Rocky and uneven terrain with numerous hurdles are food for your adrenalin rush pumping high, but they can give you sore and numb hands at the end of the journey. The importance of MTB or mountain bike grips is often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in making or breaking your biking trip.
The grips are one of three most important points of contact a rider has with the mountain bike. When you jump over the rocks or go downhill, you hang on to these grips for your life. Just like the right helmet and bike gear, the perfect MTB grips also protect your hands and give you more control.
The MTB grips offer three important functions that include a non-slip area for the handlebars, comfortable interface for the biker, and protected bar ends. If you suffer from sore hands after every trip of wish to find out what options are available beyond stock grips, then this guide will help you.
When you are in the market to look for the best MTB grips for sore hands, the plethora of options available are sure to leave you confused. To make it easier for you to find the perfect pair, we have reviewed more than a dozen mountain bike grips available online.
Read on to find the reviews for each product we have handpicked after thoroughly studying the market. Those who don’t have the time to read until the end, we recommend the Ergon GP1 Grips (show now) that are developed by engineers and designers to give you that perfect grip.
| 1. Ergon – GA2 Ergonomic Lock-on Bicycle Handlebar Grips | 2. Odi Bike Grips Handle Rouge | 3. ESI Chunky MTB Grip | 4. Ergon GP1 Grips | 5. Oury MTN Grip | 6. Odi Ruffian Lock-on Grips + Clamps | |
| Material | TÜV-certified rubber compounds of the purest quality | Kraton, Polycarbonate | Silicone | TÜV-certified rubber compounds of the purest quality | Rubber | Rubber grip, aluminum clamps |
| Weight | 0.28 pounds | 0.24 pounds | 0.15 pounds | 0.4 pounds | 0.28 pounds | 0.23 pounds |
| Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now |
#1. Ergon – GA2 Ergonomic Lock-on Bicycle Handlebar Grips
This lock-on bike handle grips from Ergon comes with an extra-thick grip diameter designed for the mountain bikers or gravity riders. People with bigger hands and long fingers benefit from the ergonomic shape of the handle grips that matches with the contours of hand for better control and pressure distribution.
Built from 100% German-made TÜV-certified rubber, the all-mountain bike grips are super soft, and they deliver an excellent tactile feel with damping comfort on all types of terrain. It also helps in eliminating or reducing the hand pain, arm pump, and cramping when riding through rough trails.
The MTB grips come with a low-profile aluminum clamp that allows users to adjust the grip angle for an easy custom fit. It can be easily readjusted when required and the clamp eliminates the need for twisting after it is properly tightened. The manufacturer stands behind the product with a limited 2 year warranty for workmanship and defects in materials.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 9.8 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches
- Weighs 4.6 ounces (0.28 pounds)
- Comes in Small, Large, Twist Shift sizes
- UV stable, Super-soft, 100% German rubber
- Extra-thick grip diameter
- Black anodized aluminum clamp
- Limited 2-Year warranty
User/ Customer reviews
Users have said that the product has marked improvements from the standard GA2 Fat grips to help them make the most of preferred riding position. People with large hands discovered a better grip, reduced soreness, and no numbness after replacing the factory-made products. A few users have said that there is scope for improvement in the bar ends.
Conclusion
Ergon – GA2 is a significant improvement over its predecessors, engineered with extra thick grips to help you take on the road with enhanced confidence and comfort. It’s easy to install over the handlebar and looks rugged enough to take a lot of beating. Overall, we feel it’s a great choice for anyone with large hands or those who do a lot of mountain biking.
#2. Odi Bike Grips Handle Rouge
Odi has been making bike grips for more than three decades and they offer a wide range of styles and designs to choose from. Their Handle Rouges are some of the thickest MTB offerings, designed to give you enhanced shock absorption and beefed-up security.
After you install the MTB grips securely in place with a 2.5mm Allen bolt and a clamp at each end, the 130mm long grips snugly fit to the handlebar to give you a total secure feel. Made from a fairly soft rubber, the large raised pads provide good cushioning to the hands to prevent soreness or numbness.
The Rouge bike grips come with 33mm external diameter, which is too chunky and wide to suit everyone’s taste. The deep grooves assist in channelling away the debris and dirt, while the lock-on design provides a solid grip and 100% slip free performance.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 3 x 3 x 6 inches
- Weighs 4 ounces
- Made from Krato and Polycarbonate
- Extra large raised pads
- Lock-On Grip System
- Includes new Snap Cap End Plugs
- Excellent shock absorption
User/ Customer reviews
Most users find these mtb grips extremely comfortable on hands, something that sticks like glue and reduces numbness or sores from long rides. People also find the lock-ons useful addition to make installation and taking-off the grips easier. A few users have warned that the grips were too thick and way too short for them.
Conclusion
If you are a professional mountain biker who needs solid grips that will stay glued to the hands and help in better performance on a rugged terrain then the Odi Bike Grips are great fit. With perfect lock-on grips and snap cap end plus, they are designed to alleviate hand numbness and give you a good grip. A great buy indeed.
#3. ESI Chunky MTB Grip
This chunky and thick mtb handlebar grip from the house of ESI is easy and affordable options you can get in different colors to suit your bike. Easy to install, they add a lot of value to your bicycle and extra thick grips help in improving the shock absorption. This prevents numbness and hand soreness.
With 32mm grip diameter, they are so thick and extra soft that you don’t need to wear gloves to protect your hands. The grips stay in place and it also includes bar end caps. Besides reducing hand numbness, it also alleviate fatigue arm pump even after covering long distances.
The ESI grips are not affected by adverse temperatures and fare well in both hot and freezing temperatures. Even if your hands are sweaty, the grip stays secure throughout your ride. In case they get mud or dirt on them, they are easy to clean with the help of a hard brush
Product features and specifications
- Measures 9 x 6 x 2 inches
- Weighs 2.4 ounces
- 5-1/8″ in length
- 32mm grip diameter
- Requires no bar adhesion
- Includes bar end caps
User/Customer reviews
Advanced mountain bike riders have said that they slid on the handlebars really quick and held on fast to give a good grip. Most users have said that they found the price point and varied colors really compelling to give these grips a go. Several customers feel that these grips are too thin and they are not durable for long use.
Conclusion
These mtb grips look great and install quickly, however the lack of grooves and thin construction make them not so suitable for professional riders. If you are a beginner who has just started mountain biking and need a more affordable solution can opt for these. Overall, we think these grips offer good value for money.
#4. Ergon GP1 Grips
The Ergon GP1 Grips (learn more) are not ordinary bike grips. They are developed in-house by engineers, designers, and who are passionate about mountain biking. The unique winged shape of Ergon grips alleviates the pressure from hands and nerve area, while providing support to the wrist for an ergonomic position.
With the forged aluminum clamp, you can easily adjust the grip angle to give you a custom fit, and they can be readjusted when needed. The clamps rules out any twisting after they are properly tightened. These grips are designed to work perfectly with the MTB bars, carbon bars included.
With a 22.2 MTB bar diameter, this MTB bike grip provides a perfect mounting area that accommodates your hands and keeps your arm in optimum riding position. For the shifter types, you can find grips in three different varieties Standard Trigger Shifters, Dual Twist Shifters, and Single Twist Shifters.
Products features and specifications
- Weighs 1 pounds
- Forged Aluminum Clamp
- Carbon bar compatible
- 22.2 diameter
- Winged shape
- German made rubber
User/ Customer reviews
People who have used the bike grips for cycle tours found it easy to install and use to get a solid grip on the handlebars without any hand soreness or numbness. Some users have said that adjusting the right angle may take some trial and error but once you establish the right angle, it will be extremely comfortable and give you a great riding experience.
Conclusion
These grips are one of the thoughtfully designed bike grips developed by people who are passionate about mountain biking just like you.
#5. Oury MTN Grip
Made from high quality materials and tested for durability, the Oury MTN Grips are one of the best investments you can do to improve your mountain biking performance. Easy to install, these grips come with a thick profile and raised square blocks to stick to your hands for an optimum grip.
The grips are good enough to fit most mountain bikes and 2.5 outside diameter absorbs the shock and protects your hand from numbness. If your hands get sweaty, the grips will not get slippery but hold on to your hands really well for a steady performance on hilly terrain.
These chunky, sticky, and super comfortable grips fit on the handlebars really well and do a good job at absorbing vibration and shock. They are available in many colors, which further make them a great choice for someone wanting to upgrade their mountain bike.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 7 x 4 x 2 inches
- Weighs 4 ounces
- Soft grips with raised blocks
- Made using high quality materials
- Tested to ensure durability
- Used by professional and amateur riders
User/ Customer reviews
Professional mountain bikers have said that the outer rubber is softer and more durable than the standard grips. Users appreciate the block design as it helps in providing a better grip even when the palms are wet or sweaty. A few users have warned that the ends are made of flimsy material, hence they rip over time.
Conclusion
These are well-built and super comfortable MTB grips that offer good shock absorption to protect your hands from soreness and numbness while riding on rough trails. As these grips are affordable, they are a good option for beginners looking for a decent quality MTB grip. Overall, they offer good value for money.
#6. Odi Ruffian Lock-on Grips + Clamps
These Ruffian Lock-on Grips feature a rugged knurled pattern for optimum traction while riding on the rugged terrain. These MTB grips sport an ultra-narrow profile and their 100% slip-free performance provides full control on different types of terrain.
These grips come with newly designed snap cap end plugs and they often come locking clamps included. We love the diamond zed shaped pattern that creates optimal traction to help your hands stick to the grips despite of the challenges on your way.
We love the ultra narrow racing profile that ensures a less arm pump and the lock-on design that prevents the grips from slipping off the handlebars. Installing and reinstalling the grips are easy when needed, and they turn out to be inexpensive in the long run as the end caps and clamps remain the same.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 130mm length
- Weighs 2 pounds
- Rugged knurled pattern
- Ultra narrow racing profile
- Lock-On Grip System
- Sold as pairs w/ locking clamps
User/ Customer reviews
Most users have said that the grips feel solid and not overly spongy or squishy on the hand, hence the hands are always in an optimum position, eliminating stress. People find the installation part as easy as plug and play, with improved overall performance after putting on the grips. A few users have said that the grips came out scratch less after a crash.
Conclusion
These are well-built grips with excellent texture and feel to give you more comfort in your ride. The lock-on grip technology improves the performance and you will never want to go back to the regular grips. As thee rubberized grips don’t wear out soon, we find them really good for the price.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Best MTB Grips
While all the grips mentioned above are handpicked by our team after thorough analysis, your choice may differ depending upon your personal preference and type of bike. Here are a few things that you need to consider.
Types of grips
You will need to choose from the two types of grips available – slide-on and lock-on style. The slide-on design helps your grips stay in place, while the lock-on design have one single or double clamp locking rings with plastic sleeves for enhanced grips to securely hold the grips in place.
Grip Profile
The MTB grips come in a wide range of profiles, where some are designed to work with gloves, others work with bare hands. The exterior design may include blocks, ridges, or waffles of various thicknesses. Each design offers a different level of shock absorption and vibration damping.
Material used
The silicon grips are light, however they are not durable and prone to getting damaged in an event of crash. Softer materials can give you more control but they wear out faster. The harder compounds have less damping or shock absorption.
Bar plugs
The best quality grips will come with bar plugs that are designed to cover the ends of your handlebars. These come handy to prevent hazards and injury in the event of a crash, and also play an important role in protecting the carbon bars.
Length and shape
Some of the mtb shapes are straight while the others may fit your hand perfectly. It is possible to find both short and long grips. So, you may want to choose the right grips depending on the shape and size of your hand.
Related Questions
Do you need grip glue to install the grips
No, they are not mandatory. If you don’t have grip glue, use a hairspray to generously spray on the handlebar and then slid on correctly. Remember to not twist the grips if they have some kind of design on the exterior surface.
How to remove bike grips without cutting them
If you wish to remove the old worn out of damaged bike grips without cutting them, pour a little rubbing alcohol into the handle bar and grip interface. After some time just start twisting and the grips will come out easily.
How to clean sticky bike grips
To remove the sticky effect from the MTB grips, we suggest that you use a mix of water and liquid dish soap. When the handle gets dry again, use rubbing alcohol to and a clean cloth to wipe off any remaining residue.
See Also:
4 Best Mountain Bike Grips For Vibration
8 Best Bike Racks for Honda CRV
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