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TPE16: VP Components is now hands on with grips & bar tape plus a new BMX inspired commuter pedal

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000 Taipei 2016 P1100247b

VP Components always has some sweet pedals to show off, but they brought something a little different this year to Taipei with a complete lineup of grips, bartape, and even a pretty cool commuter pedal. While we’ve seen a lot of locking grips that are similar aside from aesthetics, VP went their own route with a unique grip construction and new patented locking clamp. Plus, that simple yet pretty neat commuter pedal that will do the trick in case your ride home gets a little rad!

000 Taipei 2016 P1100247

VP had several grips on hand in Taipei, and they are pretty much unlike other locking grips on the market. Instead of the rubber grip being bonded to a hard nylon shell to which the locking clamp “snaps” onto, VP uses a flexible PVC inner sleeve that is much softer as well as flexible. Their patented locking clamp uses a small polypropylene ring insert that sandwiches the grip’s PVC tab between the collar and clamp rather than smashing it against the bar. Their reasoning behind it is that the PVC liner creates a softer grip with a more traditional feel, like that of a standard solid rubber grip.

They’re making the grips and patented locking clamps in-house and are primarily aiming them at the OEM market; BUT, Erik Saunders, VP’s Brand Director said they are eager to hear feedback from everyone to see if there is a demand for the aftermarket. The raw, asphalt looking grips above have a polyurethane outer layer that is a little harder than normal rubber, but is super grippy. I ride with a “loose hold” and these literally don’t let go when I was playing with them. Despite being a little on the fugly side, I sorta thought about going home with a pair.

000 Taipei 2016 P1100250

A little more on the traditional side, they had several patterns and colors available, using the soft PVC-style lock.

000 Taipei 2016 P1100252

Of course a company with a line of BMX pedals making grips, it was no surprise to see a BMX grip with an inner hood. They have a mark where you can trim the hood in case you prefer it without.

000 Taipei 2016 P1100253

VP also had some bartape on display made with a polyurethane outer and PVC foam inner layer (and some, ahem… backwards wrap jobs.)

VP Tape
Another cool thing was their reflective bartape. Commuters can never get enough reflective real estate so this could be a good addition for a safer ride.

000 Taipei 2016 P1100243

Last but not least is a pretty cool commuter pedal. The Bauhaus pedal (see even the name is cool) is made of nylon and uses the same spindle and sealed bearings as some of their dirt-worthy flats, so they are even re-buildable. They have a concave profile like VP’s BMX pedals and use replaceable grip-tape to keep you hooked on (and maybe open it up for some color customization?) Sticking with tradition, they sport orange reflectors to keep us safe and are available now for $60

VPcomponents.com

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missedthepoint
missedthepoint
8 years ago

I got “skiers thumb” cause my left grip was a bit too grippy when my front tire suddenly slipped outboard sideways unexpectedly in a flat right hander. Was so much force in trying to pull my thumb free that the fabric in my gloves tore.

Jason
Jason
8 years ago

Backwards depends on who you ask. The lock-on grips are cool. I’m in favor of more options of lock-ons, both budget and pricey, being on the market.

Ano
Ano
8 years ago

That grip is a dead ringer for a Clarks shoe crepe sole! (not a bad thing)

Cowtown Cyclist
Cowtown Cyclist
8 years ago

That Lockon looks interesting. I hate normal Lockons but I could give these a shot.

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
8 years ago

I’m a fan of the so-called backwards wrap. I only ever see the properly wrapped bars come unwrapped into the different shops that have employed me.

Gef
Gef
8 years ago
Reply to  Veganpotter

I agree, I wrap from top to bottom. It’s a cleaner look, and I’m not too rough. The closest it’s ever come to being unwrapped is when somebody doesn’t like wrapping that way, man handles my bars and says “what happens when you go like this”.

gattonero1974
8 years ago
Reply to  Gef

Wrapping from top to bottom was used back in the day, when no cables would pass under the bar tape, which was also some very thin fabric or plastic.
In today’s day, both gear and brake cables are under the bar tape, so if one needs to replace one (for any reason) is better to undo 1/2 of the tape rather than the whole length. Also, modern handlebar tapes are relatively thick, if starting from the top one does get the overlapping edge against the hand when moving from the top section to the hoods. This would lead to the edges of the bar tape wearing or lifting up… so where does it go this Purist idea?
Most of the people have a problem with the electrical tape to finish the end of the bar tape, which is partially true as most people would make a blob with as much electrical tape, for as wide as possible. Have a look at this, can you actually see the electrical tape? 😉
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m136/andreagattonero/Bikes/Bars%20-%20Stems/IMG_0269_zps07b18e96.jpg

anonymous
anonymous
8 years ago

“Backwards” wrap is only necessary if you use thick foam tapes with a noticeable seam, that will peel up if rubbed the wrong way.

It was completely normal to wrap bars from the center to the bar ends back when fabric and thin plastic bar tapes were used, and this completely avoided the problem of needing finishing tape (or hipster’s twine)

typevertigo
typevertigo
8 years ago

The Bauhaus does look like a compelling flat pedal option for commuting. Commuting with Shimano Saint MX80 pedals with traction pins gives good foot/shoe purchase, but tends to be an ankle infection waiting to happen, which is why I moved to SPD for the purpose. The generous grip tape on the pedal faces here should be a great alternative.

KM
KM
8 years ago

The Bauhaus, while looking nice, seems to me a blatant copy of Ergon’s commuter pedal, just with out the ergonomic tweaks…

Dominic Bruys Porter
8 years ago
Reply to  KM

smaller and cheaper are both bonuses imo. That Ergon pedal is way more expensive than it has any right to be and so huge, just huuge.

Cheezeit
Cheezeit
8 years ago

Wrap your bars correctly and there are no issues and it will look clean. There is a wrong way. Home mechanics think wrapping bars is easy and make it too loose without enough overlap. It takes 100+ bar wraps to really know how to do it right. Take you bike to an experienced mechanic, if you can find one…

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