"dgk" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:A few weeks ago both handlebar grips became loose and one fell off and
was lost. So I had the LBS replace them. Once again they have become
loose. They're sort of half-grips since the bike has grip shifts.
The LBS used some sort of glue and told me to wait 24 hours before use
and I did. But the LBS here at work suggests not using glue but just
cleaning the handlebar thoroughly with alcohol and using a bit of
water in new grips while sliding them on. Apparently the suction
created is sufficient to keep them on.
I scanned previous threads for the subject of grips but only come up
with the suggestion to use Oury grips. A quick look at Nashbar shows
those but they are full length and I don't see a way to cut them down
to fit, nor does it answer the question of how to keep them on.
I know I can't be the only one with this problem because just
yesterday I saw a grip in the bike lane (not my lost one). It was the
half-grip type so I suspect that kind is more of a problem than with
full grips.
Suggestions are now in order.
You can use alcohol or even water to get enough lubricating action to get
the grip on, relying on friction after the fluid dries. If there isn't
enough friction, or water gets under the grip, they're apt to come loose.
To deal with this, there is a spectrum of possibilities, at one end, you
have mild adhesives, 2 favorites of mine are hairspray and tire patching
cement. These may or may not be sufficient. At the far end, my 2 favorites
are contact cement or wire. Contact cement usually requires a 15 min setup
time, but that won't work with grips, so I slide the grip on immediately
over the wet cement. Actually, any kind of adhesive that grips smooth
surfaces and has some flex would work (RTV?). The problem with strong
adhesives is that you usually have to slit & peel the grip to get it off,
where with milder glues you can break the bond with a thin screwdriver and
a little patience. Wiring involves taking a loop around the grip, twisting
the ends tight, then folding the cut ends into the grip. You need to wire
both ends. If done right, it's nearly invisible and can be removed without
much trouble.