The golden age of Grip Shift has long faded as mountain bikers have overwhelmingly preferred the latest crop of instant-shifting triggers, led by the folks at SRAM. Now, SRAM is betting on some major improvements to the design to get it into the hands of racers and trail riders who can appreciate its user-friendly design.
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve ridden Grip Shift. I think my last and only bike that was so equipped was a Diamondback hardtail in 1996. The only thing I do remember that the twisting action was never all that natural-feeling, but other than that, I don’t recall much else.
Lets flash-forward nearly 20 years. My riding preferences have changed, I’m exclusively riding 29ers and SRAM has turned into a component powerhouse with arguably the most advanced drivetrains on the market. They aren’t going to risk that position by coming out with a 1990’s era Grip Shift redux. So, I’m bullish on the design and look forward to giving them a full test. But, what about you? Interested? Chime in below.
Official Grip Shift XX and X0 Info from SRAM:
The original SRAM Grip Shift burst onto the scene in 1990, when Greg Herbold used it to win the firstever Downhill World Championship. As XC and DH racing grew in global popularity, elite racers grew to embrace Grip Shift. XC legends John Tomac, Ned Overend and Thomas Frischknecht swore by it. Downhill stars like Anne-Caroline Chausson joined Herbold in adding it to their arsenal.
Today, athletes are riding farther and harder than ever before, pushing the limits of component technology. It’s time for the next chapter in Grip Shift history. Designed for SRAM 2X10, the all-new Grip Shift has been reengineered from the inside out. And, in true form, its inaugural race was Jaroslav Kulhavy’s 2011 XC World Championship win. Simply put, it’s one of the most advanced shifters ever created.
Precision-built, Grip Shift has been reengineered from the inside out, making it one of our most technically advanced shifters ever. Designed for no-holdsbarred, high-performance racing, Grip Shift handles any conditions with ease.
XX Grip Shift Set Features
- Speed Metal™ Shift Indexing
- GORE Ride On Sealed Low FricHon Cable System
- Carbon Cover
- Rolling Thunder™ Ball Bearing Movement
- Lock On Stationary Grips (80g)
- Available as 2×10
- Weight: 207g with cables and clamps
- Available April 30
- MSRP: $295
X0 Grip Shift Set Features
- Speed Metal™ Shift Indexing
- Aluminum Cover
- Rolling Thunder™ Ball Bearing Movement
- Lock On Stationary Grips (80g)
- Available in 2×10 or 3×10 options
- Weight: 207g with cables and clamps
- Available April 30
- MSRP: $225
Pro Riders Using Grip Shift in 2012
- Annie Last
- Burry Stander
- Carl Decker
- Christoph Sauser
- Emily Baay
- Florian Vogel
- Heather Irmiger
- Irina KalenHeva
- Jaroslav Kulhavy
- Jeremy Horgan Kobelski
- Jérôme Clementz
- Jose Hermida
- Julien Absalon
- Kelli Emmea
- Lisi Osl
- Manuel Fumic
- Marco Aurelio Fontana
- Nino Schurter
- Ralph Näf
- Ross Schnell
- Rene Wildhaber
- Russell Finsterwald
- Sam Schultz
- Todd Wells
More Info: Visit SRAM.com
3 Comments
I care big time. I loved my old X-ray shifters.
After using the “other” system for years, I switched to XO grip shifters (3×9)about 7 years ago. They are cheaper, lighter, more reliable, you can shift through several gears quickly and they don’t interfere with brake placement. I hear that some people complain that you can accidentally shift if you inadvertently twist them, but that’s about the only downside I know of.
I have XOs on all 3 of my bikes. I can shift through all gears standing and hammering, can’t do that with the other kind. If there is an issue with accidental shifting I ask then why does a motorcycle throttle work so well. The accidental shift argument is crap.
I rock mine big time.