Race Face Half Nelson Grip

I used to buy the cheapest and simplest lock-on grips that I could find, until I decided to treat myself to these Race Face Half Nelson. There was always a weird bulge, strange texture, or uncomfortable logo pattern that I didn’t like on my older grips, but I always forgot about it and rode them to the ground. The last cheap pair I had survived three summers, two bikes, and the rubber grip was worn down to the plastic on each side, but I still installed them when I got a new handlebar. This is when I decided that this was enough and that my bike deserved better.

One could say that these Race Face grips also have a straight line crossing the entire grip’s width, and some bold «Race Face » molded letters on them, and it is basically what I didn’t like about my previous grips. But the way I install them on my bar places the lines and logos between my palm and the tip of my fingers, and I just feel the soft round grip. The single sided lock keeps the grip very secure and I haven’t felt it rotate since I have mounted them. I did tighten them as specified on the packaging (2,5nm), but most people probably screw the collar bolt tighter than that.

The adherence with gloves is perfect, and I prefer thin grips to get a better feel of my bars. I wear size medium gloves so I don’t have the biggest hands either. I found out how they ride without gloves this summer when I forgot mine at home, and unfortunately, it was a hot and humid day. In those conditions, the grips were very slippery, and I had to wipe my hands pretty often to keep a good grip on the bars. I was wondering how Sam Blenkinsop does on world cup dh runs without gloves. He probably doesn’t run those grips. But in the wet with gloves, the Half Nelson are just fine.

Durability seems really good so far, and after a whole season of riding I don’t see any visible use. They were reasonably priced, and available in many colors. The only thing I’d change is to make them with a constant texture all around (no line or logo), but some people might prefer that for whatever reason. Anyway, I can’t complain as there are many other interesting options from Race Face or other manufacturers which would perfectly suit my needs. Well worth their five stars!