Do you have sticky handlebar grips on your bicycle? Are they preventing you from having a comfortable ride? Don’t worry; you can easily fix this issue with simple steps. In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix sticky handlebar grips so you can enjoy cycling again.
1 Necessary Items
If you’re looking to fix sticky handlebar grips, there are some items that you’ll need to have on hand. The first item is a pair of pliers or adjustable wrenches. This will help loosen the grip from the handlebars and make it easier to remove.
You’ll also need an Allen key, a small L-shaped tool for tightening and loosening bolts. An old rag or cloth can help wipe up any excess grease or dirt that might be present on the handlebars after removing the grip.
A bottle of WD-40 is another essential item as it helps lubricate the inside of the grip, making it less likely to stick in place again once installed. Lastly, you’ll need some rubbing alcohol or a citrus-based cleaner such as orange oil, which can clean off any dirt and grime from both your hands and the handlebars before beginning work on them.
1.1 Handlebar grips
The first step in fixing sticky handlebar grips is to ensure you have the right handlebar grips for your bike. Make sure that the grip fits the size of your handlebars and has a good rubber material.
This will help ensure you get a secure fit without slipping or sliding during use. Additionally, check for any signs of wear on the grip before purchasing, as this can increase the chances of it sticking later on.
1.2 Wd-40 or similar product
To fix a sticky handlebar grip, it is essential to have a product such as Wd-40 or any other product that has the same purpose. This product acts as a lubricant and will help loosen the grip from your handlebars so you can remove it easily.
It is important to ensure that your product contains no harsh chemicals or solvents, as these could potentially damage your handlebars.
1.3 Rag or towel
A rag or towel is crucial when repairing sticky handlebar grips. Thanks to this, your hands will be more protected from filth, grease, or grime on the handlebars.
Additionally, a rag or towel can be used to wipe down the handlebars after they have been cleaned with a degreaser. Finally, it can also be used as an aid when slipping the new handles onto the bar. Handing a rag or towel throughout this process will make it much easier and more efficient.
2 Removing the Grips
Removing the grips from your handlebars can be tricky, but it can be done with the right tools and patience; before you begin, have a pair of pliers or a flathead screwdriver handy.
This will help you pry off the old grip without damaging the handlebar. Start by loosening any screws that may be holding down the grip. If there are no screws, use your tool to carefully pry up one end of the grip until it comes loose from its position on the bar.
Continue working around the bar’s circumference until you can completely remove both ends of the grip from their position. Once you have removed both ends, note how they were positioned before removing them so that when you install new grips later on, they fit correctly in place.
After this, use an appropriate solvent such as WD-40 or rubbing alcohol to clean off any excess residue of old adhesive or grease on your handlebars surfaces. This will ensure your new grips stick better and last longer than if applied directly onto dirty surfaces.
2.1 Cleaning the handlebars
Starting with a gentle soap and water solution, wipe them down. This will assist in removing accumulated filth or dirt from the bars.
Be sure to rinse off all of the soap before continuing. Once dry, use an old toothbrush or rag and some rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue from the bars. This will ensure that your new grips have a nice, smooth surface to adhere to when you reattach them later on.
2.2 Applying wd-40 to the grip
To loosen stubborn handlebar grips, WD-40 is a highly effective solution. Applying the WD-40 directly onto the grip and avoiding spraying it onto the handlebars is crucial to prevent any potential damage.
Also, make sure that you are spraying from a distance of about 8 inches away so that it does not saturate the grip too much. Once you have sprayed the grip with WD-40, let it sit for 5 minutes before attempting to remove it. This will give the lubricant time to penetrate and loosen up any stuck parts.
3 Installing New Grips
Installing new handlebar grips is an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade your bike. To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials: an adjustable wrench, a thin flathead screwdriver, some rubbing alcohol or another solvent cleaner, and the new grips of your choice.
Before starting the installation process, it’s important to ensure that the handlebars are clean and free of dirt and debris. To do this, spray some rubbing alcohol onto a rag or paper towel and use it to wipe down the handlebars.
This will help ensure your new grips stay securely in place once installed. Once the handlebars are clean and dry, it’s time to start installing the new grips. First, loosen up the locking mechanism on each side of the grip using an adjustable wrench or pliers to slide them off easily.
Once both sides are loose enough for removal, carefully pull them off from either side of the bar until they disappear completely. Next, slide your replacement grip over one end of the handlebar until it reaches its proper position on each side of the bar.
3.1 Preparing the new grips
Before installing new grips, verifying if they are compatible with your handlebars is crucial. In case they are not, buying bar end plugs or clamps might be necessary to secure them effectively.
Additionally, make sure that the interior of the grip is free from any dirt or debris which could cause difficulty when sliding them onto the handlebar.
Finally, take a few moments to apply some lubricant, such as hairspray or oil, along the length of each grip before beginning installation. This will help ensure that they slide on smoothly and evenly.
4 Securing and Tightening New Grips
Replacing your handlebar grips is a great way to freshen up the look of your bike while also improving comfort. But to ensure they don’t slip or move around, it’s important to secure them properly.
Here are the steps you need to follow when tightening and securing new handlebar grips:
- Start by cleaning off any dirt or grease from the bar with a cloth, then verify that the inside diameter of the grip is slightly larger than the outside diameter of your handlebars.
- Once you have verified this, apply some hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or window cleaner (the type without ammonia) to both surfaces before inserting the grip onto your bars. This will act as a lubricant and help prevent sticking.
- Slide on one end of the grip first and work towards the other until it’s in place. Please ensure there are no gaps between where it meets with your bars. If so, use a rubber mallet to tap it into place.
- Once everything is lined up correctly, wrap electrical tape around both ends of each grip for extra security before using zip ties in an ‘X’ pattern along its length for further stability.
5 Finishing Touches
Once you have removed the old handlebar grips and applied the new ones, there are a few extra steps to ensure your bike is ready for use. These finishing touches will help keep your handlebars in good condition and ensure your ride is comfortable and enjoyable.
First, double-double-check the new handlebar grips are securely tightened onto the handlebars. The best way to do this is by gently grabbing each end of the grip and gently pulling it back and forth.
They must be re-tightened with some additional force if they move at all. Next, lubricate both ends of the grip with a light coat of bicycle grease or oil. This will help keep them from becoming dry or sticky over time due to exposure to moisture or dirt.
It can also help reduce friction between your hands and the grips when riding for an even smoother ride experience overall. Finally, inspect all other components on your bike, such as brakes and shifters, to ensure everything is functioning properly before taking off on a ride.
6 Conclusion
Fixing sticky handlebar grips is a relatively easy DIY project that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the steps outlined above, you should have your handlebar grips feeling smooth and secure again.
Start by cleaning off any dirt or debris from the grip area with warm water and mild soap. Then use an old toothbrush to rub alcohol into the area before peeling away the old grip tape.
Finally, install new grip tape over the handlebars and press firmly to adhere properly.
Ben is a highly experienced cyclist, and have been competing and instructing for many years. He have a deep understanding of cycling mechanics and how to get the most out of your cycling experience.
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