Interbike 2015: Sticky grips and new stems from Renthal
A new grip that continuously produces a sticky compound to help improve adherence (click to enlarge).
Sticky Grips
While brands are constantly experimenting with tread patterns and clamping mechanism, compound development in the grip segment has been stagnant.
Taking technology developed from their moto business, Renthal has developed a new grip that continuously produces a sticky compound to help improve adherence. As the material becomes dirty, the coating does lose some of it’s adhesive properties, but they can easily be restored by washing the grips off with water.
The material is water activated, so as you sweat (on in the wet) they actually become stickier. The grips are the same hardness as the Renthal Kevlar and Soft grip, which is to say they’re pretty soft. Retail is set at $32.95
The Renthal Apex and Integra line is only available for 31.8mm handlebars, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the legendary moto brand launch new 35mm products in the future (click to enlarge).
Apex and Integra DM Stems
The Apex stem has been available for a year now, but previously the shortest option was a 40mm. Based off of team requests, Renthal sent out to build the shortest stem possible based off the limitations presented by the steer tube.
This new model is 31mm, which is about as short as you can go. Retail is $99.99.
Compared to the previous generation Integra, the new stem 8 g lighter…..or ~40 g heavier if you prefer a taller stack height (click to enlarge).
The original Integra DM stem was adjustable, but Renthal has found that most riders weren’t taken advantage of the feature.
Rather than compromise stiffness and weight for functionality that most weren’t taking advantage of, the brand ditched the adjustability, and redesigned the stem to be both lighter and stronger using what they learned from their Apex trail stem.
Depending on the head tube of your downhill frame, the flat or plus 10 stem may make a lot of sense (click to enlarge).
Price for the New Integra DM Stem will stay at $109.95, but includes upscale features such ad hard anodized clamps.
The stems will be available in 45 and 55mm increments, and each of those options will be sold in either a flat or plus 10 rise, for a total of four different options.
Tasteful camo accentuated the Australian Champs custom handlebar (click to enlarge).
Troy Brosnan’s Handlebar
Also in display at the Renthal booth where a set of bars custom painted for Troy Brosnan’s 2015 World Champs Bike.
Aaron’s handlebars were custom painted to match his Star Spangled Specialized Demo (click to enlarge).
Aaron Gwinn’s Handlebar
The World Cup Overall Winner, Aaron Gwin, also received the custom treatment with stars and stripe edition carbon handlebar.
For more information visit www.renthal.com.
This article is part of Mtbr’s coverage of the 2015 Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. For more from Interbike CLICK HERE.
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