The most important facts in brief

Sqlab positions the intended use as follows: for long-distance and racing use on sporty mountain bikes. Its special features are increased damping, more comfort on the outside of the hand and the Ergobar. This is a wave-shaped elevation on the underside: the flat, slightly angular shape is designed to fit the angularly angled fingers perfectly. The contact surface of the 711 grip is designed in such a way that the pressure peaks are reduced many times over. The model is available in three versions with different diameters.

First impression

Fitting is as usual and the indexing makes it easy to align the grip. The asymmetrical shape, which is strongly raised towards the outside, initially creates a very unusual grip feeling. It is also irritating how sticky the rubber is.

In use

On the first ride, you don't really know what to make of the 711. Somehow it feels comfortable in the hand, but the "new" feel takes some getting used to. It is advisable to have the right Allen key to hand and to keep turning the grips a few degrees on flat terrain. At some point, you will find a position that no longer feels strange - on the contrary, you will feel as if you are merging with the handle. A change of a few degrees and you feel like you have a "natural" connection to the handlebars, completely ergonomic.

Sqlab hasn't promised too much, the damping is much higher than with many other grips. This is especially evident when riding on asphalt with chunky tires. Vibrations are efficiently eliminated. The real highlight, however, is the outward elevation of the 711. In tight bends or when turning in at high speed, it bends the hand less on the inside of the bend. This builds up more counter-pressure and requires less steering force at the same time. The steering behavior feels more natural and is easier.

Conclusion

The unusual shape of the Sqlab 711 Tech & Trail 2.0 provides noticeably more damping. On routes with tight or fast bends, the grips offer significantly better steering behavior. Whether on winding single trails or flow trails with lots of berms: cornering has never been so much fun as with these rubber grips. But it takes time to find the right mounting angle. Once you've got the hang of it, it doesn't mean that the position will also work on other bikes. The ideal angle will vary depending on your riding position. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, but after that it's all about cornering until the brakes glow.

Recommendation

The grips were tested with handlebars from 8 to 16 degrees backsweep. The best riding performance was achieved in combination with Sqlabs "3OX Carbon" handlebars with 12 degrees backsweep and 15 millimetres rise.

Price: CHF 39.90 / EUR 34.95

Manufacturer

www.sq-lab.com