Supacaz Grizips Lock on grips long term review
Supacaz, short for super casual, is a California brand best known for their bar tape and grips, they also make other accessories like bottle cages and drink bottles. Supacaz’s bar tape is used for many World Tour teams with names like Kittel or Rockstar Peter Sagan.
Today we are writing about the Supacaz Grizips lock on grips with a special edition with a grip in neon purple and the other in neon orange. Their products are known for their flashing and retro colors and this special edition grips are no exception.
The grizips feature the Supacaz starred logo and letters as the grip pattern, those grips are only one sided lock on collar, so the irritating moving end cap won’t be necessary but in the other hand these grips tend to rip on the bar end if you fail to lean your bike in a secure surface and falls with the bar facing down. The one sided lock on collar is enough and only minimal torsion will be felt on really strong force.
Those are sized at 130mm and weight 115gr the pair, with bolts included. Also offered in many colors, this being the only with unmatched colors. The package includes 2 sets of collars detailed with the Supacaz logo, on black and chrome, to suit best your bike.
Quality in this grips are something noted on the first touch, lifespan and grip are also noted, these are a good smart shopping option if you could find a good offer because they are usually pretty expensive at $20 RRP.
After more than 1 year with them the only problem, apart from the holed end part, this color combination tends gets dirty, not so much as white grips but of course less than dark ones, when buying grips is recommendable to get dark colored ones if you are not so concerned about looks and more with practicality.
Should I buy them?
Pros:
- If you are concerned about grip and looks not so much about weight
- For its quality and lifespan
Cons:
- Not cheap
- Lack of end cap protection
Alternatives:
- If you are in for lock on grips there are cheaper alternatives
- If you are in for really gripy grips check the Odi X-treme Lock on grips
- If you are most interested in comfort without losing grip you can opt for foam grips
Update 2021-05-16: After a lot of quite intensive use, the rubber has deteriorated, leaving a sticky material that is not pleasant to the touch. We can say that they have reached the end of their useful life.
Grip Compound and Longevity: What to Expect
The rubber compound Supacaz uses is softer than most competitors, which explains the excellent initial grip but also the finite lifespan. Softer compounds conform better to hand contours and absorb vibration, reducing fatigue on long rides. The trade-off is that UV exposure and sweat accelerate breakdown. Storing the bike indoors or using a handlebar cover when parked outside extends grip life noticeably.
For riders who prioritize durability above all else, harder compounds like those found on ESI silicone grips or ODI Rogue grips last significantly longer but transmit more trail vibration. The Supacaz Grizips sit in the middle ground: better damping than hard lock-ons but shorter service life than silicone foam options. Replacing grips every 12-18 months is reasonable for riders who value tactile feedback and comfort.
Installation Tips and Grip Diameter
Installing lock-on grips is straightforward but a few details matter. Clean the handlebar surface with isopropyl alcohol before sliding the grip on—residual dirt or old grip adhesive causes rotation even with the collar tightened. The Grizips fit standard 22.2mm diameter handlebars without issue, but riders using oversized bars (such as 35mm clamp diameter bars that taper to 22.2mm at the grip area) should verify the grip slides past any diameter transition smoothly.
Torque the lock-on bolt to 2-3 Nm rather than overtightening, which can crack the aluminum collar or deform the grip rubber near the clamp point. Position the bolt facing downward or inward to avoid snagging clothing or skin during crashes. Riders who experience numbness or hand fatigue despite quality grips should evaluate handlebar sweep and rise—a 9-degree backsweep puts wrists in a more neutral position and reduces pressure on the ulnar nerve regardless of grip compound.
For riders in wet climates, applying a thin layer of hairspray on the bar before installation acts as a temporary lubricant during fitting, then dries to form a tacky bond that eliminates any residual slip under the grip body between the lock-on collars. This technique is particularly useful with single-collar designs like the Grizips where the unclamped end relies on friction alone.
