Q-Grip Coated Handrims

What information do I need to provide when ordering the Q-Grip?
Wheel Size 22", 24", 25", or 26" and Attachment Type. Be sure that the wheel uses a 6-point tab mount attachment to the handrim. Currently we only offer the Q-Grip for tab mount wheels; we do not yet offer the Q-Grip for Rivet Nut wheels (Spoke or Mag).

What distinguishes the Q-Grip from other coated handrims?
    1.    It has superior durability; it won't easily peel and or tear like other coated rims.
    2.    It is extraordinarily grippy – a very high friction surface to give you more power with every push.
    3.    It provides maximum control when braking.

What material is used for the coating on the Q-Grip?
The coating on the Q-Grip is neoprene which is a latex-free coating. It is a very tacky, high friction, durable surface.

Will the look and feel of the coating surface change over time?
Yes. When you first get your Q-Grips, they will have a shiny, almost too-tacky surface that within a few days will lose its shine. It will revert to a more dull matte finish and the grip will become slightly less tacky as the natural oils from your hands and dust begin to collect on the surface. To maintain maximum tackiness, we recommend regularly cleaning your Q-Grips (see question below).

What is the best way to clean the Q-Grip without damaging the coating?
For cleaning the Q-Grip, we recommend using wipes such as "Clorox Anti-Bacterial Wipes" or cleaning with standard rubbing alcohol.

Is the neoprene on the Q-Grip the same material used to make wet suits?
Yes and no. Yes, neoprene is the same material used to make wet suits. However, although it is the same base material, all neoprene is not created equal - there are different cellular structures used for different neoprenes depending on their purpose. Wet suit neoprene has more "air" and actually has a smoother feel than the tackier, grippier feel of the neoprene on the Q-Grip.

Is neoprene better than a rubber coating?
Neoprene was originally developed by DuPont as a synthetic rubber. As Dupont states on their own website, neoprene is better than rubber in a variety of important ways:
    •    Resists degradation from sun, ozone and weather.
    •    Performs well in contact with oils and many chemicals.
    •    Remains useful over a wide temperature range.
    •    Displays outstanding physical toughness.
    •    Resists burning inherently better than exclusively hydrocarbon rubbers.
    •    Outstanding resistance to damage caused by flexing and twisting.

Is there research demonstrating that the Q-Grip truly offers a higher friction (more grippy) coating than standard vinyl handrims?
Yes, there is. The Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh conducted friction testing that directly compared the Q-Grip (also known at the Tetra-Gripp in Europe) to a standard vinyl coated handrim. This research compared the coefficient of friction of each handrim - the higher the number, the “more sticky” or more "grippy" the surface is. The average coefficient of friction for the Q-Grip was 1.649 whereas for the vinyl handrim it was 1.036. This indicates that the Q-Grip has 59.1% more grip than a standard vinyl handrim. That is a very significant difference.

Will the Q-Grip easily peal and tear like other coated handrims?
No. The Q-Grip will not easily peel and tear like other coated handrims because the coating is bonded to the handrim using a superior application and state-of-the-art manufacturing process that insures both even layering and the strongest possible bond.

How much does the Q-Grip weigh?
The Q-Grip weighs just 20 ounces. Coated handrims typically weigh from 16 to 32 ounces, so the Q-Grip is on the lighter side of that range.

Does the Q-Grip add to the width of my chair?
No, the Q-Grip will not add any width to your chair. The Q-Grip is the same width as a standard vinyl handrim and mounts exactly like a standard handrim. The Q-Grip can be mounted in the close-in (inside hole) or wide mount (outside hole) tab position, based on user preference.

Does the Q-Grip require any special attachment hardware to install it on the wheel?
No. The Q-Grip installs just like a standard handrim and it uses the same attachment hardware. If you are replacing a standard handrim with the Q-Grip, be sure to save and use the same screws to install the Q-Grip.

Do the tires have to be removed from the wheel to install the Q-Grip?
The Q-Grip is currently only designed to go on tab-mount wheels and for tab mount wheels, the tires do need to be removed to install the Q-Grip. For flat free or solid insert tires on wheels with Tab attachments, the Q-Grip must be installed prior to the solid insert tires.

Do I need to wear gloves when using the Q-Grip?
This depends on personal preference. Because the Q-Grip is a fully coated, high friction handrim some people may choose to wear gloves while others may not.