A Review of TOGS (Thumb Over Grip System)

Today I received a package from bike TOGS. Bike TOGS are a piece of equipment, that allows you to hold your handlebars with your thumb on the top of the grips. Before I had heard of TOGS, I was unaware of the advantages of this, especially on climbs. I talked to the people at TOGS in April at the Whiskey 50 race in Prescott, Arizona. I was there supporting my friends and teammates, but unable to ride due to a knee injury. They people at TOGS thought it would be rad to put some TOGS on my crutches. To my surprise, they actually worked on the crutches! But crutches were not what I am going to be using them for anymore, hopefully. I threw on the carbon TOGS, and the custom cut ESI grips onto my bike.
I rode a loop that has a bit of everything from Short steep climbs, to long grueling climbs. I got my thumbs over the grips and on the TOGS. As I climbed up, I felt I had more control of my bike, and was less worn out. When I got to the long, less steep climb, I had more energy throughout, and again, more control. When doing long climbs I tend to hold my bars on the metal, inside the grips. But I didn't need to do that anymore, and I felt a lot better after these climbs. I was shocked to find that when I finished my ride, I had PR'd all the climbs on the loop! No joke! Its fair to say that these are a real game changer, and are going to stay on my bike for good.