Ergon GDH MTB grips: New sizes for maximum control

Every downhiller knows the feeling: after a long day in the bike park or a tough race, your forearms feel like concrete and your hands cramp up. The infamous "arm pump" is the nemesis of every gravity fan. Ergon from Koblenz are the experts for contact points on the bike and this is exactly where they come in. With the expansion of the GDH series (Gravity Downhill) to three diameters, every hand - whether fat paw or petite racer hand - should now find the perfect grip. Because the choice of the right grip diameter is almost as individual as the right frame size.

Technical specifications:

• Price39,95 Euro / 44,95 Euro (Vali Höll Edition) >> available here
• DiameterGDH Slim 30 mm / GDH 32 mm / GDH FAT 34 mm
• MaterialGravityControl Rubber Compound
• Special features: Multidirectional cushioning system, interlocked structural blocks; four angled finger zones; inner and outer stops
• ManufacturingMade in Germany
• ColoursBlack, Juicy Orange, Slay Grey, Lunar Lilac, Vicious Pink, Nightride Blue, Chilli Red
• Vali Höll EditionBlack/Gold, White/Gold

GravityControl rubber compound from German production

The GDH is not a simple rubber cylinder. The upper side is equipped with interlocking damping blocks. The principle works in a similar way to a well-tuned suspension fork: they react sensitively and softly to small vibrations and offer progressive stability in the event of hard impacts after long jumps.

On the underside, angled finger zones ensure that you have a firm grip on the handlebars even in rough terrain without having to exert excessive force. This saves energy for the crucial last few metres of the run. An outer stop gives the palm counter-pressure, while the inner stop positions the hand and thumb for gear changes. Incidentally, the "GravityControl" rubber compound is manufactured directly in Germany - in other words, quality "Made in Germany".

Slim, regular or FAT? Spoilt for choice

Previously, the GDH was only available in a standard size. From now on, the portfolio looks much more differentiated:

• GDH Slim (30 mm): For riders with smaller hands or those who love extremely direct feedback from the ground. Nate Hills already swears by it: more precision with the same comfort.
• GDH (32 mm): The tried and tested original. The "Golden Centre", which has already won three world championship titles and numerous World Cup victories.
• GDH FAT (34 mm): This means that even bikers with large hands can get their money's worth without the grip feeling spongy under load.

And because, as we all know, the eye goes along for the ride, Ergon serves up the whole thing in seven new colours. This allows the cockpit to be perfectly matched to the frame or the other components.

Seven colours and Vali Höll Edition

The GDH series comes in different colour variants >> e.g. available here. The GDH Slim is available in Black and Slay Grey. The standard GDH model is available in Black, Juicy Orange, Slay Grey, Lunar Lilac, Vicious Pink, Nightride Blue and Chilli Red. The GDH FAT is available in Black, Slay Grey, Juicy Orange, Nightride Blue and Chilli Red. A Vali Höll Edition in Black/Gold and White/Gold completes the range. The grips are now available from specialist retailers.

Alternative grips: Who offers similar performance?

Ergon sets the bar high, but the market for gravity grips is highly competitive. Here are three alternatives that also focus on maximum control in tough terrain:

1. ODI Elite Flow / Pro: The classic from the USA. ODI also relies on an offset grip pattern for more cushioning on the palm, but is often somewhat simpler in its ergonomic design than Ergon.
2. SQlab 7OX: The Bavarian ergonomics experts rely on a highly structured surface and various rubber zones. SQlab is known for its focus on relieving the ulnar nerve.
3. DMR Deathgrip: The cult handle from Brendan Fairclough. It combines mushroom design, knurling and waffle pattern. Although it does not offer different thicknesses to the same extent as Ergon, it is famous for its extreme grip ("tacky grip").

The opinion of the editorial team

With the expansion to three sizes, Ergon is taking a logical step. In a sport where nuances make the difference between winning and losing, the perfect interface between man and machine is the most important tuning factor. Even the standard version of the GDH impressed with its massive grip and noticeable damping, but the 32 millimetre diameter was by no means suitable for every hand and every grip taste. With the two new sizes, there really should be a suitable model for every gravity biker. In use so far, the German-made grip has proven to be extremely comfortable with decent damping. However, the slightly lower durability is a tribute to the soft compound - abrasion and small cracks are visible early on in hard use. But as we all know, where there's wood, there are chips.