Prolonged contact pressure on the ulnar nerve running through your palm causes the tingling and numbness that progresses to arm pump during extended descents or rough trail sections. The GA2 Grip from Ergon uses an ergonomically shaped profile with variable-thickness zones that distribute pressure across a wider contact area, reducing concentrated force on nerve pathways. The grip's inner core features tapered wall thickness calculated to optimize damping characteristics—thicker sections absorb high-amplitude impacts while thinner areas maintain trail feedback. GravityControl rubber compound manufactured exclusively for Ergon in Germany uses medical-grade white oil as the sole plasticizer, producing a super-soft material that's TÜV-certified for purity and free of filler compounds that degrade over time or exposure to UV radiation.

The grip measures 30mm diameter at its widest point and ships as left/right-specific pairs with texture patterns positioned to match natural hand grip zones. Single inboard aluminum clamps secure the grips while leaving maximum rubber contact area at the bar ends where your palm sits during aggressive riding. This clamp design works with carbon handlebars at low torque specifications and includes replaceable end plugs that you can swap if damaged during crashes. The varying wall thickness in the inner core allows sections to compress differently under load—you get damping where hand pressure concentrates while maintaining direct bar feel through your fingers and thumb.

The soft compound reduces the grip force required to maintain handlebar control, which delays forearm fatigue accumulation during long descents or repeated technical sections. If you're experiencing hand numbness after rides or noticing arm pump developing earlier than your fitness level suggests it should, the wider contact area and ergonomic shaping address both issues simultaneously.