Ergon GP1 Biokork Grips

Dedicated road rats may want to zone out now, since the ergonomically designed range of grips made by Ergon, including these Biokork ones, are only suitable for tourers, hybrids, urban warriors and off road. There’s no drop handlebar appropriate version available, funnily enough. But, for anyone else, the experience of trying an Ergon grip can be an enlightening one.

Designed to encourage the hand to rest properly on the grip, and to be angled correctly for maximum comfort and minimal nerve pressure, Ergon grips are definitely a far cry from pared down rubber sleeves you grapple to fit with the aid of hairspray. They look completely different and they behave differently too.

Weight wise, you’re paying a penalty of somewhere in the region of upwards of 30g for most Ergon grips, as compared with other lock-on style grips. For the Biokork ones as tested, weighing 182g for the pair, the additional weight is somewhere around 50-60g. However, this is a situation in which it’s all too easy to get caught up in the idea of a weight penalty. It’s probably better to look at it as acquiring a comfort bonus. For tourists, leisure riders and commuters, Ergon grips mark a significant improvement in hand and wrist comfort for most riders.

The GP1 Biokork Grips mark a development in Ergon’s move towards more environmentally responsible packaging and products. Made from a combination of plant material (the black pad on the ball of your hand), cork from sustainable forests in Portugal (the main grip), grass fibre compound (grip core) and recyclable aluminium (clamp) these grips even come with mostly recycled packaging. Not everyone is going to like the looks. A little bit retro whilst at the same time being a little bit avant garde, they actually suit quite a variety of bikes, from pared down flat bar urban bikes to more traditional sit up and begs, and definitely look good on a tourer.

They are straightforward to fit, although some care needs to be taken to get the angle right, so they are comfortable and match each side. In use they are comfortable and allow the hands to rest at an agreeable angle, whilst the cork gives good grip, even in the wet and a very pleasing feel- almost cushioned. Cork is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial. There’s no adverse effects in handling at all, and the overall feeling is of a more relaxing ride, given the reduction in discomfort of palms, nerves and wrists.

The large size tested is much better suited to larger and male hands, but the small size would be perfect for women’s hands or smaller men’s hands.

The Biokork grips are around the same price as Ergon’s other grips, and it’s a matter of personal choice whether to try the ‘greener’ and quirkily styled Biokorks or stick with the more futuristic looking ordinary ones. One thing though, chances are you’ll want to put them on as many of your bikes as you can.

Verdict

Well made, stylish and incredibly comfortable. And just a little greener.