Lube & Glue for Foam Grip Installation

Foam grips are used on mountain bike handlebars. The grips are lightweight, but add enough grip and cushion to make the rider's hands comfortable. Foam grips won't last forever and occasionally need replacing. If the old ones won't slip off, you can cut them off easily. New grips fit tight, and with the proper lubrication and glue, you can have a new set installed in a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Dish soap
  • Spray bottle
  • 120-grit sandpaper
  • Plastic cement
  • Replacement foam grips
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the tip of a screwdriver under the old grips. Pry up on the grips with the pliers and spray a 50/50 mixture of dish soap and water into the grips with a small spray bottle. Continue prying and spraying until the inside of the grips are saturated with soapy water.

    • 2

      Twist and pull on the grips to get the soapy lubricate to loosen the grip. When the grips become loose, pull them off.

    • 3

      Wipe the handlebars to dry them off. Sand them lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth them and remove any residual glue.

    • 4

      Apply generous amounts of clear plastic cement around the perimeter of the handlebars.

    • 5

      Insert the tip of the new grips over the end of the handlebars. Using the glue as lubrication, twist and push the new foam grips onto the handlebars until they bottom out. If the grips have serrated ridges, twist the grips so that they are facing down. Let the glue dry for one hour before riding the bike.