AARON Horn grips with gel damping and bar ends

AARON’s grips are the best-selling ones here, and the bar ends are the reason.

What the manufacturer publishes

An ergonomic grip shape described as providing relief for aching hands and forearms. Soft gel damping described as shock absorbing, with an ergonomically shaped grip for the wrists. A non-slip rubber surface for secure hold, with an integrated clamp. Long product life and high-quality components.

The second hand position

This is the argument, and it is a strong one. A drop bar gives four or five hand positions; a flat bar gives one. On a ride over an hour, that single position becomes the limiting factor long before your legs do.

Bar ends add an upright position that uses different muscles and takes pressure off a different part of the palm. Alternating between the two is what keeps hands comfortable.

Gel under the palm

Firmer rubber gives more control; gel gives more damping. Putting gel where the palm rests and firmer rubber where the fingers wrap is the right arrangement, and it is what separates these from a plain grip.

The fitting note

Bar ends need room at the bar ends. Levers and shifters usually slide inboard a few centimeters to make it. Both carry printed torque figures — use them.