Bicycle handle-bar grip

Abstract

A bicycle bar grip, particularly for touring bikes, mountain bikes and the like, comprising a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. A grip element is joined to the sleeve and extends over a portion of the length of the sleeve. The sleeve also comprises a clamping area and a sleeve slot. A holding bar end extension is arranged in the clamping area via a clamp. The grip element has a supporting portion, which is provided for supporting a palm of the hand and which preferably transitions into a holding portion. The supporting portion ensures that a cyclist, when changing his / her grip from the grip element to the holding bar end extension or vice versa, can be supported on the supporting portion for turning the palm of the hand. This ensures that the cyclist, also when changing his / her grip, does not lose contact with the inventive bicycle handlebar grip and a sure hold by the cyclist is ensured.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 567,385, filed on Jul. 28, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 1. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] The disclosure relates to a bicycle bar grip, particularly for, mountain bikes and the like. 2. DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND ART [0003] Substantially, bicycle bar grips are configured as cylindrical grip elements for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. In order to avoid a displacement of the bicycle bar grip, it is arranged such that it projects beyond the grip area of the bicycle bar grip. By means of a screw connection, the bicycle bar grip is clamped with the bike handlebar into this projecting clamping area. [0004] Further, it is known to use holding bar end extensions which substantially have a horn-shaped configuration. The holding bar end extensions are plugged into a bike handlebar or slipped thereon from outside and clamped there...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] By this arrangement, the clamping means is not arranged next to the grip element but in the grip element. Thereby, the clamping force applied by the clamping means is transferred inward from outside. Thus, the applied clamping force is nearer to the point at which the hand applies the greatest force onto the bicycle bar grip. In case of a comparable clamping force, the bicycle bar grip is better protected from being unintentionally twisted about the handlebar. Due to the improved protection from twisting, the hold of the cyclist is also improved with high loads such as those occurring, e.g., when riding downhill. Further, it is possible to shorten the entire bicycle bar grip width by the width of the clamping means which is, e.g. a slitted clamping ring, since a clamping area projecting from the actual grip area of the bicycle bar grip is avoided. This is particularly advantageous with bent handlebars since the room available for a bicycle bar grip is highly limited with such handlebars. Thus, there remains more room for attaching further operational elements, e.g., a bike bell or a shifter.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the bicycle bar grip is offset with respect to the handlebar. “Offset” means that, for example, the central axis of the bicycle bar grip is inclined with respect to the central axis of the handlebar. An offset by means of which an improved position of the wrist shall be achieved, however, can be particularly achieved, according to the disclosure, by the fact that the grip element of the bicycle bar grip comprises a thickening substantially in the middle. Preferably, the thickening is provided on the front side or the finger side of the grip element. Therefore, the thickening is preferably provided on the side of the grip element facing away from the body. The thickening is preferably positioned in the region of the middle finger. Even with a thickening of 1-2 mm, a desired offset may be achieved, if necessary. By means of the offset, the position of the wrist is optimized such that, in contrast to conventional positions of the wrist, no nerves are clamped when riding the bicycle. This has the advantage that even on longer rides, the wrists do not hurt. Because of the offset according to the disclosure, the wrist substantially stays straight. Because of the configuration of the bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure, this can also be ensured in different grip positions.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of such an arrangement is that a secure steering by the cyclist is not guaranteed when he alters his grip from a tubular grip element of the bicycle bar grip to a horn-shaped holding bar end extension and vice versa.

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