Many owners of bicycles and scooters are concerned about the question of what are the flu? These elements are special handles on the steering wheel, for which the bike driver actually holds. Unlike horn-like analogues, the grip of the parts under consideration is the same. This is a plus in terms of the fact that after getting used to a certain fit, unloading of the arm muscles occurs and discomfort in the lumbar region is eliminated.
Grips - what is it?
The elements under consideration can be manufactured in a standard version or with a braking effect. Regardless of the design, they are mounted on the edges of the steering wheel, which increases the ease of use of equipment. The locking versions are focused on the transmission of braking force using a cable, as well as hydraulic systems of a bike or scooter.
Existing grips for a bicycle differ among themselves by the material of manufacture, color, the presence of "pimples" and the possibility of exploitation to transform the braking force. For example, highway analogs include shifters for switching speeds, and modifications that are used actively on the roads have anti-slip coating and protection from moisture.
Destination
The main function of the presented parts is the ability to hold the rider's hands stably, regardless of weather conditions and other nuances. High-quality versions have a special coating that is not exposed to the negative effects of moisture, is not heated or cooled in critical parameters, like metal.
Another feature is the reduction in the number and intensity of vibrations during riding. High-quality steering wheel pads act as a limiter when the bike falls. Cheap versions quickly go bad and crawl out of place. Grips on the steering wheel differ in color, material and strength. Universal modifications include elements made of rubber or a similar polymer of medium stiffness. Such handles do not irritate the skin of the palms, provide a strong grip, perfect for beginner cyclists.
Varieties
To understand that these are flu, you should consider their types:
- Hard rubber models. They differ in reasonable price and resistance to wear. There is a drawback - the prerequisites for rubbing the palms with prolonged use. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to purchase special gloves.
- Options with double-sided retaining rings. Such a design, at first glance, may seem preferable to other analogues, since the handles do not slide off the steering wheel. However, replacing them will be very problematic. With the active use of the bicycle machine, these parts wear out quickly and require the participation of a specialist in the repair. Chamfer breaks often occur, which leads to the need to cut rings.
- Ergonomic handles. Such products are oriented to the shape of the palm, equipped with recesses for the fingers and a convex nest for the palm. Subject to proper care and operation, the devices will last a long period.
- Sports soft modifications. They are designed for professional sports, provide reliable steering retention. The real life of such devices is 3-4 months. As a basis, manufacturers primarily use rubber, leather or cork.
Features
Anatomical influenza "ODI" or their analogues are selected for the specific size of the hand and fingers. Such handles are effective with proper angular placement so that the space from the inside of the palm is filled without additional folding of the fingers. In addition, it is especially important to choose the size taking into account clinging to elements such as shifters or brake regulators.
Also on the market in Moscow are offered grips with curls made of silicone or bicycle-oriented country styles. Most often, thicker handles are installed on such modifications, regardless of type and size. Different models have their pros and cons, which are not so easy to choose for a professional, not to mention beginners. The comparative characterization of different varieties will help in resolving this dilemma.
Rubber versions
Pluses of soft models from this material:
- The minimum price.
- Light weight.
- A wide range of.
- There are modifications for stock bikes.
Minuses:
- Badly adhered to palms during rain, or other contact with moisture.
- Weak depreciation.
- Deformation during temperature and mechanical stress.
For professional use of these variations will definitely not be enough.
Advantages of baby flu and adult hard rubber analogues:
- High level of stability.
- No slippage.
- Ability to choose the dimension.
Disadvantages:
- Decent weight.
- Inadequate depreciation.
- Poor grip during rain or snow.
- There is a risk of damage due to excessive tightening on the carbon steering wheel.
Such modifications are suitable for children and beginners, but are categorically not suitable for professional athletes.
Foam and silicone models
Grips for a scooter and a bicycle made of foam rubber differ in the following parameters:
- As light as possible among existing analogues.
- Excellent cushioning when overcoming small road bumps and bumps.
- A wide range in terms of configuration, size and color.
- Good grip in rain and snow.
Minuses:
- Foam handles are not designed to cushion during falls and hard impacts.
- Weak resistance to mechanical stress.
- Short period of service, especially for cheap products of inadequate quality.
- Weakly resist scrolling.
Models made of silicone are not focused on the perception of hard shock, given the increased softness of the handles. Moreover, they are subject to scratching and tearing, have a decent price and are limited in the market assortment. Users and experts recommend that during installation, additionally use plugs that fix the silicone handles on the sides and at the top.
Operation and maintenance
After choosing suitable bicycle handles, beginners should think about methods for their proper installation. It should be noted that during prolonged use, these elements can "tightly" stick to the base, making their removal almost impossible.
Methods for dismantling influenza:
- Apply water placed in a syringe. The overlay on the handle is pierced with a needle followed by the introduction of a soap composition. After such exposure, the handle should slip. Alternatively, instead of a syringe, a screwdriver or awl is used, with which the edge of the flu is bent, introducing the prepared composition under it.
- The second method is to unscrew the hexagon, which aggregates with shifters or high-speed clamps. In carrying out these actions, special equipment or the help of a partner will be required.
Putting on pens also requires a special approach. Types of installing fixtures with your own hands:
- The element is moistened with clean water, and then put it in place, waiting for complete drying. If the second point is ignored, the probability of the grips turning or sliding increases many times.
- The handle is treated with alcohol, and then put on the desired area. As an analogue, spray deodorant is suitable.
- Hard modifications are best worn after they are in boiling water. A couple of minutes will be enough for this. Fixing takes place “tightly” immediately after cooling the handles.
Grips for stunt scooter
You can buy the product in specialized stationary points of sale or interactive stores. As users and experts note, grips provide an opportunity to provide a reliable and confident grip. In addition, these elements allow you to remove the maximum load from the arms and back. For an optimal choice, you should initially determine the intensity of use of the bike and the temperature regime. Additional elements, in the form of gloves and brake accessories, are considered separately in each specific case.
If the cyclist does not plan to wear gloves, it is better to get flu from soft rubber or foam rubber, which will reduce the negative effect on the skin of the hands. The selection criteria for these devices include calculating the combination of advantages and disadvantages of anatomical or cylindrical handles. The first group of parts is selected under the palm and fingers of the driver, and the second category is universal and cheaper.
In conclusion
Mountain bike owners should remember that with extreme riding, the load on the hands increases significantly. This causes tension on the palms, respectively, requires the use of special ergonomic or anatomical pads. Gripses - what it is has been reviewed above. They help to avoid negative vibrational and mechanical influences. Properly selected elements can also avoid tunnel syndrome and other negative consequences.
Cheap samples fail much faster, do not provide decent protection. For moderate rides and gentle operation of the bike, this will be enough. In addition, such pens will cost much less. However, professional athletes and fans of extreme races are recommended to choose hard, moisture resistant and slightly susceptible to slipping flu.