INITIAL and SPIRGRIPS®, the secrets of the ergonomic grip

initial scan 3D objet projet impression 3d velo poignee spirgrips © Spirgrips – 3D prototyping
[YOUR CHALLENGES//OUR CREATIONS]

3D design and prototyping

There’s nothing quite like sport for inspiring innovation. Pascal Badollet, an accomplished Geneva-based mountain biker and physiotherapist, certainly agrees.

SINCE 2014, HE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH INITIAL ON HIS SPIRGRIPS ECONOMIC GRIP CONCEPT.

Our Design Office has helped him develop and perfect this product, which has proved a real hit with both amateur and professional cyclists.
Take a look behind the scenes at the design of these innovative grips.

DEVELOPMENT DEDICATED TO ERGONOMICS

An exclusive design

With his training as a physiotherapist, the designer’s aim was to design grips able to offer an alternative position on the handlebars, while correctly aligning the forearm joints.

These inner bar grips are attached to the handlebars, within easy reach, and allow you to enjoy a comfortable position optimising both joint support and muscular performance.

A patented design offering unrivalled grip and comfort.
Thanks to their unique ergonomics, SPIRGRIPS® grips provide the perfect physiological contact points.

spi © 3D prototyping – Spirgrips
Development of this high-tech product.

Acquisition, reconstruction and modelling

The first version of the grip was made from aluminium. After numerous tests in real conditions by competitors, a second optimised version was produced.
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Initial – 3D prototyping
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Initial – 3D prototyping
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Initial – 3D prototyping
A 3D scan of the model

Creation of the 3D file

This file will form the basis for the production of prototype parts, followed by the creation of an injection mould.
This new version was designed to be lighter, warmer and more functional on the handlebars, thanks to perfect compatibility with the latest brakes on the market. A polymer grip was able to satisfy these requirements. INITIAL deployed its product design and 3D scanning expertise to develop this high-tech product.

After the 3D scanning stage, the grip is depicted as a dense point cloud, which perfectly represents the object in terms of its overall dimensions and for defining its finest details.
Our dedicated hub enabled the new geometry to be acquired and guaranteed that the measurements were totally accurate.
This was followed by a reconstruction and modelling phase to optimise the grip.
Combining design and ergonomics for perfect on-bike integration and optimal use.

From prototypes to industrialisation

3D printing for the approval phase

Made by polyamide powder sintering, using aluminium-filled and natural powder, the grips were able to successfully pass mechanical resistance tests.
  • Several iterations were produced in order to approve the new grip’s ergonomics by means of user testing, as well as its perfect on-bike integration.
  • With its tooling and thermoplastic injection expertise, INITIAL was able to successfully industrialise this project.
  • The part is now thermoplastic injection moulded using a composite material.
    SPIRGRIPS® are on sale in specialist stores.
impression 3d prototype poudre plastique aluminium © 3D prototyping
FROM CONCEPT TO COMPETITION The invention wins the gold medal
The invention was awarded the gold medal at the 44th edition of the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions in 2016. The SPIRGRIPS® fan community just keeps on growing. Users really enjoy the experience and want to let people know: “Once you try them, you will love them.”

SPIRGRIPS® grips have also been approved for use in MTB competitions by the UCI.
2 models are currently available: “Road” and “MTB”.