TOGs - A Small Solution To A Big Problem
You like mountain biking marathons, cross country rides, spending long hours on the saddle. But you don't like the feeling of numbness in your fingers or the hand fatigue? So here is a small solution that will not break the bank. It is called TOGS.
The installation is very simple and takes about 2 minutes and similar to that of various GPS unit holders. Simply release the screw to open the hinge, push the TOGS firmly into the handlebar, slide to touch the grip and then tighten the screw with the provided allen wrench until snug but not too tight (if you are using a torque wrench use 1N). You still need to be able to move the TOGS when pushed.
Note that the installation of the plastic version is different and would require you to remove the grips, which slightly complicates matters.
Needless to say that I didn't use them going downhill or on technical sections, where firm grip of the handlebar is called for, but they were not in the way. Basically everywhere else - I found myself reaching for them.
The TOGS are inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install, do not take much room on your cockpit and are easy on the eye. It is a compact and almost unnoticeable solution with a very small weight penalty, that works. If you are very concerned about the extra weight you can shave a few grams with the titanium upgrade kit.
For those of you who care about the bling bling effect, the plastic version comes in different colors and with a claimed similar weight. Sadly, pink is not yet among those colors, but in any event the carbon is making me at least 10 watts faster ;-)
Thanks for reading!
What's TOGS - the theory
Unlike road bike handlebars, where you can change your hand position based on the terrain to maximize efficiency, change your body position to relieve pressure from your upper back and shoulders and prevent your hands from getting numb. Mountain bikers, do not have this luxury. They are locked into one position and only one point of contact with the handlebar. The TOGS, Thumb Over Grip System, is a simple and genius solution, to creating an additional hand position, with a minimal weight penalty.
What does it mean? The TOGS allows you to change the position of your thumb and thus hand by gripping the TOG. This will change your wrist angle and will allow more blood flow and relief to the wrist and hand.
In a Nutshell:
- Model tested: carbon-hinge
- Weight: 18 gr.
- Price: US$30
- Where to buy: togs.com
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| Gripping the TOG with your thumb |
Installation
The installation is very simple and takes about 2 minutes and similar to that of various GPS unit holders. Simply release the screw to open the hinge, push the TOGS firmly into the handlebar, slide to touch the grip and then tighten the screw with the provided allen wrench until snug but not too tight (if you are using a torque wrench use 1N). You still need to be able to move the TOGS when pushed.
Note that the installation of the plastic version is different and would require you to remove the grips, which slightly complicates matters.
Well? Does it work?
Numbness and hand fatigue are problems that I have been suffering from on longer rides, especially on those none technical sections where your hands and body are locked in the same position for more than a few minutes. I have tried everything. From several professional bike fits to padded gloves, ergonomic grips and combination of both. Nothing helped.
After over 2 months of using the TOGS and hundreds of miles on the saddle (and handlebar), I am happy to say. Problem solved. It just works. True there are other solutions in the market - but come'on bar ends are so 90s.
Every time I start to feel my hands/fingers go numb, I move my thumb to hold the TOGS or put my hand on top of them (see picture below) and that's it. I get the feeling back. The fact that you can play with the angle of the TOGS while riding and move them, first will help you perfect the angle that works for you and then will allow you to change it to you liking at any given moment and based on the terrain.
Every time I start to feel my hands/fingers go numb, I move my thumb to hold the TOGS or put my hand on top of them (see picture below) and that's it. I get the feeling back. The fact that you can play with the angle of the TOGS while riding and move them, first will help you perfect the angle that works for you and then will allow you to change it to you liking at any given moment and based on the terrain.
I also found that during long climbs, holding the TOGS released pressure from the handlebar. Bye bye death grip and white knuckles. The result, more relaxed upper back and shoulders, which allowed me to focus on my pedal stroke.
On the flats, the TOGS allowed me to tuck into a more aero position. It is true that I was able to do that before too, but the TOGS provide another grip point to secure my hand on, a plus when I hit rocks or bumps on the road.
While sprinting or climbing out of the saddle, the TOGS are another strategic point that allows for better and more secure grip.
On the flats, the TOGS allowed me to tuck into a more aero position. It is true that I was able to do that before too, but the TOGS provide another grip point to secure my hand on, a plus when I hit rocks or bumps on the road.
While sprinting or climbing out of the saddle, the TOGS are another strategic point that allows for better and more secure grip.
Needless to say that I didn't use them going downhill or on technical sections, where firm grip of the handlebar is called for, but they were not in the way. Basically everywhere else - I found myself reaching for them.
Disadvantages
While you can brake and shift down when your finger is on the TOGS, you cannot shift up. But really, this is a small price to pay. Take your hand off, shift and move back. What's 2 seconds on a 100 miles ride.
Summary
The TOGS are inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install, do not take much room on your cockpit and are easy on the eye. It is a compact and almost unnoticeable solution with a very small weight penalty, that works. If you are very concerned about the extra weight you can shave a few grams with the titanium upgrade kit.
For those of you who care about the bling bling effect, the plastic version comes in different colors and with a claimed similar weight. Sadly, pink is not yet among those colors, but in any event the carbon is making me at least 10 watts faster ;-)
Thanks for reading!
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