<nods> Yes, I've seen that review of the over-grips, Pete...thanks for flagging it, though. It is a decided downside, and I don't doubt the review. The trouble is, when it comes to brake hood padding, there really isn't much out there to choose from. I would much prefer G-form's dedicated hoods 'cos the squishy stuff is encapsulated in the molded hoods and is *much* more stable, plus there are no adhesive issues to deal with. The adhesive overgrips don't appear they'd be very long-lived under constant, heavy use from user reports I've seen (including one from JimG, a nice fellow and an old iBOB alumnus from my days there).
Though they looked kinda homegrown, Spenco once offered sleeves made of either their usual nylon-covered, nitrogen-filled blown neoprene foam (skin-diver's suit material, essentially) or gel-foam that was sewn into sleeves that slipped over the hoods. It was available in black, was stable, and lasted a long time. I may need to pay a visit to Eugene Skin Diver's Supply to pick up some neoprene sheeting. As I recall from my last go-'round with it, there's a variety of thicknesses to choose from. The trouble is I don't have a sewing machine with a free-arm small enough to fit inside the loop to make a butted joint that is held by overcast stitching. I'd have to do it by hand, and that's tough to do. I did see a NOS set of Spenco gel covers for sale the other day, but never much liked the gel and they were blue.
Tektro's hoods are unusually dense and unyielding. I looked to see if Hudz made a cover like the old aftermarket A'Me hoods I fitted t my rando bike. Those are made of a sort of spongy-feeling rubbery urethane and are really comfortable. The Tektro hoods are interchangeable with the ones offered by Cane Creek, but the only difference I can see is the CC ones have little lizards embossed on them instead of being pebble-grained.
I'm tempted to slice and fit a section of dense Grab-On foam and fit it to the back of the hoods, but I'm not sure how to hold it secure. Sure, it could be taped in place, but that would look
bad, and aesthetics count as much as comfort!
Oh! And the Nitto Lamp Holder...exquisitely finished and unassailable quality as with all Nitto products, this would be ideal with a quill stem, drop 'bars and a Rohloff. Though my current setup "stacks" a bit high, I really like it, and it leaves room for me to mount the HB bag down low and up close to the steerer to minimize any effect on handling, so I'll probably stay with what I have; it is just working so well for my needs. "Different", yes! but "just right" for my needs at present.
All the best,
Dan.
