on your mtb: It is necessary to change grips when they are worn out, damaged, loose, or the wrong diameter for your hand size. You should get the proper grip for your bike, and always wear gloves when riding. Removal *Remove the bar ends if you have any, usually using an allen wrench. *Then remove any bar end plugs using a flat head screwdriver and pry them off. If you don't have these, and your bike has open handlebar ends BEWARE of water getting in and causing some rust and damage. *Roll back an edge of the grip, sometimes a small flat head screwdriver helps, and squirt in some water or rubbing alcohol (better) to contact the inside of the grip. If you are throwing them away, they can be cut off with an exacto knife but BE CAREFUL! *Twist the grip back and forth and while rotating it to try to pull it off. It will come a little at a time, and may require some force to get off entirely. If it doesn't come off, use a little more rubbing alcohol or soapy water and keep trying. Replacement *Verify that the grip is the same length. If not, you can cut it to the proper length. Sometimes you may need to do this, especially if you have bar ends. *Insert a little water or rubbing alcohol on the inside of the grip to wet it fully. *Hair spray may also be used here, but it may make removal more difficult the next time... *Twist the grip onto the bar. Tips *You may have to cut off the closed ends of some grips, especially if you have bar ends. Use a heavy duty scissors, knife, or tin snips. Sometimes you can just hit the end of the grip on the handlebar with a hammer, and it will nicely cut off the end. *Grips used with grip shift may be a little shorter than standard grips. These may be found in bike stores, or you can just cut the grips down. *Make sure you have selected the proper diameter grip and texture. If you have large hands, you will want a bigger diameter grip. |
