IN BRIEF
Ergon is refreshing its MTB grips with two models, the GMA and the GMS, in stock at Extra UK and Cyclex (Ireland) according to the British trade press. The GMS, which succeeds the GA3 at the German brand, keeps the mini-wing that made its reputation: a protrusion under the palm meant to spread pressure and relieve the wrists. The GMA is the version without the mini-wing. Both share a new surface texture and come in several diameters: 32 mm for the GMA, 34 mm for its FAT variant, 31 or 33 mm for the GMS. Expect €29.95 for the GMA and €34.95 for the GMS, according to the prices reported by BikeBiz.
| GMA / GMA FAT price | €29.95 (price reported by BikeBiz) |
| GMS price | €34.95 (price reported by BikeBiz) |
| GMA diameter | 32 mm |
| GMA FAT diameter | 34 mm |
| GMS diameter | 31 mm (Small) and 33 mm (Large) |
| GMA weight | 110 g |
| GMA FAT weight | 135 g |
| GMS weight | 120 g (Small) and 145 g (Large) |
| GMS colours | Seven |
| Availability | In stock at Extra UK (United Kingdom) and Cyclex (Ireland), according to BikeBiz |
On a mountain bike, your hand stays in the same place for a whole descent. That is the ground Ergon has been working on for twenty years, and the German brand is back on it with two new grips.
Two MTB grips, two philosophies
The range splits in two. On one side the GMS, which keeps the ergonomic mini-wing, the tab that extends under the palm and turns the grip into a small shelf. Ergon says the GMS replaces the GA3, and presents it as designed for long days on the trail: “We developed the new GMS grips (formerly GA3) just for these moments.” On the other side the GMA, which replaces the GA2 at Ergon: no wing, but a tapered ergonomic shape that narrows towards the inside of the hand, offered in 32 mm and in a 34 mm FAT version.
Ergon’s bet is that riders should not have to choose between the two sensations. The brand writes that “the GMS eliminates this compromise by combining effective pressure relief and targeted wrist support with the responsive, direct trail feel of a modern MTB grip”.
The mini-wing, against finger numbness
The central argument for the GMS fits into one sentence from the manufacturer: “Its ergonomically shaped mini-wing design increases the grips contact area for your palm to distribute pressure more evenly. This reduces pressure peaks and pain on your hands, relieves finger numbness and supports the wrists.” Those benefits are claimed by Ergon and have not been the subject of any independent study cited in the announcement. They also assume a correct set-up: the clamp carries a laser-etched scale to fine-tune the angle, since “proper positioning is essential for the wing to relieve pressure”, BikeBiz writes.
The starting observation, for its part, will speak to plenty of riders. Quoted by BikeBiz, Ergon notes: “Hand discomfort, numbness, and fatigue remain some of the most common complaints among trail, e-MTB, and bikepacking riders, especially on longer rides.” That is precisely the area the mini-wing claims to unload, according to the description the brand gives of it.
Two sizes, seven colours and a new texture
Ergon justifies its twin diameters as follows: “Every hand is different. That’s why the GMS comes in two sizes. This ensures that the shape, mini-wing and grip diameter fit your hand perfectly and deliver comfortable ergonomic benefits.” In practice, 31 mm for the Small and 33 mm for the Large, at 120 and 145 grams per pair. The 32 mm GMA stays lighter, at 110 grams; the FAT version goes up to 135 grams.
Both models share the same new surface pattern, the Smart Texture Rhythm, according to BikeBiz. For the GMS, the brand speaks of “a special textural pattern that enhances comfort and control for every part of the hand”. According to Ergon, “The GMS is available in seven cool colors to match your bike and your style” — from black to pale purple, by way of Sage Green and orange on the official swatch. According to BikeBiz, both grips are already in stock at Extra UK, Ergon’s exclusive distributor in the United Kingdom, and at Cyclex in Ireland, at €29.95 for the GMA and €34.95 for the GMS.
