The WTB Wafel in Review
It is one of life's arts to appreciate the small things. And that's exactly what we want to do today. Because beyond the big questions of bike configuration, it is definitely the details that co-determine daily riding comfort and therefore also need to be considered. With WTB's Wafel Lock-On grip, we are introducing just such a detail. The cherry on top of your riding experience, so to speak.
Overview
WTB stands for Wilderness Trail Bikes. The California-based company was founded in 1984 and has thus experienced the entire era of mountain biking. Their product range extends from saddles to tires and wheels, and even smaller accessories – like the Wafel.
This is a classic round grip for MTB, especially enduro and downhill. WTB describes it as “stickier than syrup”. They aim to deliver on this promise with a texture that looks like, well, the waffle that goes with the syrup (and the cherry on top). Large-volume honeycomb cells with a highly textured surface provide grip, while the depressions in between are designed to channel away rain, splash water, and hand sweat.
Grips for straight handlebars, such as those on mountain bikes or touring bikes, are available in classic round or ergonomic versions. The pros and cons are ultimately a matter of individual preference, as is often the case when it comes to comfort on a bike. In principle, however, one can say:
- Sporty riders (cross-country, enduro, or downhill) often opt for a classic model like the Wafel. The hand can comfortably fully enclose it, which is essential for control in challenging terrain.
- On long or multi-day tours, as well as during marathons, ergonomic grips can offer an advantage. They have a wing shape, meaning they widen outwards, thus increasing the contact surface for the hand. This can relieve the wrist and prevent nerve problems with numbness in the outer fingers.
Review
We rode the Wafel ourselves for you and also checked out opinions in industry magazines.
Installation
The first thing you notice is: The grips feel wonderfully light in your hand. And this appearance is not deceiving. They weigh only about 84 grams together. The inner diameter is 22.2 millimeters, which is the standard for mountain bike handlebars. So they should fit most bikes. The end caps are integrated and made of robust material.
Installation itself is incredibly simple. The WTB Wafel is a slip-on grip that is secured with a simple clamp. The corresponding screw is included. Reviewer Nikki Rohan from Pinkbike advises to observe the torque specification. She outsourced the installation to her young son, who apparently didn't yet have the necessary finesse in this regard. The result was a broken screw. So, installing the Wafel is only child's play with a properly adjusted torque wrench.
Feel and Performance
If everything is done correctly, the grip sits firmly and without slipping. And at this point, our great love began. Once you've had the Wafel in your hand, you won't want to let go, guaranteed. The honeycomb cells are pleasantly soft and individually compressible. This allows the grip to adapt ideally to the hand and offers the maximum ergonomics you can get with round grips.
The material is absolutely odorless, which may be important to know for people who are sensitive in this regard. The principle of grip islands between the wide channels for draining moisture also proved effective for us. As someone who sweats a lot, I always had a feeling of reliable hold. Nikki Rohan from Pinkbike, who rode in all conditions, also attests to the “Wafels” having good traction in every situation. Her only drawback is that the grip is only available in black. If you're fine with that and perhaps add your color accents elsewhere, you won't find anything to complain about.
„The Wafel is a simple, lightweight soft-style grip with a pattern that worked well for my hands in all weather conditions. While it's only available in black, its the cheapest option available out of the nine grips we tested, and is right up there as a top contender in my garage.“ – Nikki Rohan, Pinkbike
Conclusion
A small thing that brings joy. If you want to perfect your riding experience with a high-quality and reliable grip, the Wafel is an excellent choice.
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