Handlebar grips are typical on casual riding bikes such as cruisers, as well as mountain and commuter bikes. Road and racing bikes typically use grip tape, which you can unwind easily by removing any bar end plugs and cutting the tape at one end of the bars. Solid grips are often attached firmly to the handlebars, but basic household materials can help you dislodge them.
Step 1
Stand the bike upright or put it in a bicycle stand. Remove any bar end plugs by prying them off with a flat screwdriver.
Step 2
Slice the length of the handlebar grips with a utility knife if you do not want to save them.
Step 3
Lift the edge of the grip facing toward the handlebar stem with the screwdriver. Drip some lubricant, dish soap mixed with a little water or rubbing alcohol under the grip facing toward the handlebar end. Twist and pull the grip away from the handlebars.
Step 4
If the grips remain stuck, lay the bike on its side with one end of the handlebar touching the ground. Drip your liquid of choice around and under the grip edge, and let the liquid work its way down the handlebar for one minute before pulling on the grip again. Lay the bike down on the opposite side and repeat this process.
Step 5
If the previous method does not work, place a rag on the handlebars. Clamp a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers around the handlebars right next to the inside edge of the grip. Hit the side of the pliers with a mallet to push the grips off gradually.
Step 6
If the pliers and mallet do not remove the grips, lift the inside edge of the grip with the screwdriver and spray compressed air into the gap. The air will act as a lubricant and allow you to pull the grip off more easily.
Tips and Warnings
- Dish soap and rubbing alcohol also are ideal for helping you install or reinstall handlebar grips, according to Webmountainbike.com and former Bicycling Magazine technical editor Jim Langley. Put a small amount of your chosen liquid inside the grip and spread it around before sliding the grip onto the handlebars.
- Do not put compressed air into the handlebars themselves, as it can be dangerous and is unnecessary for removing the grips, BikeWebSite.com warns.
Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver, preferably long and thin
- Utility knife
- Thin lubricant, such as bicycle chain oil
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Tongue-and-groove pliers
- Rag
- Mallet
- Compressed air canister
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