August 22/09 16:18 pm - Specialized Locking XC Grip

Posted by Editoress on 08/22/09
 

From way back when, Specialized has always spec'd as much of the bike as feasible with Specialized branded components. It makes perfect marketing sense, of course, but there are only a few companies out there that have the resources to do it with so many of the components that come as original equipment on a bike.

Case in point, here's something really simple - a locking handlebar grip for XC mountain biking.  It is called, appropriately enough, the XC. I'd probably guess that this grip is leaning more towards XC racing, as they are quite low profile (read thin). However, even with the low profile Specialized has used a double density approach to the grip. The grip is softer on the outside of the grip and firmer on the inside. I honestly couldn't tell that there was a difference between the densities but the grips were comfortable enough as long as you were wearing gloves. They are a pretty hard grip overall, supplying firm attachment for your hands. Personally, I'd prefer something a bit softer but this is subjective. Specialized has a number of softer grips, such as the Rocca, that would likely suit me the best.

The locking mechanism locks and didn't budge once in aggressive trail riding. A pair of these grips with bar plugs weighs in at 80 grams.

It's often a forgotten part of the bike but if you're not comfortable then you need to look at changing parts on the bike. Grips definitely fall into that territory. The Specialized Locking XC Grips might be what you're looking for.

These grips are available at your local Specialized dealer. See the other Specialized equipment at www.specialized.com

Review by Technical Editor Mike Badyk