No.

2 / 2008

Ergonomic Series 08

P. 2 The Ergon Philosophy

P. 3 Backpack Series
P. 6 Reportage Topeak Ergon Racing Team
P. 8 Leichtbau Grips
P. 11 Performance Comfort Grips
P. 12 Enduro Grips
P. 13 Gloves

Development partner:
German Sports University Cologne
2 WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM
Ergonomics for cyclists. Perfectly realized.
The Ergon Philosophy
Carbon monocoque frames, electronic gears and intelligent
dampers. The technological developments in the bike industry are
as fast paced as ever. In the quest to make the bikes still more
enjoyable, more comfortable, efficient or faster, manufacturers are
concentrating on “Hardware Technology”. However, will
technology make the desired leaps possible? According to a
study of the German Sports University in Cologne, more than 90%
of those people taking part complained of aches and pains around
their person when cycling. An important reason for this is poor
ergonomics. Incorrect ergonomics on the bike can see discomfort
turn into sharp pain and can significantly spoil the enjoyment of
cycling. In competition incorrect ergonomics can cost valuable
energy and therefore places. Ergonomics is about putting the
person as the focus, not the technology. For this reason, at
Ergon, cyclists are at the centre of our search for the best
2005: GR2 2004: GP1 / R1 2005 : 1x GR2
2006: GX1 / GX2 2005: GR2 2006 : 2x GR2
2006: BD2
2007: CM1/CR1
connection between rider and bike. Bike ergonomics is extremely
complicated and requires knowledge across different disciplines.
The development team at Ergon is made up of specialists in
different areas. There are bike experts, racers, sports scientists,
ergonomics experts, engineers and industrial designers. Their aim
is to develop products that offer the best ergonomics for cyclists,
which combine the best scientific principles with practicality. The
performance of Ergon products is tested in scientific laboratory
studies, on the test rigs of the technical institutes and just as
importantly with sweat and tears in everyday use or under race
conditions. Cycling press editorials, international design awards
and the hardest race conditions in the world confirm that Ergon
are at the cutting edge.
2004: GP1 / R1 Issue 119: „A new era of Gear of the year, category
comfort and control“, GP1 bike essentials
WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM
New
BC3
Goodbye Gravity.
No one likes carrying a backpack. It is a necessity. It restricts your movement.
The weight of the load has undesired effects on your skeleton, muscles and
posture. It is exhausting. People are dynamic, constantly moving. When you
move any load will be continually transferred to your body and your shoulders
will have to move the weight, constantly putting your muscles under strain. The
more active you are, the greater the effect. Up until now, this fact was barely
considered by backpack manufacturers. Their best technology is used only on
their largest packs, for the biggest loads, ensuring it is possible simply for a
person to carry a large load for a long period. Large loads are expected to
compromise freedom of movement. Day packs, touring packs and backpacks
for active people and athletes with lower capacities are based on an old and
practically never revised construction. It ignores the influence of dynamic
movements on carrying comfort.
3
Bike Transalp Backpack. The Flink link equipped light
frame allows for natural freedom of movement for the
upper body, combined with optimal load distribution.
Heavy duty water proof HighTech material (water proofed
on both sides), with water resistant zips, a helmet carrier,
organisation compartments and provision for a hydration
system. Gender specifi c carrying systems available in
two sizes.
The cycling press: “Our test rider found Ergon’s back
pack […] made for an unusually comfortable and
secure carrying sensation. It creates light and even
pressure on the shoulders, even when heavily loaded.
On steep descents the backpack didn’t even once
slide forward, nor did it ‘dance’ around when jumping.
It simply stays put. It is so good that when you
return to a traditional rucksack, you feel as if there is
something not quite right…… Superb.“
MountainBIKE Magazine Germany 02/07
2 sizes: S, L BC3-M – for Men
2 sizes: S, L BC3-W – for Women
2 sizes: S, L BC3-M Team Edition – for Men
Gender • Male / Female specific
Capacity • 30 litre
Main fabric • 210 D Nylon
Hydration Pack • optional
As ergonomic specialists Ergon’s target is making backpacks for active people
as comfortable as possible to carry. Our starting point is far reaching studies
resulting in a revolutionary new backpack design. It allows the upper body to
move almost completely unhindered and with minimal load experienced. The
waist strap transfers the main load to near the body’s center of gravity - the
point that the back’s movement is minimal. To achieve the desired freedom of
movement for the upper body what became obvious is that the shoulder
carrying system needs to be isolated from the load. It is a brilliant and
revolutionary idea. Using the central Flink® ball joint, in combination with a load
bearing frame, the concept has created a backpack with a feeling of comfort
like no other. The result is that Ergon has removed gravity’s power, lifting the
weight from your shoulders. Goodbye Gravity.
4 WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM
BD1
Natural range of movement. Optimal load distribution.
Noticeably lightweight.
The central Flink® ball joint isolates the pack from movements of the
shoulders. This creates massive freedom of movement for the upper
body. The frame distributes the load over a large surface area placing
the load’s centre of gravity at the waist, almost completely relieving the
spine and the back muscles. Compared to a normal backpack any
shoulder movements do not require your shoulder muscles to shift the
entire weight of the pack. Ergon pack users experience 10 – 20% of the
total load on their shoulders, perfectly balanced with even pressure
distribution. This protects your back. This brilliant construction method is
the reason for its comfort like no other. The backpack stays put in every
situation. Undesired slipping is prevented. A huge advantage.
flexible link system by Flink GmbH, Design and engineering. www.flinklink.com. Worldwide exclusively licensed to Ergon.
Bike backpack featuring a revolutionary carrying
system. The central Flink ® ball joint allows for huge
freedom of movement for the upper body. Pressure is
evenly distributed on both shoulders, thus protecting
the back. This makes for a completely new and
comfortable carrying sensation. Gender specific
carrying systems each in two sizes. Lightweight
compact daypack version.
The cycling press: “Our test rider found Ergon’s back
pack […] made for an unusually comfortable and
secure carrying sensation. It creates light and even
pressure on the shoulders, even when heavily loaded.
On steep descents the backpack didn’t even once
slide forward, nor did it ‘dance’ around when jumping.
It simply stays put. It is so good that when you
return to a traditional rucksack, you feel as if there is
something not quite right…… Superb.“
MountainBIKE Magazine Germany 02/07
2 sizes: S, L BD1-M – for men
2 sizes: S, L BD1-W – for women
2 sizes: S, L BD1-M Team Edition – for men
2 sizes: S, L BD1-W Team Edition – for women
Gender • Male / Female specific
Capacity • 12 litre
Main fabric • 1000 D Nylon
Hydration Pack • optional
Optimised Ergonomics for every body size.
For Men. For Women.
Unbelievable but true. The fit of the majority of traditional small to
medium backpacks is dictated by their capacity. Small packs are for
smaller people. Large packs are for larger people. Additionally very few
manufacturers account for the physical differences between men and
women. The Ergon backpack geometry is developed to fit exactly to
different body forms. Big and small, male and female. There are two
different men’s carrying systems, and two different carrying systems for
women. Each one has adjustable back length settings. It is a little thing,
but you can feel the difference and it really works. Tall or short in the
torso, broad shouldered or not – an Ergon backpack will fit perfectly.
The prerequisite for optimum Ergonomics.
WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM 5

BD2 Bike comfort backpack featuring a revolutionary

carrying system. The central Flink® ball joint allows
for huge freedom of movement for the upper body.
Pressure is evenly distributed on both shoulders, thus
protecting the back. This makes for a completely new
and comfortable carrying sensation. Gender specific
carrying systems each in two sizes. Fully featured
comfort version with many added features.

The cycling press: “Our test rider found Ergon’s back

pack […] made for an unusually comfortable and
secure carrying sensation. It creates light and even
pressure on the shoulders, even when heavily loaded.
On steep descents the backpack didn’t even once
slide forward, nor did it ‘dance’ around when jumping.
It simply stays put. It is so good that when you
return to a traditional rucksack, you feel as if there is
something not quite right…… Superb.“
MountainBIKE Magazine Germany 02/07

2 sizes: S, L BD2-M – for men

2 sizes: S, L BD2-W – for women
2 sizes: S, L BD2-M Team Edition – for men
2 sizes: S, L BD2-W Team Edition – for women

Gender • Male / Female specific

Capacity • 15 litre
Main fabric • 1000 D Nylon
Hydration Pack • optional

Optimal load distribution for minimal Adjustment of the carrying system

weight on the shoulders to back length and build

10% 10%

40% 40%
6 WWW.TOPEAK-ERGON.COM

World Champion 2007 Irina Kalentieva

www.irina-kalentieva.com

Irina Kalentieva is the World’s fastest

female cross-country mountain biker. Her
best season to date was crowned with the
Russian taking the gold medal at Fort
William, Scotland. “It was always my
dream one day to be the World Champion
and to be allowed to ride in the rainbow
jersey” an overjoyed Irina said following
the event.

Irina has conquered the MTB Scene this

past year. The World Championships was
one of many wins including three World
Cup races and the World Cup Overall
Series. She is also the World’s number
1 ranked female rider. Part of Irina’s role
as a Topeak-Ergon rider is to test our
products in a racing environment. As
such her feedback is indispensable for our
product development team.

German National Champion 2007 Wolfram Kurschat

www.wolfram-kurschat.com

Wolfram tunes everything on his bike

to the smallest detail. The weight and
ergonomics have to be perfect for the
German Champion, to allow him to
perform at his best. He leaves nothing to
chance meticulously preparing for every
race. “For me cross country mountain
biking is like Formula 1 racing and the
competition is huge” only by preparing in
such a way can he concentrate on the job
in hand.

His success vindicates his approach.

As well as winning the national title in
Germany, he also won the title for the
German National Series. His performance
this season has catapulted him back into
the World’s top ten rankings.
WWW.TOPEAK-ERGON.COM 7

Topeak-Ergon Racing Team Dave Wiens

Team Introduction Cross-country Legend

From nowhere to one of the best international race teams in the world in the blink of an Joining the Team in 2008 is long time
eye. Team Topeak Ergon riders test Ergon products under race conditions, passing Ergon user Dave Wiens. The American
invaluable feedback to the product development team. For the 2008 season, once again has over 20 years experience as a
the bar is set very high. Irina Kalentieva, reigning World Champion, ranked number 1 in professional racer, team manager and
the World rankings and winner of the World Cup Overall Series will race all World Cups, MTB guru. In 2002, Dave’s 2 US National
the European and World Championships. She will be joined by Wolfram Kurschat, the Champion titles and his many World Cup
German National Champion 2007. Both are using the season to prepare for the Olympics Victories were honoured with his addition
in China. The team is represented in the marathon race discipline (and also XC) by to the “Mountain Biking Hall of Fame”.
Benjamin Brochhagen and Tim Tofaute (Ergon Product Development). In the USA the
endurance specialist Jeff Kerkove and the cross country legend Dave Wiens will be Dave Wiens is not someone who you can
stamping their authority. In downhill and freeride competition points will be hunted by the easily convince of anything Mountain Bike
development rider Willi Luetzeler. related, such is his experience. The Ergon
product development team will be able
to feed on this vast knowledge for future
products. Additionally in the 2008 season
he will be competing at all of the major
24hr and endurance races in the US.
8 WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM

New A lightweight grip for racing. The underlying concept is

GX1 Leichtbau based on the successful GP and GR ranges. A compact

body with a significantly slimmer wing, and lower grip
radius in the mid section than the GP1. The grip is
designed for fast hand position changes in changing riding
conditions. Made from a light weight rubber and combined
with a lightweight highly secure clamp, the GX range is
significantly lighter than the GP1.

1 size: GX1
1 size: GX1 Team Edition green

Weight • 128 gram per pair

Clamp • Aircraft Alu
Use • Pro Racing

Leichtbau.
The founding principle is based on the comfort series grips of the
P, R, and C ranges. The compact grip body used for the GX1 and
GX2 has a wing form that is a lot slimmer than previous models. The
diameter of the centre of the grip is also slimmed down makes it ideal
for situations where constant hand position changes are required
because of the varying terrain. The grip is made of a lightweight
rubber and combined with the secure lightweight clamp the GX1
model is significantly lighter than our previous grips. The GX2 model
is supplied with integrated 100% carbon barends weighing only 34g
each which use Wrap Mold Technology (WMT) making an alu insert
unnecessary. The GX series is the new watchword for racing grips.

Scratch resistant,
highly secure lightweight
alu Clamp
Compact grip body for fast
hand position changes

Slim, flat wing

Low density lightweight

rubber with excellent damping
properties
WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM 9

New A lightweight grip for racing. The same lightweight

GX2 Leichtbau grip body as the GX1 but featuring a lightweight

magnesium barend. The barend and support platform
on the grip can be independently adjusted for the
correct angle to allow the best fit for individual saddle
position and riding style.

1 size: GX2
1 size: GX2 Team Edition green

Weight • 228 gram per pair

Barend • Magnesium
Use • Pro Racing

New A lightweight grip for racing. The same lightweight

GX2 Leichtbau Carbon grip body as the GX1, but featuring a newly developed
multi-position barend made from 100% carbon
and weighing only 34g each. By using WMT (wrap
mould technology) an alu insert has been deemed
unnecessary. The barend and the support platform on
the grip can be independently adjusted for the correct
angle to allow the perfect fit for individual saddle
position and riding style.

1 size: GX2 Carbon

1 size: GX2 Carbon Team Edition green

Weight • 178 gram per pair

Barend • 100% Carbon
Use • Pro Racing
10 WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM

New Lightweight version of the GP1 grip. The use of lightweight

GP1 Leichtbau materials such as a lighter rubber compound and a carbon

clamp the weight of the grip has been reduced by 40%
compared to the original GP1. The comfort factor however
is unchanged.

2 sizes: S, L GP1 Leichtbau

2 sizes: S, L GP1 Leichtbau Gripshift® compatible
2 sizes: S, L GP1 Leichtbau Team Edition
2 sizes: S, L GP1 Leichtbau
Team Edition Gripshift® compatible

Gender • Unisex
Size • Small, Large
Clamp • Carbon Fiber Composite
Use • Pro Racing

New Lightweight version of the GR2 grip. The use of lightweight

GR2 Leichtbau Carbon materials such as a lighter rubber compound and an
integrated 100% carbon barend weighing just 36g each
GR2 Leichtbau Magnesium allows the weight of the grip to be reduced by 50%
compared to the original GR2. The comfort factor however
is unchanged. Also available with magnesium barends.

2 sizes: S, L GR2 Leichtbau Carbon

2 sizes: S, L GR2 Leichtbau Carbon Gripshift®
2 sizes: S, L GR2 Leichtbau Carbon Team Edition
2 sizes: S, L GR2 Leichtbau Carbon
Team Edition Gripshift® compatible

without fig.:
2 sizes: S, L GR2 Leichtbau Magnesium
2 sizes: S, L GR2 Leichtbau Magnesium Gripshift®

Gender • Unisex
Size • Small, Large
Barend • Carbon
Use • Pro Racing
WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM 11

GP1 The GP1 series of grips offer maximum comfort and the
best possible pressure distribution. They are specially cut
for a small to middle sized hand (Size S: 6.5 / 8.5 -
particularly good for female hands), as well as for middle
to larger sized hands (Size L: 8.5 – 10.5). They feature
a forged alu clamp for fast and secure installation. The
support platform is individually incrementally adjustable for
the correct hand angle by simply turning the grip.

2 sizes: S, L GP1
2 sizes: S, L GP1 Gripshift® compatible
2 sizes: S, L GP1 Rohloff® / Nexus® compatible

Gender • Unisex
Size • Small, Large
Clamp • Forged Alu
Use • Mountainbike, Touring

Problem: Solution: Problem: Solution:

Carpal tunnel- Ergon Grip Ulna nerve irritation Ergon Grip
syndrom

fig. A fig. B fig. C fig. D

110° 148°

Ergon GP, GC, GR and GX grips prevent numb fingers, painful hands and
forearms – problems that many riders face. The cause of this is high pressure on
the particularly sensitive areas of the palm and an incorrect hand position.
Due to their anatomically optimal design, Ergon grips provide a contact surface
of 100%. Regular grips only provide a contact surface of approximately 60%.
With increased contact surface, pressure is especially reduced in the area of the
ulna nerve, thus decreasing the likelihood of numbness. Furthermore, the
anatomic form of the Ergon Performance and Race Series grips corrects your
hand position. An incorrect hand position and overloading of the median nerve
(a leading cause of carpal tunnel syndrome) are impossible as long as the grip is
mounted correctly.
12 WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM

GC2 Multi-position grips with integrated cold forged alu barends,

which have a dual function acting as the clamps for the
grip. The shape of the grip is identical to the GP1. The

New GC2 is the replacement for the older R1 model. It features

a longer, ergonomically optimized barend, which is
adjustable in terms of its angle on the bar. Its size and
shape are ideal for small to middle sized hands
(Size S: 6.5 – 8.5) as well as for middle to larger sized
hands (Size L: 8.5 – 10.5). The barend and the support
platform can be independently adjusted for the correct
angle to allow the best fit for individual saddle position and
riding style.

2 sizes: S, L GC2
2 sizes: S, L GC2 Gripshift® compatible
2 sizes: S, L GC2 Rohloff® / Nexus® compatible

Gender • Unisex
Size • Small, Large
Barend • Forged Alu
Use • Mountainbike, Touring

GR2 Originally developed for racing using the experience of

riders at the Transalp Challenge, the grip body is the
same as the GC2. The light 100% magnesium 3 finger
barend offers practically the same advantages as a full size
barend despite its small size. Its size and shape are ideal
for small to middle sized hands (Size S: 6.5 – 8.5) as well
as for middle to larger sized hands (Size L: 8.5 – 10.5).
The barend and the support platform on the grip can be
independently adjusted for the correct angle to allow the
best fit for individual saddle position and riding style.

2 sizes: S, L GR2
2 sizes: S, L GR2 Gripshift® compatible
2 sizes: S, L GR2 Rohloff® / Nexus® compatible

Gender • Unisex
Size • Small, Large
Barend • Magnesium
Use • Mountainbike, Touring
WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM
GE1
Bobby Root “The Wheelie King”
Bobby Root is one of the legends of the
Freeride bike scene. The American is
famous for his spectacular speed wheelies
in the cult Mountain Bike films “New World
Disorder”. Dirt-Bikes are Bobby’s life. For
Ergon the 31 year old brings his years of
experience into our product development.
RobJ “Freeride Junky”
“If I am honest, I was somewhat sceptical
when I first mounted the GE1 grips on my
bike. My doubts evaporated though
following the first ride. Normally my hands
and arms tire very quickly, however when it
got gnarly I noticed a considerably higher
level of sensation to normal”.
13
Ergon GE1 developed for riders who prefer technically
demanding terrain. Ideal for Enduro, Freeride and Cross
Country riders who ride the harder lines. The slim cylindical
form allows optimal rotation of the hand on the grip – for
pulling up on jumps, or moving your weight back when
riding drop-offs. The four different surface textures
optimize grip and together with the anatomic shape allow
for maximum control with minimum clamping force being
required from the hand. In the area of the Ulna nerve, at
the ball of the hand, a pressure relief zone has been
included which prevents sleeping fingers. Thanks to an
inside and outside stop bike control is assured. The
extremely secure clamp (patent pending) is made from
forged alu and is 100% twist resistant. Available in two
sizes (both in width and length) to suit different hand sizes
and preferences.
2 sizes: S, L GE1
2 sizes: S, L GE1 Team Edition green
Gender • Unisex
Size • Small, Large
Clamp • Forged Alu
Use • Enduro, Freeride
Marcus Klausmann “Dr. Downhill”
The 11 times German downhill champion is
a complete perfectionist in terms of his bike
and the components. “As a downhiller you
need to have blind trust in your bike. The
GE1 grips are utterly secure on the bar.
With their inner and outer stops they offer
perfect control. Their optimal shape means
I have more control over the machine”.
14 WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM

HM1

All mountain glove. Perfect fit, high flexibility, as little

padding as possible, but as much as necessary. Optimal
compatibility with Ergon grips. The innovative clasp
allows for individual width adjustment and for an exact fit.
Specific models available matched to the different form and
proportions of male and female hand.

4 sizes: S-XL HM1-M – for Men

4 sizes: S-XL HM1-W – for Women

Gender • Male / Female specific

Width • adjustable
Palm material • Clarino® ultra suede
Use • All Mountain
WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM 15
WWW.ERGON-BIKE.COM
Ergon Distribution Germany, International: Ergon Distribution USA:
RTI Sports GmbH Jeffrey Neal
Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 21, 56220 Urmitz/Germany 7616 Lexington Avenue
T +49 (0) 2630 955 20, F +49 (0) 2630 955 230 West Hollywood, CA. 90046
info@ergon-bike.com, www.ergon-bike.com T 323-656-2788, T 877-573-7466 (Toll Free)
F 323-848-9097
jeffrey@ergon-bike.com, www.ergon-bike.com

Topeak / Ergon Pro MTB Racing Team

are sponsored by:

Ergon® is a worldwide trademark, Ergon® product and packaging designs

are worldwide patent pending. GripShift® are registered
trademarks of Sram® Inc, Shimano®, Nexus® are registered trademaks
of Shimano® Inc, Rohloff® is a registered tradmark of Rohloff AG

Ergon® reserve the right to change any products without prior notice