How to Restore Grip to Slippery Grips

Handlebar grips can come loose and slip due to heavy use. But with a few simple tricks, you can quickly get a secure grip again.

• Brake cleaner (or isopropyl alcohol)
• Alternatively: Air compressor with a ball pump attachment
• Hex wrench set (for lock-on grips)
• Torque wrench with bits (for lock-on handles)
• Clean cloth

Bicycle grips usually come loose when moisture, sweat, or dirt gets between the grip and the handlebars. Over time, a slippery film can form, which reduces friction.

• If the grips are already very loose, you can try to remove them from the handlebars by twisting and pulling at the same time. IMPORTANT: For lock-on grips with a screw clamp, you must first loosen the clamping screw using a suitable hex wrench.
• If the grips are very tight, carefully insert a narrow object (such as a wooden stick) between the handlebars and the grip, making sure it doesn't scratch the surface. Spray some brake cleaner or dish soap and water into the opening and repeat the process in different spots. After that, the grip can usually be loosened by turning and pulling.
• Alternatively, you can use a compressor with a ball pump attachment. Carefully insert the tip between the handlebars and the grip. By blowing compressed air while simultaneously turning and pulling, the grips should now come loose.
• IMPORTANT: Be especially careful not to damage the surface of carbon handlebars when using tools.

• Clean the handlebar ends and the inside of the grips with brake cleaner or, even better, isopropyl alcohol. Both effectively remove grease and dirt and have the advantage of evaporating on their own afterward. However, isopropyl alcohol has an even stronger degreasing effect and is gentler on surfaces.
• After it has dried, polish the handlebar surface again with a soft cloth.

• Spray a small amount of brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol onto the end of the handlebar. Now slide the grip onto the handlebars while the cleaner is still damp. This makes it easy to slide the grip into place and then position it.
• Wait about half an hour for the cleaner to evaporate. Then check to see if the grips can no longer be turned; if so, extend the waiting time.
• You can also use the compressed air method when installing the grips (not recommended for carbon handlebars). To do this, follow the reverse procedure for removing the grips: Position the tip in the grip, apply compressed air, and slide the grip on.
• Tip: If your grips come loose very quickly, you can use hairspray or special grip adhesive instead of brake cleaner when installing them to increase their durability (not recommended for carbon handlebars).
• Tools are generally not required for lock-on grips with screw fasteners. After cleaning, simply place the grips back on the handlebars and tighten them to the specified torque.