Lizard Skins is a pioneer within the drop-bar handlebar tape business with the DSP bar tape offering a totally new really feel in comparison with rivals. It can also be the primary firm to use 3D printing know-how to handlebar grips however do the potential benefits outweigh the hefty cost?
Lizard Skins 3DGRP grips – Technical particulars
The 3DGRP is made in partnership with Carbon, an organization that has pioneered 3D printing and partnered with a variety of businesses with a portfolio that extends far past the biking sector, together with footwear midsoles and dentures. Carbon can use a wide range of inflexible and elastomeric supplies and, a number of examples from the biking business, together with 3D-printed saddles, exhibit this potential.
Almost all 3D-printed elastomeric elements carry a premium value and the 3DGRP continues that development, priced at £52 for a set and solely available in black. The grips are 133mm lengthy, 32mm in diameter, and weigh 69 grams, together with the plastic finish plugs.
Lizard_Skins_3DGRP_Close.jpg, by Matthew Page
Lizard Skins recommends becoming utilizing isopropyl alcohol or an air compressor, that are each typical strategies for becoming grips. In over 20 years of driving mountain bikes, I’ve fitted loads of grips and have by no means failed, besides when utilizing Momum Grip Glue, which dried almost instantaneously.
The Lizard Skins 3DGRP proved powerful by way of set up and potential consumers ought to concentrate on this, in any other case, you might find yourself spending numerous money with out ever getting to make use of them.
Lizard_Skins_3DGRP_Fit.jpg, by Matthew Page
In the primary set up try, I used isopropyl alcohol sprayed onto the inside of the grip and handlebar. The grip stopped shifting on the midway level and there was no motion within the grip in any respect. I continued making an attempt to maneuver the grip, spending a major period of time utilizing each a compressed airline and a spoke to elevate the grip barely and spray isopropyl alcohol inside and making an attempt to maneuver the grip however this didn’t work, and the grip was lower off. I efficiently fitted a cut-down grip to a aspect with a grip-shift-style dual-lockout however this was nonetheless tough and I couldn’t rotate the perforated part and align it for the right match.
Lizard_Skins_3DGRP_Left.jpg, by Matthew Page
What about utilizing compressed air? The grip could be very tight in opposition to the floor of the handlebar and I discovered it exhausting to elevate to suit an airline with a pointed air tip (soccer inflater sort). The inner part materials doesn’t appear to be utterly hermetic, which is why utilizing an airline usually works so nicely on commonplace grips and the fabric can also be inclined to cuts, making the method difficult. Compared to all different conventional and silicone grips I’ve fitted, eliminated, and examined; I’ve not encountered the identical issues that I had with the 3DGRP.
With a second set available, I tried a re-fit to rule out tolerance or materials points however the final result was the identical. The difficulties, I really feel, are a mixture of the internal diameter being too small, the elastomeric materials floor materials, and each the compound and the development ripping too simply, permitting air to leak out.
Lizard_Skins_3DGRP_Cut.jpg, by Matthew Page
On my third effort, I used to be profitable. To efficiently match I used the identical quantity of isopropyl however placed the bike with the other finish of the handlebar on the bottom, permitting me to use extra power to maneuver it into place. With the grips absolutely arrange, I used to be in a position to begin driving and testing.
Lizard Skins 3DGRP grips – Performance
The grip is split into two sections alongside the circumference. The perforated space is softer than the stable space, so having them each in the identical spot is vital for driving consolation and, after all, appears to be like. The similar strategy applies to different grips with an asymmetrical floor, in addition to conventional grips with an identical design, together with the ODI Reflex.
Lizard_Skins_3DGRP_Right.jpg, by Matthew Page
When driving, you possibly can really feel the distinction between the perforated and stable areas however not sufficient to note a major enchancment in help or consolation over different grips. I didn’t discover the floor texture to be essentially the most comfy with out gloves and it feels fairly abrasive on the hand.
Given the difficulties in becoming the grips and the tight match on the handlebar, I used to be sure that the grips wouldn’t slip. Unfortunately, after just some rides, that is precisely what occurred. During the trip, the left-hand grip started to rotate, making it simple to take away by hand. The grip was lower to match a Gripshift fashion dual-lockout, with a clear and straight lower made earlier than mounting it to the handlebar.
I imagine water/rain induced the preliminary slip. Slipping grips isn’t an issue specific to 3DGRP, which is why many strategies of protecting them in place are used, together with hairspray, lock-on clamps, and even particular grip glue merchandise. While slipping is usually a drawback, it isn’t a problem I’ve skilled with silicone-style grips, even when lower to go well with a grip shifter or lockout.
With the know-how and methodology of 3D printing, I’m positive that extra might be finished with the form and materials to extend ergonomics and assemble one thing that’s not potential with a normal grip. The know-how already exists to map stress factors on a hand throughout a typical trip and use that to assemble a grip that gives optimum help, consolation, and efficiency.
Some grips have a number of thickness choices and Lizard Skins could add sooner or later however 3D printing might additionally enhance frequent manufacturing processes by permitting for the creation of grips of various densities.
We bought in contact with Lizard Skins to deal with these points and Ryan Huntington of the model replied with the next assertion. “We respect the suggestions from off.highway.cc . As we went by means of the design and testing of this grip, we discovered that it was very important to maintain the internal diameter of the grip as small as potential in order that the grip wouldn’t slip after set up. Because the internal diameter of the grip is small, we discovered it essential to use rubbing alcohol to the bar earlier than set up and to use numerous rubbing alcohol to the within of the 3DGRP.
Once the within of the 3DGRP is totally coated with alcohol, it’s then very important to put in it instantly. When utilising this method, we haven’t had points throughout set up. We hope as riders check this grip; they are going to really feel the consolation this grip offers. We love that we had been in a position to mix differing layers of the proprietary Carbon DLS materials to provide the lattice fashion design which offers consolation and management. The different factor to be aware of is the load of the grips. At a complete weight of 68g, we’re sure that these shall be a success for our cross-country riders around the globe”.
Lizard Skins 3DGRP grips – Verdict
The grips cost £52 a pair, which is pricier than all of the grips we have examined – the one exception being the RevGrips Pro Series which has a vibration-damping system.
The 3DGRP doesn’t match different choices primarily based purely on efficiency. For pure consolation, the ESI Fatty silicone grip is thicker and is each my favorite and off.highway.cc editor Aaron’s, too, – however may be too comfortable for some. They are a lot simpler to suit and, whereas silicone grips might be extra fragile and the Fatty dearer than different silicone grips, it’s nonetheless half the worth.
Lizard_Skins_3DGRP_Sides.jpg, by Matthew Page
Within the off.highway.cc crew, Liam’s high choose is the PNW Loam grips, with lock-on attachment and, whereas the worth has gone up since they had been examined, they’re nonetheless lower than half the worth at £25. The grips of selection for Pat are one other Lizard Skins grip, the Oury V2 lock-on, priced at £30, and with a lock-on a minimum of you might be positive of an easier match.
3D printing know-how is being employed for extra elements and this may undoubtedly proceed primarily based on the numerous advantages it presents however the Lizard Skins 3DGRP seems to be an answer on the lookout for an issue, with no efficiency benefits over common grip decisions.
