January 26, 2026

Why the AMS RISE Grip Was Designed the Way It Was

Behind the scenes of a grip built for real riders, real hands, and real rides.

With the AMS RISE Grip, we set out to build a grip that works for a wider range of riders without giving up control. No guessing. Just real-world feedback, prototyping, and testing until it felt right.

If you’ve ever wondered why some grips feel good for short rides but become uncomfortable on long descents, or why many “comfortable” grips sacrifice too much precision, this is the story behind RISE.

Here’s why the AMS RISE Grip exists, how it was designed, and what makes it different.

What Problem Were We Trying to Solve?

Our CERO grip had a clear identity: thin, constant diameter, very grippy, aggressive texture, and no compromise on feedback or control. Over time, we saw a consistent pattern: while many riders loved it, others wanted more comfort, especially those with bigger hands or who ride without gloves.

So we asked ourselves:

Can we make a grip that feels great with or without gloves, offers top-level control, and works for a wider range of riders?

How the RISE Grip Project Started

The turning point came from a conversation with Cesar Rojo, the founder of CERO Design, who co-developed the original AMS CERO grip with us. We noticed he wasn’t using the CERO grips on his bikes as OEM, so we asked why.

His answer?

“They’re not the best compromise between grip and comfort.”

That was the spark. Rather than defending what we had, we started designing what was missing.

Prototyping and Testing: Where Comfort Meets Performance

We went through multiple 3D designs and prototypes to refine the shape and feel of the grip. Once we had the geometry locked, we tested different rubber compounds to find the right balance of control, comfort, and durability.

Here’s the thing: softer isn’t always better.

A grip that’s too soft might feel nice on your first ride, but it won’t last. Think of it like tire compounds: Formula 1 qualifying tires are sticky, but they’re done after a few laps. We didn’t want that. RISE had to last, without giving up on ride feel and control.

Key Features of the AMS RISE Grip

Every element on the RISE Grip is there for a reason. No gimmicks. No filler.

Micro-Diamond Texture

This pattern gives you secure grip without being aggressive. It holds well under sweat or rain, but doesn’t chew up your hands if you ride without gloves. It’s a nod to the high grip of the CERO, tuned for comfort.

Ribbed Pads Where You Need Them

The ribbed pads are placed in strategic zones: not just for cushioning, but to deform under pressure, which increases what we call mechanical grip (think of your hands sinking into the grip slightly to lock in). This is different from chemical grip, which is about surface stickiness. (Check out our blog post on mechanical vs. chemical grip if you want to go deeper.)

Asymmetrical Design: Subtle Tuning for Personal Preference

The RISE Grip features a 180° asymmetrical layout, allowing for a bit of personal adjustment. By rotating the grip slightly on the handlebar, riders can fine-tune how the ribbed zones feel: thicker or thinner under the hand, depending on preference. While this isn’t unique to RISE, it’s a thoughtful detail that adds versatility without overcomplicating things.

Simple By Design

We explored a lot of extra features but we dropped most of them. Why? Because less is often more. Overdesign adds weight, complexity, and often doesn’t improve the ride. We kept what worked. Cut the rest.

How the AMS RISE Grip Reflects Our Philosophy

At AMS, we design products that hit the sweet spot between performance and style. We’re not just making components. We’re creating products that riders want to use every day and feel good about.

The AMS RISE Grip continues that mission:

Premium materials
Smart design
No compromise performance
Awesome looks

It’s also in line with how we approach our bar tapes: designed for drop-bar riders who care just as much about grip and control. Whether you’re on the hoods or the grips, feel matters.

So, Where Does This Fit in the AMS Ecosystem?

While we don’t have plans to roll out bars or stems, the AMS RISE fits perfectly into our approach to touchpoint components: the parts you physically connect with when you ride. The plan? To lead the cycling world in grip products, whether that’s for flat bars, drop bars, or whatever comes next.

Final Thoughts: The Grip That Gets It

If the CERO was the grip for race-day aggression, the RISE is for every ride in between: long days, trail sessions, and enduro lines where comfort can’t come second.

We designed it for riders who want: