Mountain bike grips: Ergon Vs AMS
Mountain bike grips are an essential component of your bike setup. They provide a crucial point of contact between you and your bike, and can make a significant difference in your riding experience. In this blog post, we will compare two of the best mountain bike grips on the market: the Ergon GA and GE series, and the All Mountain Style (AMS) Cero and Berm grips. We'll look at the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each grip and help you choose the right one for your riding style.
Read on how to choose grips by specifications, for special conditions or depending on your cycling discipline on our How to Choose Grips blog post.
In today's blog post we’ll be more specific and compare AMS Grips to Ergon Grips and we’ll cover exclusively grips for Freeride, Downhill, Enduro and Trail.
We’ll compare Ergon GA3 and GE1 grips to AMS Cero and Berm grips. The GA series by Ergon can be categorised as an All Mountain (I guess the A from GA comes from All Mountain) or general purpose mtb grip while the GE Series is focused on Enduro (I guess the E means Enduro).
Things both grips have in common:
- they are all rubber grips
- they are specially designed for Freeride, Downhill, Enduro and Trail
- they all use a single inside collar
- they are among the best mountain bike grips you can buy
General geometry of the bike grips
Ergon grips are known for their ergonomics which in some models ends up with a weird shape and strange look. In the case of the models we’ll compare, there are no gimmicks, just a mini wing.
The Ergon GA3 model which is a blend of traditional shaping and full-on winged grip. With this blend Ergon seeks to provide more support than a round grip but allowing at the same time for a larger range of movement than a fully be-winged ergonomic grip. That is, Ergon looks to find the best of both worlds which can also result in the worst of both worlds if wings and complicated ergonomic shapes are not your thing. The grip is designed to alleviate pressure on the carpal tunnel and encourage the correct wrist position by the presence of the mini wing.
The main feature of the GA3, the wing, being small, was designed to allow a larger contact area for a number of hand positions without getting uncomfortable, but some users report the wing can act like fatter grips on steep trails, causing arm pump.
In the case of the more extreme offer from Ergon, the GE line, designed mainly for Enduro the geometry is tapered. Theoretically the tapered design of Ergon GE grips effectively alters the sweep of your handlebars, allowing for a wider range of hand positions and they state helps to promote and reward the correct attack stance for modern bike handling.
In the case of AMS grips none of them have ergonomic features apart from the tapered design of the Berm model, with more rubber and diameter on the outside than on the inside. This slightly alters the real angle of your handlebar but this is not the purpose. The purpose is to add more comfort and dampening on the outside of the grip.
Compound and lock-on
Ergon GA3 uses a soft rubber compound and has a single lock on the inside end. The GE is sticky and uses the same single lock only the inside.
Both AMS Cero and Berm use single lock-on. At All Mountain Style we don’t like collars on the outside: you lose them when you hit branches, or trees, they can scratch surfaces or walls when you lay the bike on them and they can be dangerous in case of collision with another rider.
Compound wise, both the Cero and Berm share the same rubber compound but with different feeling. The Cero feels firmer as the rubber wall is thinner and has a harder compound on the inside. The Berm feels more cushy, specially on the outside as there’s more rubber.
Color options
Both Ergon models as well as AMS Berm and Cero grips are available in plenty of color options, although in the case of Ergon, only in mono color.
The AMS Cero model comes in mono color and bicolor options and the AMS Berm comes in mono color and camo bi-color options.
Weight
Ergon GA3 weighs about 115 grams and the GE1 Evo Slim weighs about 95 grams.
AMS Cero grips are just 94 grams and the Berm model 102 grams.
Grip's Price
The Ergon GA3 and GE1 Evo Slim sells at 35 EUR, while the GE1 Evo Factory Slim is 45 EUR.
The Cero model from AMS sells at 29 EUR and the Berm model at 25 EUR.
Conclusion
Based on the comparison of the Ergon GA and GE series grips and the AMS Cero and Berm grips, it's clear that each grip has its own unique set of features, benefits, and drawbacks. The choice of which grip to use ultimately comes down to personal preference, riding style, and budget.
If you're looking for a grip that offers excellent shock absorption and comfort for all-mountain riding, the Ergon GA series is a great option. The mini wing design provides a comfortable and secure grip, while the rubber compound used is soft and durable. The Ergon GE series, on the other hand, is a great option for enduro riders who need a more secure and comfortable grip while tackling technical terrain. Prices are high, but it's up to you to decide how you spend your money.
If you prefer a grip with a more traditional shape and a focus on durability and grip, the AMS Cero grip may be a better option for you. The AMS Berm grip, on the other hand, offers a thicker and softer grip that's great for reducing hand fatigue on longer rides.
Overall, it's important to try out different grips to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. With the right grip, you'll be able to enjoy a more comfortable and secure ride, allowing you to push your limits and explore new terrain with confidence.
Written by Carles Carrera
