New bike grips from SQlab: SQlab 7OX 2.0 Pro - more grip on the grip for gravity

Update: We have collected our riding impressions of the new SQlab bike grips here.

SQlab has been offering its bike grips for MTB - the 7OX - for so long, that one can almost speak of a classic. Now the ergonomics experts are following up with the latest generation of the 7OX grip. The part bears the nickname "2.0 Pro" and has been revised in several areas: improved rubber compound and new grip design. All of the improvements should lead to further improved ergonomics, an even better form fit and a more precise grip. All with the aim of achieving less arm pump and more 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 long periods of time and rapid impacts and vibrations occur due to braking waves, root carpets, etc., the blood flow in the blood vessels is reduced, which can lead to insufficient blood flow to the muscles and a loss of strength - the arms "close up". SQlab aims to counteract this with the following updates to the 7OX bike grip:

• To cushion the handball, but also to protect the handle from hard impacts, the Outside of handle increased and damped.
• The softer one, even more grippy according to SQlab, Soft compound mixture should provide safe feedback from the handlebars and still be durable
• The new Diamond structure the 7OX handle is designed to provide a defined 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 offer more grip in every grip position.
• Last but not least, the new 7OX bike handle 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 conducted an in-house study on arm pump.

Arm pump when mountain biking: SQlab study on the influence of handlebars and grip

SQlab went to some technical effort to equip test subjects with special sensors that can measure muscle activity. In addition to these so-called EMG sensors (EMG: electromyography), accelerometers were wired to the bikes and sent out onto the trail for research purposes, so to speak. The grip strength of the testers was then measured using special equipment in order to find out what influence the handlebars and grips have on the loss of strength.

Experimental setup

Three test subjects each rode a predefined route with 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 the forearm muscles and acceleration sensors at the end of the handlebars and on the stem. The level of muscle activation was measured in six muscles over the entire duration of the ride. The grip strength was determined and compared before and after the test run.

Procedure

The test subjects completed the test track in a bike park a total of three times. They used a different combination of handlebars and grip each time and had sufficient time to recover between runs. During the entire ride, the muscle activity in the forearm and the acceleration data on the handlebars were recorded. Grip strength was also measured before and after each run to determine whether it decreased as a result of the load.

Result

SQlab says that the data clearly shows that the combination of different handlebar-grip combinations and different sections of the route leads to a varying activation of the muscles. This places different demands on the material. The findings from the tests have significantly supported the manufacturer in the development of the new 7OX 2.0 Pro MTB grip. As a result, SQlab has opted for a new, softer rubber compound and improved ergonomics for its classic model. The "normal" 7OX grips are still available for 29.95 euros - the new 2.0 Pro costs 34.95 euros.

The new SQlab 7OX 2.0 Pro bike grips in detail

• Target group: Gravity & E-Performance
• Circumference (size S/M/L): 98 / 103 / 110 mm
• Length: 139 mm
• Handlebar clamp: 22.2 mm
• Weight per pair (size S/M/L): approx. 102 / 116 / 138 g
• Sizes: S, M, L
• Price: 34,95 Euro

And this is how the new SQlab bike grips ride

Stefan Frey, BIKE editor, describes it like this

The grip is actually excellent. In combination with the numerous lamellae and edges, the SQlab provides the best control on steep descents. Riders with a wide grip in particular benefit from the slightly rising and comfortable outer side. 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, BIKE editor, shares this opinion

For this test, I switched from the SQlab 711 (see picture below) to the new 7OX bike grips. No fundamental difference in terms of ergonomics, but the new ones are much slimmer. My 711s in size M are even more voluminous than the current ones in L! I actually find that quite comfortable. But what's even better about the new grips is that they actually have a super grip, whereas the old ones just "stick", literally, because fluff and plant debris really stick, the 7OX really has a bombproof grip.

What I also liked: Compared to the 711s, the steering is more precise - of course, because they are much slimmer. But the damping is still there. Installation is straightforward and the bolting is sensibly aligned so that you can easily reach the Allen screw with the tool and the brake lever is not in the way. I am also impressed by the price. I agree with the verdict: Recommended purchase.