Review: The Renthal Traction Lock-on isn't a grip for the masses. It's thin, uncompromisingly direct, and packed with clever technology straight from racing. With its unique ribbed design, it promises ultimate grip in every riding situation. We tested whether this high-end grip is worth the money and for whom it's truly suitable.
Dimensions and shape
- Weight 107 g
- Diameter: 30,7 mm
- Length: 133 mm
- Price: €44,99
- Colors: Available in various rubber compounds (e.g. Ultra Tacky, Soft, Medium, Aramid)
Even a first glance at the technical specifications reveals its purpose: at a feather-light 107 grams and with a very slim diameter of under 31 millimeters, the Renthal Traction is a purebred performance grip. The low weight is all the more remarkable given that Renthal uses a double aluminum lock-on clamp that secures the grip absolutely firmly against twisting, both internally and externally.
The real science, however, lies in the rubber itself. Similar to tires, Renthal offers the grip in various compounds, from super-tacky ("Ultra Tacky") to extremely durable. Our test model came with the aramid compound, which, thanks to Kevlar particles, promises particularly high durability with a consistent grip level. This compound feels slightly rough to the touch, almost as if fine sand particles were incorporated. However, this is by no means unpleasant, even without gloves. The tread pattern is classically rounded and forgoes any ergonomic shaping.
On the trail: The Renthal Traction Aramid
The Renthal Traction insole unleashes its full potential on the trail – provided it's mounted correctly. Although it's round, alignment is crucial. The key lies in its ingenious lamella design. Both the fingertip and palm sides feature fine, flat lamellae that adjust their position depending on the force applied.
On the front, where the fingers grip, the ridges are oriented so that they stand up when you rotate your hand slightly backward, especially when standing on the trail. They practically bite into the gloves, generating incredible grip. On the palm side, the ridges are oriented in the opposite direction. If you slide your palm slightly forward during hard braking, they stand up and act like a stopper. This system is extremely well-designed and works superbly in practice. You never feel like you're losing contact, no matter how hectic things get.
This uncompromising focus on grip and control has a downside: damping. The grip is rock hard. It filters virtually nothing and transmits every detail from the ground directly to your hands. For racers who want maximum feedback, this is a dream. For touring cyclists or anyone prone to hand fatigue, it's more of a nightmare. For us personally, the grip was simply too thin and too hard. Additionally, the outer clamping ring can be bothersome in a wide grip position. However, these are highly subjective impressions that don't detract from the grip's well-thought-out design.
