If your handlebar grips have a sticky feeling this indicates the deterioration of the rubber. The only solution is replacing them as cleaning the bike grips will not solve the problem.
Removing push on bike grips
Well some are and some aren’t. It depends on different factors that will determine how well the grips will bond to the bars.
– What type of rubber they are made of.
– The surface and the diameter of the tool on which they have been moulded.
– The surface of the handlebars.
Preparation.
If there is a bar end plug then remove it. For the bar ends with a screw in the middle, loosen it until the plug frees up
and you can pull it out.
If there isn’t any bolt use a flat head screwdriver to prise it out.
Method 1 – Using a compressor
- Put the bike on the work stand or position yourself in front of the bike gripping the front wheel with your legs.
- Place a thin screwdriver or small size allen key under the edge of the grip you are removing and lift it up.
- While holding the screwdriver up grab the compressor, place it under the grip and remove the screwdriver.
- Push the air into the grip and slide it off.
Method 2 – Using isopropyl alcohol
If you don’t have a compressor you can use isopropyl alcohol as a lubricant.
- Place the thin screwdriver or small size allen key under the edge of the grip you are removing and lift it up.
- While holding the screwdriver up grab the isopropyl alcohol and spray inside.
- Now place the screwdriver in the different part of the grip and spray the isopropyl alcohol inside again.
- Using a twisting and pulling motion slowly remove the grip.
If it still doesn’t move, repeat the lubricating process until you are successful.
Method 3 – Using brake levers or gear shifters
If you don’t have an isopropyl alcohol you can try to push the grip off using a brake lever or a gear shifter.
- First undo the bolt on the brake lever clamp or the shifter whichever is closer to the grip.
- Once the part is loose use the wiggle and push motion to remove it. You might need to use quite a lot of force at first but the grip should eventually move.
Method 4 – Using a utility knife
If all the other methods failed you can cut the grip using a utility knife.
- Make the cut along the length of the grip and repeat the process until it splits.
- Remove the grip.
Be aware that this method will cause cosmetic damage to the aluminium or steel bars. Cutting grips on carbon bars is not advisable as it might damage the fibres.
Removing lock-on bike grips
- First remove the bar end plug.
- Using the correct allen key loosen any bolts on the grip.
- Now remove the lock-on grip.
If any of the bolts are seized or rounded don’t panic as you can still remove the grip by drilling through the offending bolt.
Find the drill bit that matches the size of the bolt head and drill it through as this will release the pressure on the bolt. Remove the grip.
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