off-road.cc

Taking cues from those BMX riders and dirt jumpers, these Fabric AM Lock-On grips are sleek and sophisticated enough for the rider who obsesses over clean lines on their bike and who probably still rides in non-branded kit with no gloves.

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The classiness of the AM Lock-On grips is apparent before they’re even on the bike; the single lock-on bolt is hidden under a flap of rubber, keeping the grip looking clean and simple. The ‘Micro-Hex’ pattern is also pleasing to the eyes, and after an hour in the saddle, gloveless, it is apparent that these also offer exceptional grip and comfort too. There is a certain spring to the hexagonal print and a gentle tackiness that will melt into even the most manicured of hands.

While the Fabric AM grips are a beautiful thing, and the slim fit compliments the exception grip and comfort in terms of combatting fatigue, the need for a bar-end plug on a lock-on grip is disappointing. It also looks a bit cheap, especially after it takes a few knocks. When so much thought has gone into the style and functionality of this grip, the bar-end plug seems a bit like having the bike of your dreams built up with cheap wheels.

It’s such a shame, as these are otherwise some of the nicest grips I’ve ever wrapped my grubby mitts around. If you, however; can forget this, and you want comfort and stealth style over anything else, then these are an absolute gem.

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