Lizard Skins 3DGRP: These MTB grips come from the 3D printer - and weigh just 68 grams!

It is always exciting to see a product such as a bicycle saddle being created from a pool of liquid resin with the help of digital light synthesis. It's a little reminiscent of the film "Terminator 2", in which the T-1000 - that nasty creation of the artificial intelligence Skynet - can deform, liquefy and resurrect itself from a puddle of metal at will.

3DGRIP - MTB grips made from liquid resin

Something similar happens in the production of the new 3DGRIP from Lizard Skins - MTB grips, which is manufactured using Digital Light Synthesis. DLS is a production method that utilises programmable liquid resins, digital ultraviolet light projection and oxygen permeable optics to create parts with outstanding performance and surface finish, according to the manufacturer. With this advanced 3D printing Specialised and Fizik already have saddles manufactured and want to revolutionise the topic of bicycle saddles in the future.

Lizard Skins 3DGRP - Data and price

• Weight 68 grams per pair
• Length 133 millimetres
• Diameter Medium (32 millimetres)
• Compatible with MTB, BMX, ATV, and PWC
• Price 49,99 Euro

Similar to the bike saddles already available, the 3DGRP MTB grips also have a honeycomb 3D structure that comprises several levels. In addition, the new Lizard Skins grip has denser and less dense zones that can be used to influence the damping of the grip. The upper side, for example, is slightly more open, which should improve the cushioning of the grip on the heel of the hand. The underside, on the other hand, is almost closed and only covered with a profile on the surface, which should give the fingers a little more grip.

Due to its low weight and the fact that the 3DGRP does not have a clamping ring, it is currently more likely to appeal to the racing and tuning faction among bikers. Of course, this has certain disadvantages when it comes to mounting. The grip cannot simply be slid onto the handlebars like MTB grips with a clamping ring and additional inner sleeve. To pull the new Lizard Skins onto the handlebars, you need a bit of patience, a little bit of strength in your hands and preferably some isopropyl alcohol, which makes the grip slide better onto the handlebars.

We will be testing how the new 3DGRP performs in practice over the coming weeks. We suspect that it cannot keep up with a conventional "rubber grip", at least in terms of grip. At least the surface feels much less grippy when you first touch it. But who knows, we'll be surprised.

If you are looking for classic handles, then take a look at our latest test. Here we tested 20 MTB grips from three categories.