Test: The DMR Deathgrip handlebar grips are after the vault pedals already the second cooperation between the bike brand DMR and Brendan Fairclough. This cooperation resulted in an almost ultimate grip that should work on all bikes, from all-mountain to race-ready downhill bikes. You can find out in the following test report whether the grip was able to convince us in the long-term test.
DMR bikes
The British bike brand caters to an extremely wide range of products, from all kinds of accessories and classic steel frames to 160mm full-suspension bikes. Since their founding in 1995, they are probably best known for their legendary steel hardtail frames, but products like the DMR Vault pedal have also achieved cult status in the scene – not least because of their superb quality. The Vault "Brendog" pedals, incidentally, were the first collaboration between DMR and Brendan Fairclough.
DMR Deathgrip grips
The concept of the DMR Deathgrip
As mentioned earlier, DMR Bikes and Brendog worked closely together on the development of the Deathgrip handlebar grips. The UK-based bike brand DMR contributes the inwardly tapered single core, while the soft Kraton rubber compound comes from Brendan Fairclough. With years of World Cup experience and participation in Red Bull Hardline / Rampage, he has the necessary expertise to consider a wide range of factors. The DMR Deathgrips feature three different grip patterns, aiming to combine the best of different worlds and thus covering every application from all-mountain riding to downhill racing, since even gravity riders usually own a touring bike.
Features of the DMR Deathgrip:
– Brendan Fairclough Signature Lock-On Grip, Flangeless
– Internally taped
– soft Kraton rubber compound (hardness 20A)
- Three-piece grip pattern: Mushroom, Waffle, Diamond
- Stable closed ends for crashes and as transport protection
Variants of the DMR Deathgrip
In addition to the standard version, the Deathgrips are also available as a Race Edition and the tested Flangeless Edition, i.e. without a knob on the inside. They are available in sizes S (29,8mm) and L (31,3mm), have a clamp on the inside and the choice of colors is almost endless. From plain black to neon colors to camouflage in a wide variety of variations, the handles have everything imaginable.
Deathgrip movie
For the 2017 premiere, Brendan Fairclough contributed the Deathgrip film in collaboration with filmmaker Clay Porter. In just under 54 minutes, Fairclough, Josh Bryceland, Nico Vink and Co. show what it means to let the gas stand. Unfortunately, only the trailer is free, but the length of the film and the locations around the world justify it.
The DMR Deathgrip Flangeless in a long-term test
In the long-term test, we paid special attention to the durability, the general quality and, last but not least, the performance on the trail, because the grips, together with the pedals and the saddle, form the only interface between the biker and his bike. It was just as important to me personally that the handles do their job with and without gloves.
When assembling the Deathgrip in size S, the conical inner workings are immediately noticeable and they hold the position even without the metal screw connection on the inside. The handles are very pleasant to touch, look comfortable and also look stylish. At the beginning I tested the grips without gloves, but they didn't really convince me here, because I quickly lost grip through sweat on my hands and often had to help with dust from the ground. Different when using gloves, here the grip is impressive and even wet does not reduce it. I tested different gloves, with and without cushioning, and didn't have any problems or complaints with any model. The cushioning of the Deathgrip was sufficient thanks to the sophisticated concept of the three different grip patterns and I didn't have any pain in my wrists or forearms. On longer descents, I sometimes wished for a little thicker grips, because at least for me this causes a later "arm pump". Of course, I also subjected the grips to some more or less planned crash tests, which they survived without damage. The rubber on the handle holds up well and shows only the usual signs of wear after the season test.
