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

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