These super light grips from VEL offer simplicity over everything. No lock on, no dual compounds, just a foam sleeve that is just shaped and finished at the ends, with a slight chamfer on the edge.

Getting the grips onto the bar was no easy task, and despite using the recommended alcohol wipe to help lower friction, there was a degree of cursing and arm wrestling to fit them onto the bars – which were smooth, clean carbon. I assumed it was due to the super tight fit to ensure they don’t rotate under use. 

Vel-Silicone-Grip_7152.jpg
Vel-Silicone-Grip_7152 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Once fitted, they seemed solid and initial comfort was good, especially over the local trail centre loop that really ensures fuzzy hands after a few laps. On the second lap, a fairly major issue arose, the left grip started to become loose in the middle, making them feel a little un-nerving whilst pushing the bike about – and for me, this issue is a deal breaker. 

The right-hand side stayed put, even in varying weather, from heat to cold and wet. My concerns of heat generated from my palms and making the grip loose didn’t arise – but the loose patch is either down to the force used to get them on, or a build issue – and if its due to the tight fit, then it’s a fatal flaw.  I have continued riding them to see how the issue might change, but it seemed to spread out, and at some point they grip will ‘throttle’.

I think if the grips are to be installed they should come with the appropriate alcohol wipe to install. I used first aid kit ones, and even with these they were a bit of a mission to get on. Obviously using anything else like detergent would mean they’d become loose or spin easily, and when they became damp – which is going to be fairly often on a mountain bike.

 

Vel-Silicone-Grip_7153.jpg
Vel-Silicone-Grip_7153 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

I did feel the grips had a good shape, and for the time that they didn’t start to rotate, where comfy. 32mm size is a good mid-size approach. They are lightweight and come in a heap of alternative colours, but I hope the rotation issue is just a one-off.

Test report Vel Silicone Grip £18.95

Bar tape and grips

Product purpose: 

A lightweight grip aimed at racers.

Product construction 


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Overall performance: 

The rotation issue is pretty much a total fail – its makes the product pointless.

Product likes: 

Colour choices are good…

Product dislikes: 

The fact the grip starts to become loose in a very short time.

Enjoy: 

Nope

Buy: 

nope

Recommend: 

Nope

Conclusion: 

As mentioned, the grip developed a patch in the centre that was loose and squirmed and rotated in use – and it began to spread with further use. I stopped using them for fear of a loose grip rotating whilst riding.