Components, Grips, sensus - September 8, 2017

Sensus Lite Grips review

The small flange at the end helps you find the outer limits of the grip. The built-in hard plastic end cap improves durability.

What is it

Brainchild of freeride star and company founder Cam Zink, the Sensus Lite grip utilizes the traditional Sensus wave-like pattern with tighter and smaller ribs for less float, while still providing secure grip, hand comfort, and vibration damping. The California-made grips attach via a single lock that’s positioned in board. They also have a hard plastic end-cap that staves off the negative effects of tree swipes and unscheduled get-offs. The rubber itself rises slightly at the end so you know exactly how far out you can position your hands.

Pros

Low weight
Single in-board lock ring
Rubber to grab at end of grip
No squirmy feeling
Moderate vibration damping
Secure grip
Variety of color options
Rubber strips inside non-locked side prevent twisting
Plastic end cap improves longevity
Made in California
Reasonably priced
If they’re good enough for Cam Zink…

Color options include this poppy red, white and blue number.

Cons

Plastic end caps not as robust as metal
Smaller diameter than some will prefer
No ergonomic options

The Sensus Lite are grips of choice for this dreamy Santa Cruz Hightower dream build.

Mtbr’s Take

Besides being lightweight (45 grams per grip), the Sensus Lite model positions the lock ring inboard, meaning there’s rubber to grab all the way to the end of the grip (125mm long). They also have shorter ribbing that alleviates the squirmy feeling you can get with some other grips. Most important, though, these grips offer great grip and even a measure of vibration damping.

The lock ring is position inboard.

And that’s what matters most when you’re hurtling yourself through rowdy rock gardens with reckless abandon. For that reason, they’re my grips of choice on this Santa Cruz Hightower dream build bike.