Editors Note: Captain Bob and I have both gotten a few rides in on the BBB Components ErgoSticks and ErgoFix grip/bar end combo. Here’s a sampling of our first impressions with some commentary.

First off, the inevitable comparisons to Ergon’s fantastically successful grip and bar end products were done, as Captain Bob and I are both users of Ergon grips on many of our rigs. I’ll be honest, we were a bit skeptical and curious to try these BBB Components out.

Installation: The install went rather smoothly, but it is readily apparent that if you choose to use the BBB ErgoFix and ErgoSticks together, you will be using up more bar space than with the Ergon product. I figure I lost about a good inch total. That didn’t cause me any issues, nor did it affect Captain Bob’s set up, but those with bars already on the narrow side will need to consider this. It should be said that the grips alone are only about a half an inch wider total than Ergons.

Size and Shape: The ErgoFix grips come in two sizes, large and small. We have the Large size and they are a bit “girthier” than a large Ergon. Probably on the order of at least 10% bigger. Those with larger hands will appreciate this. If you are wanting something a little more svelte, then the large ErgoFix won’t be for you. We noticed that the ErgoFix grip has a bit different shape than an Ergon, but still similar enough that it didn’t feel alien to either of us. The integration with the ErgoSticks bar ends was good. There is a great transition area for the “heel’ portion of your hand from the bottom edge of the grip over to the butt end of the bar end. The ErgoSticks have a nice inner edge that allows you to get a grip on the bars without binding into the bar end. The bar end is easy to grab and sprint with, in my opinion, but Captain Bob said he wasn’t in to using bar ends in that manner. Both of us were a bit concerned about the “outward flare” of the ErgoSticks and we were not real comfortable with the outward cant of the barends on our 11 degree Salsa handle bars.

Ride Comfort and Performance: Captain Bob and I were both pretty impressed with the feel of the grips. They do have the same “issue” that Ergon grips have with the hard lock on collar portion of the grip. I personally do not find this offensive, but I have read and heard complaints regarding this. The ErgoFix/ErgoStick combination is covered in a slightly sticky/tacky rubbery covering that grips onto our gloves like glue. No slipping here! Captain Bob surmised that they may even be suitable bare handed, but we have not tested his theory yet. I can say that Ergon grips are quite slippery when soaked in sweat riding bare handed, so I don’t hold out much hope there! My only nits are that the bottom edge, or “paddle” area of the ErgoFix grips is less supported than with Ergon’s grips and subsequently it may be a problem area. I’ll be looking into that as we test further. Also, on my installation, I was hearing a little creaking from the bars as I leaned on the grips. Turns out that it was the interface between the ErgoFix and ErgoSticks rubbery coatings that was “scrunching”. A little space between the two solved the problem. Finally, it hasn’t been a problem for us, but if you like the “more extreme” positions in relation to your Ergon grip and bar end combo, you might not find the ErgoFix/ErgoSticks to your liking. These tend to work best when posistioned in unison to maintain the transition/integration that the pieces were designed with.

So far we are impressed with the fit and performance of the BBB grip and bar end combo. We are a bit disappointed that the bar end cants outward on the 11 degree handle bars. Perhaps these were not designed for such highly swept designs in handle bars. The grips are impressive, and we’ll be testing them further on longer runs and on some mountain bike trails very soon. look for an update coming soon!