Mountain biking can be a thrilling and enjoyable experience, but it can also be challenging, especially if you don't have the right equipment. A good pair of grips is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any mountain biker.
Most grips help you maintain a secure and comfortable hold on your bike's handlebars, which is essential for controlling the bike and staying safe on the trails. Many options are available when it comes to mountain bike grips, and it can be tough to know which ones are the best.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best mountain bike grips on the market and help you find the perfect pair for your needs. We'll cover everything from durability and comfort to grip pattern and price, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting your mountain bike grips.
How We Search For The Best Choice
There are a lot of different types of mountain bike grips. Finding the right one for your mountain bike can be challenging. The best way to do this is to test them out.
However, if you don't have time or don't want to spend money on grips that you may not like, then read this article to learn about our search for the best mountain bike grip.
Durability
When searching for the best mountain bike grip, durability is an important factor to consider. You want a grip that will hold up to the rough terrain and frequent use that comes with mountain biking.
Look for grips made from durable materials such as silicone, rubber grip, or a combination of the two. These materials are known for their ability to withstand wear and tear and are less likely to break or become damaged over time.
Comfort
When searching for the best mountain bike grip, comfort is an important factor to consider. A comfortable grip is essential for long rides, as it can help reduce hand fatigue and keep you riding comfortably all day.
It is also a good idea to choose a grip that fits your hand size. A grip that is too small may not provide enough surface area for a secure hold, while a grip that is too large may be uncomfortable.
Grip pattern
The grip pattern is an important factor to consider. The grip pattern refers to the texture or design on the surface of the grip. Different grip patterns can provide different levels of traction and comfort.
A grip with a wavy or textured pattern can help keep your hands from slipping, which is important for maintaining control on the trails. These types of grips are often preferred by riders who frequently ride in wet or muddy conditions, as they provide extra traction when the grip surface becomes slippery.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when searching for the best mountain bike grip. Grips range in price from less than $10 to over $50, so it is important to consider your budget when selecting.
In general, more expensive grips may have more features and be made from higher-quality materials, which can result in better durability and performance. However, it is also possible to find high-quality grips at a lower price point.
Our Top Picks
Here are the five best choices that we have found while doing our research:
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
ODI Rogue Long 130 mm mountain bike grips are designed to provide a comfortable and secure hold on your handlebars. They feature a padded surface and an ergonomic shape to help reduce hand fatigue on long rides. The grip pattern consists of small dimples on the surface, which provides a good amount of traction without being too aggressive.
These grips come in a bonus pack, which includes two grips, as well as push-in end caps and bar ends plug. The end caps and plugs help protect the ends of the handlebars and give the grips a finished look.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Odi Mountain Bike Grips are made in the USA and come in two different sizes. Both grips have a soft, comfortable rubber material that is easy to install on your mountain bike handlebars.
ODI grips are made from a proprietary blend of rubber compounds, which helps to improve their durability and comfort. They are also compatible with ODI's Lock-On system, which allows for easy installation and removal without the use of any tools.
The Grips are made from plastic material and are 3 x 3 x 6 inches long. They feature lock jaw clamps for added durability and ensure your grip will stay where you put it!
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted user wrote:
"I've used this product for a while now, and they are really nice. They have a great feel to them, and they look awesome! There are many different colors to choose from. I would definitely recommend these grips.
I love these grips because they are soft to the touch but still sturdy enough to hold the bike together. The rubber is very durable and long-lasting; it will not wear down or crack easily.
The design of these grips is very attractive with many different colours to choose from. These grips are great for anyone looking for a simple yet stylish upgrade for their mountain bike handlebars!"
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
RaceFace Half Nelson mountain bike locking grips are designed to provide a secure and comfortable hold on your handlebars. They feature a wavy grip pattern that provides good traction and a soft, cushioned surface that helps reduce hand fatigue. The ergonomic grip is designed to fit the hand's natural contours and improve comfort.
One of the standout features of these grips is their lock-on design. The lock-on system uses a single clamp to secure the handlebar's grip, eliminating the need for glue or wire to hold the grip in place. This makes it easy to install and remove the grips and helps prevent them from slipping during use.
Things That Are Good To Know
These grips are made of soft rubber, so they're comfortable on your hands. They fit most standard MTB bars and are easy to install. The grips measure 8 x 2 x 6 inches and weigh 0.09 Kilograms, making them one of the lightweight grips available on the market today. They also have a single lock-on grip design that helps ensure you don't lose your grip even during long rides in wet or dry conditions.
The grips have a super slim low profile design that makes them very lightweight, which is great for anyone who likes to ride fast with minimal friction between their hands and bike handlebars.
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied customer said:
"I've used this product for over a month now, and I have to say that I'm impressed. The locking feature works well, they're comfortable, and they look great on the bike.
The only thing that could be improved is the grip material. Race Face Grips are an excellent choice for riders who want to add a little style to their ride."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The ESI Chunky MTB grips are a popular choice among mountain bikers due to their unique design and comfort-enhancing features. The grip pattern consists of a series of raised ridges that provide a good amount of traction, while the silicone material of the grip is soft and flexible, which helps to reduce hand fatigue.
One of the standout features of the ESI grip is its ability to conform to the shape of your hand. The silicone material can stretch and move with your hand, which helps to reduce pressure points and improve comfort. The grip is also resistant to sweat and weather, which makes it a good choice for riders who frequently ride in wet or humid conditions.
Things That Are Good To Know
This is an excellent grip to get if you're looking for a grip that's extra thick and soft. This mountain bike grip has an easy installation process, but it may not be the best option for beginners because it can be difficult to put on at first. The grip comes in black and will fit your hand comfortably with its soft silicone material.
The Bike Grip comes in 9 x 6 x 2 inches for extra thickness, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced riders who want extra padding when riding their bikes off-road or downhill trails where there are lots of obstacles like rocks and roots along the way!
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted buyer said:
"I've used this product for years on my mountain bike. It's a great lock, and I have never had a problem with it, even in wet conditions.
They are very easy to use and require no tools at all. You simply slide on grips them onto your handlebars, tighten them down, and then use the key provided to lock them into place.
They offer a good amount of security as well as comfort, but they do take away some of the feel from the handlebars because of how thicker grips they are."
Best Choice For Reducing Fatigue in Hands
Ergon - GE1 Evo Ergonomic Lock-on Bicycle Handlebar Grips
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
Ergon GE1 Evo ergonomic lock-on bicycle handlebar grips are designed to provide a comfortable and secure hold on your handlebars. They feature a unique shape that is designed to fit the natural contours of the hand and reduce hand fatigue on long rides.
The lock-on system uses a single clamp to secure the handlebar's grip, eliminating the need for glue or wire to hold the grip in place. This makes it easy to install and remove the grips, and also helps to prevent them from slipping during use.
The Ergon GE1 Evo grip is available in two sizes - regular and slim - to fit different hand sizes and preferences. It is also available in various colors to match your bike's style.
Things That Are Good To Know
These mountain bike grips are designed with ergonomic features to reduce hand fatigue and discomfort. The grips feature a soft rubber compound that is good for long rides and mountain bike grips.
The super-soft and semi-translucent grip material provides maximum damping with improved pressure distribution, ensuring that you will have a comfortable ride. The Ergon Grips are available in different sizes to fit most handlebars: 9.84 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches.
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied user said:
"I love it! The first thing that struck me is how comfortable my hands are when the Ergon grips are in place. They're a little bit of an investment, but they pay off over time with improved comfort and reduced hand fatigue.
The ergonomic design makes it easier to hold onto the handlebars without straining your fingers as much as regular grips, which means less fatigue during prolonged rides in rough terrain."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The GPMTER Bike Handlebar Grips are designed to fit BMX bikes and feature a single lock system to keep them securely in place on the handlebars. They are made of a durable rubber material that is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip while riding.
Make sure that the grips are aligned properly with the handlebars and that they are tightened securely, but not too tightly, to avoid damaging the handlebars or the grips. It is also a good idea to periodically check the tightness of the grips to ensure that they remain securely in place.
Things That Are Good To Know
The GPMTER Mountain Bike Handlebar Grips are made of high-quality materials and are easy to install. The grips are single-lock, and you will not have any issues with them slipping out of place while riding. The grips are also comfortable and soft, so you can grip them well while riding the bike.
The main feature that makes this product stand out from the rest is its non-slip Thermoplastic rubber hand grip that gives you great control over your bike, even when riding at top speed or going downhill. This helps ensure your safety on the road or off-road trails, giving you the ultimate peace of mind as well as comfort throughout your ride.
These ergonomically designed grips come in different colors, so you can choose whichever one best matches your style preference or color scheme.
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied customer wrote:
"This is a great product. I've used it for about a year, and it has not failed me. It has not broken down or come apart from my handlebars. The rubber grips are very durable and comfortable, and they're flexible enough to conform to your hands and fingers.
The rubber material is also resistant to temperature extremes, so you don't have to worry about them melting in the sun or cracking in the cold. These are definitely worth the price, especially if your bike doesn't have grip tape on its handlebars already!"
Emma
Mountain Bike Grip FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about mountain bike grips. We've compiled all the answers to help you make the most informed decision when selecting your ideal grip for your next adventure.
What is the purpose of mountain bike grips?
Mountain bike grips are designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip on the handlebars of a mountain bike. They are made from a soft, rubber-like material and are typically cylindrical in shape.
The purpose of mountain bike grips is to help the rider maintain a secure grip on the handlebars while riding over rough terrain and to reduce hand fatigue during long rides. They also help to absorb shock and vibration, which can help reduce hand and wrist fatigue.
What materials are mountain bike grips made of?
Mountain bike grips are typically made from a soft, rubber-like material. The specific type of rubber used can vary, but many mountain bike grips are made from compounds such as silicone foam grips, Kraton, or a blend of different rubbers.
These materials are chosen for their durability, grip, and ability to absorb shock and vibration. Some mountain bike grips may also include a layer of foam grips or gel under the rubber surface to provide additional cushioning and comfort.
What are lock-on grips and how do they work?
Lock-on grips are a type of mountain bike grip designed to stay securely on the handlebars. They consist of two main parts: the grip itself, which is made of rubber or similar material, and a pair of aluminum or plastic clamps that hold the grip onto the handlebars.
To install lock-on grips, you slide the grip onto the handlebar and then use a hex wrench to tighten the clamps around the grip and handlebar. The advantage of lock-on grips is that they stay in place very securely, so there is no need to worry about them slipping or rotating on the handlebars. They are also easy to remove and install, making replacing them convenient if they wear out or get damaged.
Can mountain bike grips be used on road bikes?
Mountain bike grips can technically be used on road bikes, but they are generally not the best choice for this type of bike. Mountain bike grips are designed to be used on handlebars that are typically wider and have more of a straight, upright position, while road bike handlebars are usually narrower and have a more aerodynamic, bent position.
As a result, mountain bike grips may feel awkward or uncomfortable on road bike handlebars. They may also cause the rider's hands to be positioned in an unnatural or less efficient position. In general, it is best to use grips that are specifically designed for road bikes on a road bike. These grips are typically narrower and have a more streamlined shape to fit the narrower, more aerodynamic road bike handlebars.
How do I choose the right size grip for my mountain bike?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right size grip for your mountain bike:
Handlebar diameter
Make sure the grips you choose are compatible with the diameter of your handlebars. Most mountain bike handlebars have a diameter of around 22.2mm, but some may be slightly larger or smaller.
Grip circumference
The grip circumference is the distance around the outside of the grip. This can affect how comfortable the grip feels in your hand and how much grip you have on the handlebars. A larger grip circumference may feel more comfortable, but it may also make it more difficult to hold onto the handlebars when your hands are sweaty.
Grip length
The length of the grip is also important, as it determines how much of your hand will be in contact with the grip. A longer grip may feel more comfortable, but it may also make it more difficult to reach the brakes and shifters.
Personal preference
Ultimately, the right grip size is a matter of personal preference. Some riders may prefer a larger grip circumference for added comfort, while others may prefer a smaller grip for better control. It is generally a good idea to try out a few different sizes and styles of grips to see which ones feel the most comfortable and provide the best grip for your hands.
How do I install mountain bike grips?
To install mountain bike grips, you will need to remove the old grips from your handlebars and then slide the new grips onto the handlebars.
Some grips may have a lock-on mechanism that requires you to tighten a clamp or bolt to secure them in place, while others may be pushed onto the handlebars.
How do I maintain mountain bike grips?
To maintain mountain bike grips, you should clean them regularly to remove dirt and grime. You can use a mild soap and water solution or a specialized grip cleaner to clean the grips. If the grips are starting to wear out or become slippery, you may need to replace them.
Can I use bar tape instead of mountain bike grips?
Yes, it is possible to use bar tape instead of mountain bike grips on your mountain bike. Bar tape has a thin grip diameter flexible layer of padding that is applied to the tops of road bike handlebars to provide a comfortable grip surface.
However, bar tape may not offer the same level of durability and grip as specialized mountain bike grips.
Can I use mountain bike grips on a drop handlebar?
Yes, you can use mountain bike grips on a drop handlebar. Drop handlebars are typically found on road bikes and have a curved, downward-sloping shape. Mountain bike grips may be more comfortable to hold onto on a drop handlebar for long periods than traditional road bike bar tape, but they may not provide as much grip in wet or slippery conditions.
Can I use grip glue to install mountain bike grips?
Yes, you can use grip glue to install mountain bike grips. Grip glue is a special adhesive that is designed to help hold mountain bike grips in place and prevent them from slipping or rotating. To use grip glue, you will need to apply a thin layer of glue to the inside of the grip and then slide the grip onto the handlebar.
Grip glue can be a useful tool for securing mountain bike grips, especially if you use traditional grips that are pushed onto the handlebar rather than lock-on grips.
However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using grip glue to ensure that it is applied correctly and does not affect grip performance.
What Is The Best Mountain Bike Grip For You?
In conclusion, the best grips are comfortable, durable, and provide a secure grip while riding. Many types of mountain bike grips are available, and the right one for you will depend on your preferences and the riding you do.
Some factors to consider when choosing mountain bike grips include the material they are made of, the type of grip pattern they have, and whether they have any additional features such as metal lock rings or single clamp systems.
It is also important to consider the size and shape of the grips to ensure that they fit your hands and the handlebars of your bike properly. Ultimately, the best mountain bike grip is one that meets your needs and preferences and helps you ride more comfortably and confidently on the trails.
Daniel
