Ergon GP1 BioKork Review

Ergon BioKork Grips

Last February 2010 at Frostbike in Bloomington, Minnesota, I was visiting with my friend and former co-worker, Jeff Kerkove who gave me these new Ergon Bio-Kork grips to try out. This is all from Ergon's "GreenLab" project, which seeks to be more enviromentally sensitive. Check out the features of this grip to see what I mean, (from Ergon's webpage for the BioKork grip).

The new BioKork version of the GP1 provides ultimate ergonomics for the hand just as the rest of Ergon’s Performance Comfort series do, however the unique qualities of cork means that it is now anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. Cork’s natural damping qualities also make it an ideal grip material, and its now density mean the resulting grip is a lot lighter. The GP1 BioKork uses 40% cork, sourced from sustainable forests in Portugal which is certified for its ecologically sound production. This ecological theme is continued throughout the rest of the grip. The inner core is plastic reinforced using natural fibre, which make up 40% of its mass. In place of mineral oil, the gel in the palm section of the grip is vegetable oil based. The clamp can also be 100% recycled. It is all a result of Ergon’s “GreenLab” project.

The "GreenLab" project also extends to the packaging for all of the Ergon grip line starting in 2010. Everything about the packaging is from recycled products and can be recycled. So no more funky plastic sleeves and what not to deal with. To be fair, all of the previous packaging could be recycled, but now the process is more convenient for the end user. From Ergon's packaging page on their web site:

Although these (The former packaging materials) could all be recycled, sorting them to do so was time consuming. By contrast, the new packaging uses only paper, making up its four components. Recycling is therefore extremely easy.

Back to the BioKork: The "green" theme continues with the inner hard sleeve (as mentioned above) and even the end caps being made from 40% Blowert grass fibers. You can even see it in the end caps.

Although the materials have been changed, the packaging changed, one thing remains the same- That is how the Ergon grip fits the hand. Perfectly comfortable, just like my other GP1 grips are. This is my favorite grip from Ergon, and I will be putting this through its paces through the coming months to see if it holds up to everyday use and especially for mountain biking. I have these mounted to my Gun Kote covered Salsa El Mariachi single speed right now. So, stay tuned for further updates.

Update: October 2010: As stated above, the Ergon BioKork grips were installed on the Salsa Cycles El Mariachi. I have ridden the bike off and on since that time, and here are my thoughts regarding these grips now.

The BioKork grips fit and feel much like their GP-1 forebearers do. Perhaps a slightly more firm base and slightly harder feel at the surface, but I am nitpicking here. Throughout the test period, the BioKork grips felt and performed very similarly to any of my GP-1 examples, save my oldest ones, (2005 vintage), which have always felt more compliant than anything Ergon makes nowadays.

As for the claims of anti bacterial and for being hypo-allergenic, all I can say is that I have sweat all over these and used them in the dirt and they have not seemed to have been affected by my sweaty hands like the GP-1's rubber has. (Think slightly sticky, slimy feeling. Much like many other grips, but not as funky) Is this a result of the claims above? hard to say, but these grips look fresh even after months of use.

Conclusions: The BioKork grips pass with flying colors in my testing. Ergon must think so as well, since they are expanding the BioKork line up for 2011. For anyone looking for a more comfortable, form-fitting grip with a "green" bent, look no further.

Note: These grips were provided at no cost to me for evaluation on this site. I am not being paid or co-erced to give a positive review and I will strive to give my honest opinions throughout the review process.

Comments

[Fernando]

These look great but I need a gripshift version. Afraid of cutting down a standard set & having the cork crumble. I'm sure the cost for GS version would be high so probably hinders producing. I'll keep watching since these look sweet!

[thomas]

hi,
do you have the feeling that it absorbs vibration better than the 'regular' grips? i have the regular ones and find them quite stiff to be honest. wondering if the new material helps.
thanks

[Guitar Ted]

@thomas: Actually, the BioKork is very similar to the originals in that they feel fairly stiff. In my experience, a well worn in pair of Ergons are much softer than when new. Whether that works for you, I don't know. FYI: There are now several "knock off" type ergonomic grips out now that may offer up what you are looking for. WTB, Bontrager, and others are doing such grips. May be worth looking into if you want something less firm.

[Thomas]

@ted, thanks for getting back to me. i already own/use a pair of Ergons and i find them way too stiff. so, if the BioKorks are as stiff as you say, I am going to look for other "knock off" models.