Like seats, mountain bike handlebar grips are one of the first things riders change. Manufacturers generally provide low-quality grips but they are cheap and easy to change. If you do long distance rides and suffer from numbness, we have some great options for you.
As your grips are the main point of contact for controlling your bike, they are more important than people think. A feeling of control and comfort will give you more confidence in your riding.
Basic types of mountain bike Grips
You have two main types: General slide-ons and lock-ons. As the name implies, lock-ons actually clap onto the handlebars to avoid any slippage. If you used to have slide-ons on your BMX as a kid (we all had Mushrooms!) you will remember how they used to slide around and twist off.
MTB Grips FAQs
What are the best mountain bike grip brands?
In our opinion, the best MTB grip brands are Ergon and RaceFace. This is based on all the mountain bike grips we have tried and tested among our team and the brands we have stuck with.
What are the most comfortable mountain bike grips?
It’s not always the grip thickness that gives you the comfort. Quality of material and technology of the build is more important. Read the reviews below and see what’s right for you.
What type of pattern is best?
Pro riders may argue for a specific pattern, but an average rider should not do too much research. A decent brand will feel great, whatever the pattern. Saying that some well-designed grips have dedicated pattern groove channels to remove sweat.
What size are MTB grips?
The standard size for mountain bike grips is 130mm, but you can buy smaller or larger sizes depending on your requirements.
How do you remove old mountain bike handlebar grips?
For this, you will need a flat head screwdriver and a lubricant. Pop off the end caps and insert the screwdriver between the handlebar and grip. Lever the grip rubber up and squirt the lubricant under the grip. Work the lubricant around by wiggling the grip and it should slide off with ease.
Recommended lubricants: WD40, hairspray or alcohol-based products. We’ve seen people saying Vodka also works!
So which are the best mountain bike grips on the market? Here’s our pick of the best MTB grips money can buy.
Ergon GE1 Mountain Bike Grips
- Material: Aluminum forged and CNCed Clamp
- Use: Endure, Free ride, Dirt
- Size: One Size
Ergon is one of the top brands for MTB grips and has a huge range of amazing grips. They have won countless awards and accolades for their innovation and engineering. The GE1 series of MTB grips were developed from pro rider feedback after the Enduro World Series. The grip material is even more slip-proof and designed to make your elbows point outwards when doing fast downhill track.
Total weight: 110g
Material: Gravitycontrol Rubber (silicone based)
Added Tech: Grips have different thickness in different parts of the grip to aid control
How to fit Ergon mountain bike handlebar grips
Other Ergon MTB Grips
- THE ORIGINAL: The GP Grip Series is the original ergonomic “winged grip” design that started a comfort revolution for cyclists using flat style handlebars.
- TOTAL COMFORT: GP Series grips eliminate hand pain, numb fingers, sore wrists and forearms. Unique grip shape reduces pressure, relieving the ulnar nerve while supporting the hand and wrist in an ergonomically ideal position.
- CUSTOM FIT: A forged aluminum clamp allows the grip angle to be adjusted for a custom fit. Can easily be readjusted as needed. Clamp eliminates twisting once tightened. (Carbon bar compatible).
- PURE MATERIALS: GP grips are made from 100% German, TÜV-certified rubber compounds for improved flexibility and durability.
- WARRANTY: Limited 2-Year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
- Carbon bar compatible
- Composite with rubber inserts
- For touring, and commuting
- ALL-MOUNTAIN: Developed for all-mountain / gravity riders and those that prefer a rounder grip profile. Purpose-built for precision control at speed, the super-soft, German made rubber compound delivers exceptional tactile feel and damping comfort on any terrain.
- ERGONOMIC SHAPE: Requires less gripping force from the rider while specific zones match the contours of the hand for better pressure distribution, trail feedback and control while reducing or eliminating arm pump, hand pain and cramping when riding rough terrain and extended downhills.
- CUSTOM FIT: A low-profile aluminum clamp allows the grip angle to be adjusted for a custom fit. Can be easily readjusted as needed. Clamp eliminates twisting once tightened. (Carbon bar compatible).
- PURE MATERIALS: GA2 grips are made from super-soft, UV stable, 100% German, TÜV-certified rubber compound for improved tactile feedback, control and durability. Black anodized low-profile aluminum clamp.
- WARRANTY: Limited 2-Year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Lizard Skins Lock-On Peaty MTB Grips
- Lock-On handles with high quality locking system
- Item Package Length: 5.1 cm
- Item Package width: 10.2 cm
- Item Package Height: 17.8 cm
Lizard Skin specializes in mountain bike accessories and bike protection gear. They have their own manufacturing plant based Utah, USA and have a loyal following in the MTB world. These are lock-on grips with double clamps (included) great rubber and pattern and comes in ten different colors.
RaceFace Half Nelson Locking Mountain Bike Grips
- Single lock on grip
- Super slim low profile design lightweight 24g lighter than Race Face Sniper lock on Pair
- Uses Race Faces soft and durable super tacky VEXY
RaceFace is based in Vancouver, Canada and specializes in mountain bike components and accessories. These MTB grips are single lock meaning they just have one collar that locks to the handlebar. The grips are super slim but really comfortable and use RaceFace’s Vexy rubber which has a sticky feel.
The grooves in these bike grips are not just for style, they are actually sweat channels to remove moisture.
Currently, 80% of reviews on Amazon for these grips are 5 stars.
ODI Vans Grip with Lock-On Clamps, Black
- Item Package Weight: 0.136 kg
- Item Package Length: 3.048 cm
- Item Package width: 11.43 cm
- Item Package Height: 17.526 cm
- Constructed from ODI's proprietary grip compounds for a consistent feel that provides exceptional control in all conditions
Another popular, best-selling mountain bike grip brand – Odi. These lock-on grips are single clamps and made of Odi’s high tech rubber which slip free material. The total length of these mtb grips is 130mm, weigh 99g and come in five different colors.
Oury Grip Lock On MTB Grip Bonus Pack
- Used by both professional and amateur rideres
- Anti-vibration, large pad design eliminates numbness and slipping for any size hand.
- The extremely soft rubber will give you excellent control and maximum comfort.
- Handsomely detailed design adds beauty to any bike. Made in the U.S.A.
- 1.26 O.D, 7/8-Inch I.D, 4.5-Inch Circumference, 5 1/8-Inch (clamp to clamp 127.317 mm), 5 1/4-Inch (front clamp to end of end cap 133.35 mm)
Oury is another US based manufacturer, but only makes grips for mountain bikes and BMXs. These grips have large padded squares which are said to stop hand numbness, reviews by other buyers have stated they do work well. Comes with double clamps and screws, and easy to fit onto your MTB handlebars.
SRAM Locking Grips with Clamps and Plugs
- Color: Black
- SRAM Locking Grips
- Pack of 2 pcs.
- Clamps and plugs included
- Available in Black, White, and Red
Every serious mountain biker knows the Spram brand, they make some of the worlds best parts and used by pro riders. Not many know they actually make MTB grips too. These grips are low cost and come with a single clamp and end plugs. We have one pair of these in the office and found them easy to fit and comfortable to ride with.
Sensus DisIsDaBoss with Odi Lock-On Mountain Bike Grips
Designed by Andreu Lacondeguy and are extra long with a total length of 143mm. These grips are munufactured by Odi in the uS.
Chromag Palmskin Mountain Bike Grips
Chromag Bikes is a Candian based company who make a range of mountain bike parts and accessories. These mountain bike handlebar grips have great anti-slip due to the moisture channels which take the sweat away. The grips are lock-on with double clamps to stop any movement. The Palmskin is made of Chromag’s proprietary rubber which has a sticky texture for added grip. The grips come in 3 different color schemes below.
