Momum Geragrip Balboa Grip review

The Momum Geragrip Balboa are silicone grips with a wide 34mm diameter. Available in several colours, they work well in wet and dry conditions, with a reasonably firm density that still offers good comfort.

Silicone grips continue to gain popularity as a material that offers a different feel to more traditional rubber grips. As with several other brands, Momum produces grips in different diameters. The Geragrip Balboa, the thickest at 34mm, is available in 5 colours and a single 130mm length.

Silicone grips are often chosen for their low weight, although as the diameter increases, so does the weight. At 101g for a pair with plugs, the Balboa grips are on par with others of similar diameters. They are way off ultralight foam grips, which can be as little as 10g per grip.

Momum Geragrip Balboa | Installation

One big tip is to ensure the bar end plugs are in place before attempting to fit the grips. The inside of silicone grips can be more fragile and more prone to rips on sharp surfaces. Ensuring the plugs are fitted before sliding on the grips should also help when pushing them into place.

Much of the ability for the grip to stay in place is due to the internal size being narrower than the handlebar, so the force acts to keep the grip in place. Some form of liquid is needed to lower the friction temporarily to allow the grips to be fitted. This needs to be something that will evaporate, so oil or any form of lubrication or water dispersal spray is a really bad idea.

Different brands will recommend different methods and products, with isopropyl alcohol being one. For installation, Momum produces a specific Grip Glue. However, I tend to use a strong hairspray, which has always worked well to get the grip into place and ensure it stays there once on.

Despite the shiny look, the grips performed really well. Using gloves or no gloves, my hands felt set on the bars with no movement or slipping, and the grips stayed in place throughout. The grip is a thicker density than other silicone grips I have used, giving a firmer feel. Despite this, they still help reduce vibrations and especially higher frequency vibrations.

Momum Geragrip Balboa | Value & verdict

Compared to ESI Extra Chunky grips (34mm diameter at £18.99), the Momum grips feel a little firmer. Even more so than Wolf Tooth Fat Paw (36mm, £28), which is noticeably softer. The Balboa grips feel more durable and less likely to rip on brambles or other potential sharp trail hazards than the Fat Paw grips.

The Momum GeraGrip Balboas are priced well against the competition at £18 / €21, making them just a little less than the ESI Extra Chunky but almost £10 less than the Fat Paws.

For people who prefer the feel of silicone grips or are looking to switch from rubber for a generally more comfortable feel, these are a good choice, especially if you prefer a thicker but more solid grip.

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