Ergonomic grips are a popular option for flat bars as they can improve comfort and stability thanks to their special shaping. The Redshift Sports Cruise Control takes that concept and adapts it for drop bars with aero upper extensions and drop bar grips. Redshift offers the top grips and drop grips for $49.99 for each set or as a combo for $89.99. The top grips attach underneath bike bar tape and create an aero bar profile for additional comfort when riding upright. The drop shift grips are similar to ergonomic bar grips but are specially shaped to be placed at the end of drop bars. Both grips have flexible installation options to accommodate different rider preferences and feature Kraton rubber to help insulate riders from bumps.
The Redshift Cruise Control Ergonomic Drop Bar Grips add wide ergonomic grip points at both the top and bottom of standard drop bars.
| Retail Price | $49.99 (separately), $89.99 (both top and bottom grips) |
| Rating | 9.5 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 136 (drop grips), 95 (top grips) |
| Likes | + Ergonomic shaping is carefully designed for drop bar shape + Converts standard round drop bars into aero shaping + Improves comfort and stability for short or long rides |
| Dislikes | – Installation requires redoing handlebar tape |
| Where to Buy (US) | Redshift |
UNBOXING
The Redshift Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips combo kit comes in a compact cardboard box with black overlays printed directly onto it. Inside the box you’ll find both the top and bottom grips, installation tape to help hold it in place, bar plus, double sided tape and an instruction manual.
INSTALLATION
Installation of the Redshift Cruise Control grips requires commitment as you’ll need to first remove your existing bar tape and re-tape them. The top grips go underneath the bar tape while the bottom grips simply slide onto your handlebar but require removing the bar tape in that section. Redshift has designed the grips to be easy to install with some adjustability to accommodate different width or shaped bars. The top grips have multiple cut points and a beveled edge for a smooth transition which allows them to be narrowed if needed. Finding the exact placement for either grip requires little bit of trial and error as the angle of the grips can be adjusted to match a riders preference. Using the double sided tape we did a test ride with the grips to make sure the positions were correct, before re-wrapping the bars in tape. With the wider ergonomic shape of the top grips, you’ll end up using quite a bit more bar tape but that is offset by the fact that you use less bar top at the ends where the bottom grips are placed.
FIT & FINISH
With the Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips set you get pairs of grips, one for the top bar and one for the bottom. Both grips have a Kraton rubber construction that is firm but slightly flexible to help them align to the curves on your handlebars. The top bar grips are more of an ergonomic adapter that installs underneath bar tape to create an extension near the outer curve of the drop bar. Once installed, the drop grip is the only visible piece and is only available in a black color currently. It has a nice textured surface to help with grip and subtle Redshift branding debossed onto the surface.
The top grip is a natural extension of a flat bar grip as it’s a common place to hold when you want a more upright position. Redshift has designed it to be placed right at the curving portion of the top bar with two cutouts to help the grips follow the handlebar curve. To help with alignment there is a top line indicator that should be approximately aligned with the top of the bar. There are also four circumferential grooves near the inner edge which c an be used to adjust the width of the grip. The outer piece has a tapered design to ensure there is a smooth transition while the three inner pieces can be removed to shorten the width of the grip. Brake and shifter cables should be routed in front of the grips to maintain the ergonomic shape with tape provided to make installation quick and easy. Once installed, the top grips can convert standard round bar drop bars into ergonomically shaped drop bars with more adjustability as you can position these grips to match your riding style.
ON THE ROAD
The ergonomic grips an obvious visual upgrade and the wide ergonomic design of the top bar blend round handlebars into an aero shape while the drop bar grips add a wider contact surface area. As with other ergonomic grips like the Ergon grips, the wider profile feels instantly more comfortable and stable as your palms are full supported. It’s a big upgrade that will make you wonder why all handlebars don’t come like this from the factory. Installed on our Specialized road bike, the grips felt great from the first ride. The Kraton rubber construction also helps absorb vibrations and bumps which helps prevent pressure points or discomfort. It’s also a ncie way to reduce shoulder pain or other discomforts as you can find a more natural position in both an upright position riding the top bar grips or dropped down on the drop grips.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Redshift Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips to be a clever and well designed upgrade for drop bars. Redshift has take the concept of ergonomic grips and modified them specifically for drop bar applications. The top bar grips sit at the curve before the shifters while the bottom grip slides onto the end of drop bars. We were impressed with the quality of grips and enjoyed riding with them. The wider profile of the grips makes it more comfortable to ride on the drops or upright as there is more stability and no pressure points. It’s a nice upgrade for riders who get numb hands or do longer rides. The only negative is that you do have to re-tape your bars but it results in a cleaner installation. That said, The Redshift Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips are a simple and clever way to improve comfort for drop bar setups.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Redshift. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.