Thin, tacky and soft – Billy Trailstar’s Hammered review of his Renthal Kevlar Grips…
From Dirt Issue 116 – October 2011
Words and Photos by Billy Trailstar.
Someone once told me that I had murderer’s hands, but do murderers get arm pump? I do and I haven’t strangled anyone yet. But there’s always a first time. So, yes arm pump and grips. Well, these Renthal Kevlar jobs are about the thinnest I’ve come across, which makes a great deal of difference to me in my struggle to hold on in a relaxed manner. The vernier calipers say ‘28mm outside diameter’ and indeed are markedly easier on the arms than some fatter grips I’ve used. Not only are they very thin but they are also super tacky and soft, this is noticeable with gloves or without, and they still retain the stickiness in wet weather. I reckon this softness must also help with subtle 
shock absorption too. Nice length to them as well, 135mm. For all the soft and sticky nature of these grips they are holding up very well and proving very resilient even after six months of use. Apparently it’s all down to this marvellous material called Kevlar, which in my day they used to make bulletproof vests out of.
Now I know a lot of you will still prefer the lock–on style of grip simply for the ease of removal and swapping control levers about. But if you’re happy with your cockpit set–up or you have split clamps on your brakes then these are just as practical. I have to say though, you do need to use proper grip glue. Hairspray might smell nice and take the frizz out of your Nan’s bouffant but it’s not good for grips. Renthal do some proper glue for about four quid.
One last thing…the funny colour. I think it’s horrible. Make some black ones please or there might be some strangling going on.
Price: £11.99
Ison Distribution 01353 662 662
