$7 Tank grips kinda DIY

[setasai]

I have had this on my bike for a while now, Tri calls it the rash but I've since redone it because it was coming off and this time decided to smooth it out a bit.

Basically, I wanted stomp grips/tank grips so that it made it easier to grip the tank and not slide forward during hard braking or quick maneuvers but I am not willing to spend that much. So I used silicone caulking that you can find at any hardware store. The trick is to use the 100% silicone version, not the blends with latex or any additive.

I did not take pictures during the process hence the "kinda DIY" but it's pretty simple. Clean the surface thoroughly of grease and dust. Then just get silicone in the color you want, usually white, clear, or black are the general offerings and slather it onto the surface. I used a paintbrush to smooth it out and coat it. You want the edges to be thin so that it wont rub off as easily. Let it set for 3-5 hours and you're good to go. Thick coats will require more time to set. Do NOT try to recoat it while it's still wet. It will look like crap and get smeared all over. Wear gloves and work in a clean area because silicone doesnt get washed off with soap and water. If you mess up, wait till it's set and just peel it off. Great thing about this is that it comes off completely clean. Fyi, 1 tube covers 4 panels completely with a little bit to spare so if you have a buddy that wants to try it, you can split the cost and it'll only be $3.50 per bike.

Hope this helps others as much as it has helped me. Works like a charm. Doesnt fade and stays grippy.

P.S. Depending on how it's applied, textures are different.

[alex.s]

good idea... i wonder how well it would work if you put down a strip of clear vinyl first then layed the silicone on top so that it cleanly removes... or can you just pull the silicone off?

[setasai]

Originally Posted by alex.s

good idea... i wonder how well it would work if you put down a strip of clear vinyl first then layed the silicone on top so that it cleanly removes... or can you just pull the silicone off?

Pulls right off as if it was vinyl. Completely clean with no residue at all. Although if you had UV fading in the paint, the area under the silicone over time would look newer but that's the same with any kind of covering. I'm a huge believer of mods that are 100% removable and this one definitely made the list.

[alex.s]

well **** now i'm going to have to go pick up some more silicone

[caps]

why don't you guys just go to any local skate shop and pick up some grip tape?

[setasai]

Originally Posted by caps

why don't you guys just go to any local skate shop and pick up some grip tape?

Too scratchy. Scuffs up my pants.

[caps]

Originally Posted by setasai

Too scratchy. Scuffs up my pants.

that's a pretty good reason

[CThunder-blue]

So, if you park too close to another bike, will the rash spread?

[setasai]

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

So, if you park too close to another bike, will the rash spread?

If the bandaid falls off it's possible. It's ok though because it's kinda like a vaccination. =)

[CThunder-blue]

So you gave your bike crabs. hahaha

[azimmer11]

Originally Posted by caps

why don't you guys just go to any local skate shop and pick up some grip tape?

horrible idea lol its sandpaper

[NathanF]

Originally Posted by setasai

Pulls right off as if it was vinyl. Completely clean with no residue at all. Although if you had UV fading in the paint, the area under the silicone over time would look newer but that's the same with any kind of covering. I'm a huge believer of mods that are 100% removable and this one definitely made the list.

Nice mod. I like that it is reversible, as all mods should be.

Real men use this stuff though:



No slipping around after that. You do have to take your pants off to get off the bike though, so I don't recommend it for around town riding.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by NathanF

Nice mod. I like that it is reversible, as all mods should be.

Real men use this stuff though:



No slipping around after that. You do have to take your pants off to get off the bike though, so I don't recommend of it around town riding.

You can use overpants that zip up the sides of the legs. Kinda like chaps.

[Jiggles]

If you don't want it too look like a rash, then you can write in it and make it look even worse!!!

I'm going to redo mine with black and white silicon and put some cool design in it. I <3 the cheap stuff.