First Mod: Ergon Grips and Tektro Levers

October 6, 2012

After a hundred or so miles on the stock Brompton grips, I knew that I could not keep them. The tingling in my palms warned me of some significant problems ahead. Actually, I had planned ahead for this when I knew the bike was coming. I had ordered the Ergon GP3 BioKork grips through Amazon. The chatter on the Brompton Talk forum had made it clear that the grips would not fit on the M bars with the Brompton brake levers, so at the same time, I ordered the Tektro Eclipse brake levers. These levers take up significantly less space on the bar than the Brompton stock levers.

I had read that when installing the full size GP series grips, they would need to be trimmed in order to fit. I did not find that to be necessary. Trimming the grips seems to be only necessary when keeping the stock Brompton brake levers. 

I've found it a little fiddly to get the grips and bar ends adjusted evenly from side to side. And I love the way they provide support and options for 3 or 4 different hand positions. 

In these two pictures you can see the lever adjustment set screw protruding from above where the cable enters the brake housing. Since taking these photos I've adjusted the set screw, so the levers are within easy reach for two fingers when hands are on the grips. 

I had to replace the brake cables, probably because I was not careful enough when I cut off the ferrule to get the stock levers off.

And these grips do not interfere with the fold! This was my biggest concern because of the size. I think if I did not have the EZ wheels and the rack, with M bars, the left hand grip would hit the floor.  And because I have this set up, it raises the bars far enough off the floor, that these larger grips do not get in the way.

Woot!

PS You may want to read about my Ergon grip disaster where I had to replace these grips and how I did it. :)