Time to get a grip? Jones Bikes just launched a handful of new options to help you do just that. Updating the available versions of their Loop handlebar, there’s now a lighter aluminum version plus a full carbon option with a 35mm clamp. Toss on some of their Kraton grips in new colors and an updated Gnarwal, and you’ll have more grip options than you ever dreamed of.
Jones H-Bar Loop Butted Aluminum 2.5
To make a lighter aluminum H-Bar Loop, Jones uses new butted tubing that provides the strength where needed, and weight reduction where it isn’t. The claim is that it’s 165g lighter than their H-Bar Loop SG 2.5/
The bar is also 2″ higher for a more upright position. If you’re not mounting the bar onto a Jones bike, Jones points out that this will allow the bars to work better with normal stack heights. Unlike the new carbon bar, the aluminum bars stick with a 31.8mm clamp. Offered in 660 or 710mm widths, and in black and silver for $122.
Jones H-Bar Loop Carbon 35mm
Of all the 35mm MTB bars, the H-Bar Loop seems like it might be one of the better uses for the larger clamp. These bars are designed to carry extra gear and weight, and when combined with the Gnarwal, there’s a lot of torque applied to the bars and stem. The larger clamp offers increased stiffness at the clamp, while the rest of the bar offers a thinner profile with the typical vibration deadening that carbon provides.
Measuring 710mm wide, with a 45° sweep, the bars have a standard 22.2mm grip diameter that will work with all grips and controls. The bars sell for $350.
Jones Kraton H-Grip in new Colors
While the grips themselves aren’t new, you will be able to pick up a pair in the new grey, red, or orange colors in addition to the original black and clear.
The grips are sold in 205mm lengths for the 710mm wide H-Bars or a shorter 165mm length for 660mm wide H-Bars. Sold with a set of locking bar end plugs, the grips sell for $20 a set.
New Gnarwal in aluminum or Carbon
What is a Gnarwal? It’s an aerobar for the H-Bar! Or, a single tube that can be bolted to the front of your Loop H-Bar that doubles as a mount for accessories. Updating the original, the new Gnarwal now has a wider clamp for a more secure mount with more clamping surface, and a lighter design. Now sold in two options, both use a hollow machined clamp with a bonded tube instead of the bolt and wedge system of the previous gen. The aluminum Gnarwal is claimed to be 17g lighter than previous, while the carbon fiber version is 33g lighter. The aluminum version will be priced at $68, and the carbon version at $98.
Need a grip for that tusk? You can now pick up a single EVA grip for the Gnarwal for $10. Weighing in at 20g, the grip is 165mm long with a 34mm diameter.
