The Bike Lab is about upgrading your bike and building your dream rig. To that end, these are some of our top recommended upgrades. Most are things we actually use on our own rigs, or would feel comfortable recommending to our best friends. They are classic parts, smart designs, and in some cases new and revolutionary bits.

The list was compiled by Guitar Ted and Arleigh Jenkins, two real life bicycle mechanics and passionate cyclists. This is solely their considered opinions on what is a “Top Upgrade”. In the future, look for more “Top Upgrade” parts that will be getting reviewed here on the Bike Lab.

What It Is: ODI Grips - Ruffian Lock Ons. Simple, understated grips that get the job done and can be found on many high end rides.

Why Is It A Mechanics Choice: A couple years ago after a freak crash in the rain due to a grip flying off my bar I started running lock ons more and more. There were many hold ups with running lock ups for my girly hands. First there was that plastic sleeve in the core of the grip which seemed to take away from the cushion of the grip due to less rubber. When I finally found a lock on grip with enough padding my hands cramped up from the width of the grip. Last year I tried the ODI Ruffian grips on a whim. A customer brought in a bike for donation and the grips were mine to claim. Ever since that date I have been in hand nirvana on the bikes I ride with Ruffian grips.

• There is enough squish on my hands and wrist for when I am running fully rigid.
• The texture is perfect to run with or without gloves. They don’t rip up your hands but don’t leave you sliding off the front like superman.
• They available in various colors but most importantly - white and gold.

The Mechanic Says: Lock on grips are the ONLY way to go anymore in my eyes. A couple of my bikes have normal rubber grips but these bikes will never see rain or sweat. ODI is a great company to work which is very important in retail. 2 weeks into owning a set of these grips the rubber started to prematurely peel off.  (Looking back I think it has to do with the temperature of the car I left them in during the hot summer days.) One email with a photo attached was sent to their general information contact and I was sent a new set of grips free. The basic questions were asked like where I was riding and what gloves I was using but I was honest and they treated me with respect.  That is a great company.