Ritchey WCS Trail Python Review: Ritchey is a legend in cycling, and the brand's grips were once the ultimate in performance. With the WCS Trail Python, the long-established company ventures into an extremely unique concept: a massive, highly ergonomic grip made of neoprene foam, designed to combat numbness. However, our test reveals that this bold design is best suited for true specialists and comes with significant compromises.
Dimensions and shape
- Weight 182 g
- Diameter: 35-39 mm (ergonomic)
- Length: 144 mm
- Price: €29,89
- Colors: Black
The Ritchey WCS Trail Python's specifications alone are almost unparalleled. With a variable diameter of up to 39 millimeters and an enormous length of 144 millimeters, it's a true giant. We even had to modify the cockpit to make enough room. At a hefty 182 grams, it weighs almost twice as much as some other grips in the test.
Its defining characteristic is its almost wing-like, highly ergonomic shape, designed to provide extensive support for the palm. The material is a lightweight neoprene foam, complemented by soft, strategically placed rubber inserts. However, the build quality didn't entirely convince us. The integrated plastic locking ring and visible rubber residue from production give the grip a feel that doesn't quite live up to the brand's reputation. For nearly 30 euros, we would have expected a bit more refinement.
On the trail: The Ritchey WCS Trail Python
On the trail, the WCS Trail Python grip is a grip with a lot of character – with both strengths and weaknesses. The damping properties of the thick neoprene foam are excellent. It effectively filters vibrations without feeling spongy; the feedback from the ground remains surprisingly direct.
Its greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: its extreme ergonomics. The shape dictates a very specific hand position. As long as you maintain this position, comfort is high. However, as soon as you – as is common in mountain biking – slightly change your hand position depending on the terrain and situation, the grip quickly becomes uncomfortable and presses in the wrong places. This severely limits its versatility.
The grip also suffers somewhat in wet conditions: the large, smooth rubber inserts offer little hold without gloves. They become slippery, almost greasy, and require significantly more hand force to maintain a grip. Therefore, using the grip without gloves in wet conditions is not recommended. With gloves, however, the dry grip is good, as the smooth surfaces feel comfortable in the hand and no annoying pattern shows through.
