WTB Launches 4 New Lock-On Grips

Feb 6, 2024
by WTB  
photo

PRESS RELEASE: WTB

WTB is thrilled to unveil our latest lineup of grips introducing Trace, Wavelength, CZ Control, and Burr. We built on our 35 years of grip expertise with one of the top cycling biomechanics experts to define an entirely innovative approach to grips. The result was four grips for four different types of riders. Rigorously tested and fine-tuned with feedback from athletes worldwide, we’re confident you’ll find the right grip for your riding style.

Extensive field research showed that most riders fit into three major categories for grip preference. Cushion, Minimal and Balanced. Cushion grips focus on the damping of bumps and trail chatter. Minimal grips maximize bar feel and control, giving the user a more direct connection to their bike. Balanced grips blend features of both Cushion and Minimal.

All four grips feature soft anti-slip rubber, a single inboard clamp, an easy to access 3mm hex key adjustment, and a tapered inner sleeve that eliminates unwanted rotation or twisting at the outboard end.


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Trace

Cushion Category:

For riders looking for softness and vibration damping.

The Trace grip provides a plush feel on rough and jarring terrain due to the unique pattern on top. This is accomplished by the ample space between the trapezoidal blocks that allows them room to squish and conform. The Trace’s soft compound rebounds slowly to provide additional damping and increase comfort between the rider and their handlebars. These are ideal for riders who want soft grips that absorb trail chatter and reduce hand numbness.

• Tall and flexible cushioning blocks lay over the top ¾ of the surface
• Light fingertip knurling and large ribs on the underside to increase bar feel
• 32mm diameter allows for more rubber to absorb vibration

photo
Wavelength

Balanced Category:

For riders looking for a blend of comfort, vibration damping, and control.

The Wavelength features multi-directional fins that improve handlebar control while also providing comfort on rough terrain. We utilized pressure mapping technology to precisely angle the direction of the fins to counter the forces acting on them. The underside of the grip features a waffle pattern for increased bite where the fingers naturally wrap around the bar. The tapered 30/32mm grip diameter increases control in technical terrain.

• A fins style design provides cushioning and grip
• Fingertip waffles for increased bar feel
• Tapered 30/32mm diameter improves handling response

photo
CZ Control

The CZ Control is unique in its semi-ergonomic shape. We evaluated all the grips in this category and found one key element was missing – control. We used pressure mapping to determine where pressure is distributed on the grips and increased support in those areas to improve comfort and reduce numbness while still conforming to the natural shape of the hand. This results in a grip that provides greater control over your bike, giving you more confidence in technical terrain, and reducing hand numbness.
Semi-ergonomic shape enhances control while distributing pressure away from areas causing numbness

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Burr.

Minimal Category:

For riders looking to maximize bar feel and control with a more direct connection to the bike.

The Burr features a low-profile design that provides riders with the most direct connection to their handlebar. Whether you are hanging on under full compression or yanking upwards to clear a root, the bi-directional texture provides the grip you need to keep everything under control.

• Low profile burr grinder style teeth pointing bi-directionally to provide grip for pushing and pulling
• Thin 30mm diameter enhances trail feedback

All grips are available in Black or Tan, carry an MSRP of $29.95 USD/€29.95, and are available at your local WTB retailer or online at wtb.com

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases WTB


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79 Comments
  • 52 1
 Thank you WTB for actually listing the diameters.
  • 3 0
 They were giving these out to us last summer at BCBR. I tried the CZ controls and didn’t like them. The next stage I tried my friend’s trace and they felt great. I normally like 34mm grips like the supracrush.
  • 3 0
 Girth is one thing but some of us also want to know the length of our grips. My XXL hands need XXL grips.
  • 3 6
 What are these, grips for girls, I have man hands.
  • 41 1
 Disappointed these don't come with a proprietary cut out that requires bar modification.
  • 3 0
 But they didn't rotate, did they?!?!?!?!?
  • 2 0
 @FatTonyNJ: not in my leg. Zero grip rotation. These look less secure.. and less piercy.
  • 1 0
 That was bad. Next up, we'll be routing the rear spokes through them or something.
  • 26 4
 Do they have an ebike specific version? Asking for a friend.....
  • 42 0
 Yes, but they require four D4 batteries on each side side.
  • 11 1
 @Moonshot20: Do they have any that smell like chocolate chip cookies? Asking for a friend.......
  • 8 0
 @dorkbike: probably smell more like vaseline.
  • 18 0
 @workingclasswhore: username checks out!
  • 1 0
 Not kidding, some company makes heated grips that you recharge
  • 2 0
 @cuban-b: Not that crazy! Heated grips are a normal thing for motorcycles and snowmobiles, but bicycles generally lack the electrical system and fuse box to tap into easily for power. Makes sense to just attach standalone batteries inside the bar with each grip
  • 2 1
 Yes, they have the e-designation in front of each grip and are marked up another 25% to account for ebikes Smile .
  • 1 0
 @Ryawesomerpm: an ebike markup you say?? TAKE MY MONEY!!!
  • 7 0
 No but they can easily be converted: don’t tighten the right one completely, twist and say whiirrr, whirrr at the same time.
  • 1 0
 @chrsei: Lol, perfect!
  • 17 5
 For all that, no bigger option like 35mm? It's remarkable that companies think that even though bikes fit XS-XXL (from children and short adults all the way up to like 6'7"+) that effectively every single rider wants the same grip diameter.
  • 7 2
 Grip diameter is like bar length, it’s a preference. 6’3.5” tall with XXL gloves and I run 780 bars and standard diameter grips. I’ve tried wider and narrower, thicker and thinner. Once I find what works, that’s all I buy usually.
  • 4 0
 Agreed. I run Oury grips for their larger 33mm diameter paired with chunky blocks.
  • 14 2
 @somebody-else: can't forget to add that extra half inch eh buddy...
  • 6 0
 @spaceofades: used to be 6’4” but I’m shrinking. Wait a few more years and it’ll be 6’3” LOL
  • 6 0
 I'm 5'10 and those big ass Meaty Paws (35mm) are my favorite grips. I haven't really liked anything else nearly as much.
  • 1 0
 @ripridesbikes: I'm with you, anything more narrow than 34mm feels harder to hang onto.
  • 2 0
 @ripridesbikes: Meaty Paws make my hands feel like weapons of mass destruction
  • 4 0
 Give me all of the GIRTH!!!

Deity Supracush (34mm) are awesome for bigger hands but I am curious to try the meaty paws
  • 1 0
 @MmmBones: So do you like them or?
  • 7 1
 I'm 6'1 (185cm), wear L or XL gloves and I prefer a thinner grip. Thicker grips are harder to hold onto and lead to more arm pump in my experience. 35mm grips sounds like a nightmare and I can't imagine too many people would benefit from such a large diameter grip - not enough people to justify the cost of a mold.
  • 6 0
 @tom666: same boat with you, my hands are massive, but I like thin grips so I can warm my hand around them more easily. They feel more secure and less fatiguing to hold on. But yeah, personal preference.
  • 1 0
 Wrap*
  • 1 0
 @tom666: I'm with you. 6'9" with XXL hands and I like standard grips but need the extra length offered by some Ergon, ODI, and Chromag grips.

145-150mm long grips are my sweet spot. 130-135mm like most common grips means one side or the other of my hand is on the clamp, boo.
  • 3 2
 @somebody-else: 6’3.5” ? Lol really reaching for that last 1/2 inch huh
  • 1 0
 @pargolf8: I’m shrinking…
  • 1 0
 Wolf Tooth fat paws solved my small grip problem. Fragile AF if you crash, so just don’t crash.
  • 8 0
 For hike a bike, is there more cushion for the pushin?
  • 5 1
 They are ribbbed for more pleasure.
  • 9 0
 @bigtim: get a grip
  • 7 0
 Why are the black ones smaller? I badly want a large black one.
  • 2 0
 I'm ashamed to admit but I'm a grip fanatic. I've spent a fortune trying pretty much any grip you can think of to find the perfect one for me. Ergon GA2's are my current go-to's for anyone who's interested. I run my hands over the end of the bars so no flanges or raised sections on the ends of any of these grips is a win. I like the Ergon GA2 but they are slippy in the wet or with sweaty hands. The WTB Wavelengths look like they might be better.
  • 1 0
 The Wavelength do look pretty nice. Also a grip addict. Have you tried the Ergon GD1 evos? Went through 2 pairs of them now trying out the Deathgrips.
  • 2 0
 I've definitely gone through waves of being a grip fanatic. For such a relatively cheap part it can really have a drastic effect on how my bike feels.
  • 3 0
 If you haven’t try the Ergonomic GFR. That’s the one IMO.
  • 2 0
 @SlavikChris: I have the GD1 & GA1 on my 2 bikes and an pretty happy. I had been running death grips and did some mixed left/right grip rides and decided I didn't like the death grips as much as the Ergon - DG look grippier but didn't feel it, especially when damp. I have fairly long thin fingers and always wear fairly thin gloves. I certainly don't get on with very thin grips - ugh! Though I'm tempted to try some push ons
  • 2 0
 @wolftwenty1: Will pick up a couple pairs for spring time. God knows I got enough Ergon bar ends sitting around in my toolbox. Looks like they're even on sale now for $20 USD which is surprising for Ergon.
  • 1 2
 @mountainsofsussex: death grips and ergon are both made out of plastic that’s why. The two front runners for worst grips ever.
  • 1 0
 @SlavikChris: I dig them...went from the GA2 and have not looked back.
  • 3 1
 C'mon, we were all thinking it - I just looked at the photos and went straight to the comments, and..... nothing... Have we all got very restrained or have the mods been out in force? Not even any "below threshold comments"? These things are only a purple rounded end plug away from the funniest MTB item ever and nobody has said it?
  • 4 0
 This strongly reminds me of Calvin & Hobbes "Chewing Magazine" - "Find the right gum for your chewing style!".
  • 2 0
 After 35 years would of thought wtb would of realised that mtb’er lay their bike’s on the ground, that messes up the grip ends

Should of put replaceable plastic end caps
  • 2 0
 The flesh coloured option is either going to sell out immediately or be available at 90% discount in 5 years time. Tough call for the stock manager…
  • 1 0
 skin colored, soft and vibration - those are the 3 things I see from this article! And the black ones are shorter and thinner than the beige colored ones. Is this for real? LOL
  • 3 0
 should name it the foreskin
  • 2 0
 I've only ever used DMR Brendog Death Grips. They dont look like willys. His are green.
  • 1 0
 I'm still using grip shift! Anybody else out there wanna team up and trade right hand grips? I've got a big bag of single grips.
  • 2 0
 @wilderness-trail-bikes which ones work the best in the wet,
  • 3 1
 If you really want confortable grips you don't buy lockon grips...
  • 1 0
 ODI Ruffian and longneck slips ons never cost more than £10 as opposed to the lock on version which cost around £25. They last longer and are much better damped and they don’t rock or creak like most lock ons with a hard plastic core.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: I'm currently running sram grips which cost about €6 and are super comfortable. I just wire them down and no more slipping.
  • 1 0
 @tralebuilder: spray paint works better in my opinion I just find with wire it only holds where it’s wired down. The spray paint fills the void between the bar and grip and prevents any water getting in and sticks the grip to the bar. I’d have to cut my grips to get them off.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: I'll try that next time then!
  • 1 0
 No gloves CREW checking in. Been enjoying my Lizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips. Grippy, durable, comfy.
  • 1 0
 No double locks. Don't care for single locking grips. Texture wise they looks nice though.
  • 2 0
 Double locks are getting scarce, I feel the same way but gave up on that when it comes to trying new grips. I get the extra security in case one clamp fails-but ive never heard of an instance of a clamp failure on a single clamp grip. Have you?
  • 1 0
 @badbikekarma: Yep, couple summers back had one twist apart pulling across a small jump at the bike park. Ripped torn end from bar with my hand as it twisted apart, wadded up, and haven't rode single clamp since. It could have been cracked under rubber already and I hadn't noticed but that's not an issue with dual clamp. If dual clamp goes away ill just start gluing on slip on. Probably should do that anyway
  • 1 0
 @cougar797: oof, guess now Ive heard of 1 instance. What grip was it?
  • 1 0
 @cougar797: did the clamp screw break?
  • 1 0
 @badbikekarma: No the clamp end was still there. Just the unsupported bar end side snapped away. Was a dmr deathgrip.
  • 1 0
 They look like they were designed by an interior designer rather than a biker, the ribs on the mushroom ones are too big.
  • 1 0
 I like how everyone seems to be resisting the obvious cheap joke.
  • 1 0
 Why does the simulated gum wall remind me of Noctua fans?
  • 4 3
 There's a joke about weiner size here but I'm afraid to say it in 2024.
  • 17 1
 dont be a pussy, say your joke...
  • 1 0
 hahahah
  • 1 1
 English Beach Pink should be the name of this colour.
  • 1 0
 Gripping.....
  • 1 0
 Losing grip....
  • 1 2
 Oh get a grip.







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