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DMR Deathgrip

New grip from DMR and Fairclough collaboration

You’ll probably be familiar with Brendan Fairclough’s signature Vault pedal, a well regarded design and featured in the Dirt 100. Just arrived is his latest collaboration, the DMR Deathgrip, ‘A grip for the brave’ they say. So, what blend of style and design has Brendan added to the world of grips?

Words: Sean White  Images: DMR and Dirt

With stock grips on bikes being pretty uninspiring in most cases, it’s always an area that is quickly upgraded by many riders. Poor rubber compounds, random sizes and compromised surface textures don’t help when you’re pushing on hard, especially in poor weather. With plenty of great grips now available, even some that can be custom mouldable, what have DMR come up with now?

Prototype Deathgrips on Brendan's Scott - summer 2015

We first spotted these Deathgrip prototypes on a visit to see Brendan back last summer. Here we saw what was really a ‘Frankenstein’ grip… a mash-up of all the qualities he was looking for, taking in all that he had ridden over the years. You can spot shades of BMX and moto as well as mountainbike in the Deathgrip.

At the heart of the grip DMR have started with a tapered core. As the grip has a single inboard clamp (our favoured way), this design adds further security at the ends of the bars; great for hard DH use. Second up, and the standout feature is the mix of three different styles for the grip itself. The much loved knurled criss-cross pattern with an MX style waffle beneath is a great starting point, especially as there is a choice of compounds. Black, tango orange and camo (sure to be popular) are all in the softer 20a Kraton rubber, with a gum colour in the harder 25a compound.

The standout features are the mushroom section and the flange, and these really are Brendan’s signature touches. The inboard quarter is a classic ribbed mushroom style, a design that ODI have now been using for thirty-five years. This soft and malleable section adds extra comfort for your thumb and helps prevent blisters on longer rides or multiple uplift runs. The flange is almost pure ‘moto’ styling and is kept smaller, not interfering with gear shifter use.

 

“I wanted to make the ultimate grip to go on all my bikes: AM to DH”

 

There’s a lot going on here but it all adds up to a sorted design, one we feel will be a hit, especially as DMR have seen sense in offering two diameters (29.8mm and 31.3mm) as well as the compound choices. A great price too.

A new classic grip in the making? We’re bolting these Deathgrips to our test bikes right now, so we’ll keep you posted.

PRICE: £17.00 (Standard, Flangeless or Race edition)

UPGRADE: 01403 711611

UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK

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