New bike grips from SQlab: SQlab 7OX 2.0 Pro – more grip for gravity riding

Update: We’ve compiled our impressions of the new SQlab bike grips here.

SQlab has been selling its MTB handlebars – the 7OX – for such a long time, that one could almost call it a classic. Now the ergonomics experts are going one better and launching the latest generation of the 7OX handle. The product is nicknamed “2.0 Pro” and has been revised in several areas: an improved rubber compound and a new handle design. All these improvements are intended to result in further enhanced ergonomics, an even better fit and a precise grip. All with the aim of reducing arm pump and increasing comfort.

Improvements to the SQlab 7OX 2.0 Pro bike grip

The well-known problem of arm pump often occurs when mountain biking. If the muscles in the forearm remain tense for a prolonged period and are subjected to rapid impacts and vibrations caused by brake pulses, root systems, etc., blood flow in the blood vessels is reduced, which can lead to insufficient blood supply to the muscles and a loss of strength – the arms ‘give out’. SQlab aims to counteract this with the following updates to the 7OX bike grip:

• Designed to cushion the palm of the hand, but also to protect the grip from hard impacts, the Outside of the handle amplified and muted.
• The softer version, which, according to SQlab, offers even better grip, Soft compound should provide reliable feedback from the handlebars whilst still being durable
• The new Diamond structure The 7OX grips are designed to provide a secure grip and control in all weather conditions
• A new grip zone has been added to the underside of the handle. The lowered Index Finger Dip is designed to provide better grip in any grip position.
• Last but not least, the new 7OX bike grip is now available in the Sizes S, M and L. They differ not only in diameter (98 / 103 / 110 mm), but also in shape.

In addition to these improvements to the bike grips designed for gravity and e-MTB performance, SQlab carried out its own study on arm pump.

Arm fatigue whilst mountain biking: SQlab study on the influence of handlebars and grips

SQlab went to considerable technical lengths to fit test subjects with specialised sensors capable of measuring muscle activity. In addition to these so-called EMG sensors (EMG: electromyography), accelerometers were attached to the bikes and the riders were sent out onto the trail, essentially for research purposes. The testers’ grip strength was then measured using specialised equipment to determine the extent to which handlebars and grips affect strength loss.

Experimental setup

Three test subjects each rode a predefined route using three different SQlab handlebars (3OX Aluminium, 3OX Carbon and 311 FL-X Carbon) and the existing 7OX bike grips. The test subjects were fitted with EMG sensors on their forearm muscles and acceleration sensors at the ends of the handlebars and on the stem. Muscle activation levels were measured across six muscles throughout the entire ride. Grip strength was measured and compared before and after the test ride.

Procedure

The test subjects completed the test course in a bike park a total of three times. On each occasion, they used a different combination of handlebars and grips and were given sufficient time to recover between runs. Throughout the ride, muscle activity in the forearm and acceleration data at the handlebars were recorded. Grip strength was also measured before and after each run to determine whether it decreased as a result of the physical exertion.

Result

SQlab states that the data clearly shows that the combination of different handlebar-grip set-ups and varying sections of the route leads to different levels of muscle activation. This places different demands on the material. The findings from the tests have reportedly played a key role in helping the manufacturer develop the new 7OX 2.0 Pro MTB grips. As a result, SQlab has opted for a new, softer rubber compound and improved ergonomics for its classic model. However, the “standard” 7OX grips are still available for €29.95 – the new 2.0 Pro version costs €34.95.

The new SQlab 7OX 2.0 Pro bike grips in detail

• Target audience: Gravity & E-Performance
• Circumference (sizes S/M/L): 98 / 103 / 110 mm
• Length: 139 mm
• Handlebar clamp: 22.2 mm
• Weight per pair (sizes S/M/L): approx. 102 / 116 / 138 g
• Sizes: S, M, L
• Price: 34.95 euros >> available here

And here’s what the new SQlab bike grips are like to use

Stefan Frey, editor at BIKE, puts it this way

The grip really is excellent. Thanks to its numerous ribs and edges, the SQlab offers optimum control on steep descents. Riders who grip the handlebars wide in particular will benefit from the gently rising and comfortable outer surface. Even in size S, the 7OX offers a high level of cushioning. With a total of three different thicknesses, the grip offers a suitable option for almost every rider.

Marc Strucken, editor at BIKE, shares this view

For this test, I’ve switched from the SQlab 711 (see picture below) to the new 7OX bike grips. There’s no fundamental difference in terms of ergonomics, but the new ones are significantly slimmer. My 711s in size M are even bulkier than the current ones in size L! I actually find that quite comfortable. But what’s even better about the new grips is that they actually offer superb grip, whereas the old ones just ‘stick’ – and I mean that literally, because lint and bits of plant matter really do get stuck to them – whereas with the 7OX, you really do have a rock-solid grip.

Something else I really liked: compared to the 711s, the steering is more precise – obviously, because they’re much slimmer. But the damping is still there. Fitting is straightforward and the screw positions are well thought out, so you can easily reach the Allen screw with your tool and the brake lever isn’t in the way. And the price wins me over too. I agree with the verdict: highly recommended.