SQlab 710 2.0 Grips Review: Battle of the Mini Wing

Bicycle contact points are inherently personal choices, but because they’re so crucial to comfort, I’m always happy to discuss them and share what works well for me. Our bodies and preferences are unique, but some grips, saddles, and pedals work well for most people, and some are easier to recommend than others. One good example is the Ergon GA3 grips, which have found their way onto many of our editors’ bikes and almost every bike I’ve owned/tested. For years, the GA3 has been my grip of choice because of its unique mini-wing support and minimal shape. It’s supportive enough for long-distance rides but not too ergonomic to get in the way of proper mountain biking. There’s nothing quite like the GA3, but that all changed when SQlab released the new 710 2.0 grips.

SQlab 710 2.0: At a Glance

Germany’s SQlab has a handful of unique grip options in its lineup, including subtly shaped ones and models with more intricate ergonomic shapes. Until recently, however, they haven’t had a grip shape that competes with the popular Ergon GA3. Unlike other grips with larger support wings and built-in bar ends, the GA3 is popular among bikepackers and mountain bikers due to its low-profile yet supportive mini wing, which provides comfort on long rides but doesn’t get in the way on technical terrain. The new SQlab 710 2.0 grips take this concept to a new level.

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Unlike most grips, which are available in one or two sizes, the 710 2.0 grips are available in three sizes, and for the first time, the grip width, circumference, and wing size all change between each size. The idea is that the different sizes should provide better individual fit, improving control and hand position. Like the Ergon GA3, the 710 2.0 grips have a built-in mini wing that alleviates pressure on the ulnar nerve and carpal tunnel. There are diagonal slots on the thumb area of the grip for additional vibration dampening, and a block pattern on the underside provides grip, even in wet conditions.

The 710 2.0’s shape is much more sophisticated compared to other ergonomic grips I’ve used. What I mean by that is that it’s practically never just a perfect cylinder; instead, it takes advantage of various contours and curves to really dial in the grip fill and contact points. SQlab has a helpful, free print-out to assist customers in determining their ideal grip size. Your grip size is determined by the length between the crook of your thumb and the tip of your middle finger. For folks in between sizes, they recommend sizing down for better control.

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I used the size large first, because I tend to get along with large grips and gloves, but it was quickly clear that it was too large. I found the large SQlab grip to be significantly larger than the large Ergon GA3, to the point where it wasn’t comfortable to wrap my fingers around the bar when riding technical terrain. It was less of an issue during casual rides, but I made sure to try out the size medium, since that’s what SQlab’s fit sheet recommended for me. It fit better, providing support under my palm that felt similar to the GA3, but it’s still a larger feeling grip in general. I’d like to try the small size eventually, but I’m concerned that the grip length, which varies between sizes, might end up feeling too short.

I found the relief cutouts, or “lamellar” structure, as SQlab calls it, offered a touch more forgiveness on long rides compared to grips without them. The mini wing itself flares forward and upward at the end, providing both a physical cue to my hand’s position on the grip and a block or “curb” to help keep my hand in position. For added hand positions, the lockring can be removed and replaced with one of SQlab’s inner bar ends, which I’ve also found great for bikepacking.

My only major complaint is that SQlab provides stick-on bar end plugs instead of standard plugs that fit inside the bar itself. These stick-on alternatives are essentially useless, and I lost all of mine almost immediately.

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SQLab versus Ergon

The Ergon GA3 is offered in two sizes: small or large. The circumference of the entire grip, including the size of the mini wing, changes between sizes. The wall thickness of the inner core is tapered, using different diameters of plastic to optimize damping where needed. The most noticeable difference I found between the GA3 and the 710 2.0 is the diameter of the grip as it tapers down away from the mini wing. Ergon’s grips are narrower toward the inside and taper down more abruptly, which I find better for technical riding where I want easy access to my shifter and dropper lever. The separation between the mini wing and the inside section of the grip is much more apparent compared to the SQlab grips. For proper mountain bike rides and singletrack-filled bikepacking trips, I still think I prefer the GA3 grips. However, the larger wing area on the 710 2.0 grips provided a natural place to rest my hand without gripping, which felt noticeably different compared to the GA3 grips.

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I ended up using the SQlab 710 2.0 grips on my scouting trip on the new Alberni Bam Bam route on Vancouver Island, and I had no issues with hand/finger numbness or discomfort during the entire ride. Despite preferring a slimmer grip for mountain biking, I wasn’t complaining about having a larger grip for a multi-day ride, and I found it easier to shift my hand position around slightly during the day. The front face of the grip, facing away from the rider, has a slight ridge where your fingers curl around it, which provides another cue of my hand positioning and gives something to hold onto when things get bumpy.

It’s difficult to choose a clear winner, since both grips are so distinctive but serve a similar purpose. If anything, trying out a comparable grip to the GA3 just rekindled my love for the mini wing, and I’m happy to have more options on hand to sub on to review bikes. In a perfect world, I’d have enough of both to use on all my bikes.

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• Material: TPE Compound/Aluminum
• Weight: 127-170 grams (pair)
• Place of Manufacture: Germany
• Price: $39.99 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: SQ-Lab.com

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