How to Change the Handlebar Grips on a Bicycle

Handlebar grips have a lot to do with your comfort on the bike. If they are worn out, loose or cracking, or if they simply hurt your hands or aren't comfortable, you may need to change them to improve your cycling experience. In most cases this is a very easy task as most handlebars are made of padded rubber that is easy to grip and pull off. Even if you hit a roadblock there's still plenty you can do without the help of a bike expert.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Screwdriver
WD-40
Wet rag
Hairspray

Step 1

Remove any bar plugs on the handlebar grips. These are used to keep water from getting inside the metal bars and rusting the bike from the inside out. You should also loosen the screws holding down the brake levers to the handlebars if they are coming down on the grips.

Step 2

Slip a screwdriver into the end of the grips. Use your hand and the screwdriver to pull off the grips. If this doesn't work, spray a small squirt of WD-40 inside the handle bars. Give it a minute to loosen up rust holding down the grips, then continue pulling until they come off.

Step 3

Wipe the bare handlebars with a wet rag and let them air dry before installing the new grips.

Step 4

Lightly spray hairspray on the inside of the new grips, then quickly position them on the handlebar. The hairspray will help hold the grips in place.

Step 5

Replace the brake levers and tighten them with a screwdriver.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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