MTB Grips buying guide

While biking, all the shocks enter your body through your hands and hips. While a proper saddle protects your spine, you need high-quality MTB grips to lower the intensity of these shocks and enjoy a smooth ride.

MTB grips provide proper support to your hands and allow you to enjoy your ride without any severe shocks. However, to find suitable grips, you need to study all its elements.

A comprehensive buying guide provides all the necessary information on different characteristics. You can quickly go through all details and strike down the best product.

Before all this, you must have proper knowledge about the product. So, let us go through a quick introduction and then move further into the guide.

What are MTB grips, and why should you opt them?

It takes a lot of efforts to roll forward your bike from the crouched position, which includes several possibilities of getting a severe injury.

Therefore, you must be careful of the grips so that no shocks derived from the bumps can move into the bones.

With the mountain bike grips, you can protect yourself from any shoulder injuries and move on the road efficiently.

Basically, the handlebars play a significant role in having reasonable control over the movement of your bike. Thus, mountain bike grips are essential to have a comfortable journey while biking.

These grips are handy to prevent accidental falling. Besides, they are able to reduce vibrations effectively. During mountain biking what you need the most is the security.

Having the mountain bike grip sit is more comfortable to protect your wrist and hands from getting hurt when you are riding on the risky trails.

Types of MTB Grips

Before you go to buy the mountain bike grips, you should be aware of the two different types of grips available in the market.

They are different from each other in terms of the variation of how these two grips are put on. You should know both the styles to make the right purchase for your use.

1. Lock-on

Lock-on grips are equipped with the in-built lock and wrench system. It is not difficult to put on these bike grips.

You need to push the grips onto the bike handlebars and then use the locking method to screw them tightly. It is crucial to make sure that the grips are locked and placed securely.

Usually, the bikers are likely to have Lock-on grips as they offer more security than Push-on bike grips. You can rely on Lock-on grips completely while biking for maximum safety and protection.

2. Push-on

Unlike Lock-on bike grips, these grips do not have any locking mechanism. As the name suggests, you will need to push the grips onto the bike handlebars, and that is all.

You will not have much trouble while using Push-on grips because you can put them on in an easier way. Though they are not able to provide security as much as the Lock-on grips can, they are not the wrong choice for your bike.

So, it entirely depends on your personal preferences how much security you are expecting from the grips and choose any of them accordingly.

Things To Deem About While Buying The Appropriate MTB Grips

Material

1. Rubber

One of the most popular materials is the rubber that bikers prefer to choose for the MTB grips. Rubber is strong and sturdy but provides the right amount of comfort for your hands.

If the rubber is thick, you may find it a little challenging to hold them tightly. Otherwise, thin rubbers are considered as a good option for these grips.

2. Plastic

One major downside of rubber is that it tends to deplete very quickly. So, you can choose soft plastics for more durability. Sometimes, plastics are blended with rubber materials to enhance the toughness without reducing the comfort of the grips.

3. Foam

If your main priority is to get softer grips, you should go for foam materials.

Though foam grips are secure enough to hold, you cannot expect more durability from them. Foam can be a suitable choice for kids because they cannot withstand heavy pressure and get damaged quickly.

4. Gel

Mountain bike grips made up of gel are incredibly durable and comfortable. Also, they are safe and secure to hold while biking. As gel grips are not readily available, you need to search thoroughly to buy them.

5. Leather

You can get the safest bike grips made from leather that offer you the highest security. You may not find a lot of comfort from leather grips, and they are not easily available. So you can get them from online stores or in any sporting stores quickly.

6. Aluminium alloy

Most of the Lock-on grips are designed with aluminium alloy. They are appropriate for the locking mechanism that fastens tightly to the handlebars.

7. Silicon

People looking for a lighter bike grip can choose silicon. But you should keep in mind that they are not durable and tend to wear out quickly. They are also comfortable to hold for a long time.

Size

The size of the bike grips is determined by the diameter of the handlebars, which means you should know the diameter of your bike handlebars to pick up the right size.

There are two diameters, such as standard size (25.4mm) and oversize (31.8mm). So, you must know the accurate measurement to make sure you choose the right size of the grips.

You will find some models come up with the bar plugs which you can adjust according to your convenience. You can also buy them separately so that you can use the same bike grips on different handlebars that vary in size.

Length

You should decide the length of your MTB grips according to your requirements. It will be better to add specifications on the grips so that they fit the handlebars properly.

You can find both short and long grips. People with small hands should not choose long grips because it will be challenging to reach the gear and brake when needed.

Similarly, having the shorter grips will be very inconvenient to control the handlebars on a dangerous trail.

In case your bike has the twist gear, you ought to be more careful while checking the length.

However, the best way to have the right length of your bike grips is to measure the handlebars in advance so that you can enjoy your ride hassle-free.

Shape

Along with the length, the shape of the bike grips is also equally important. There are some grips which are straight. Some other grips are designed ergonomically ensuring that you will get a proper fit.

If your hands are placed in the right position, it will help your entire body to keep control over the bike. Generally, the saddle height has an impact on it, but with a contoured grip, you can sit comfortably and improve your riding skill to a great extent.

So, it will not be a bad idea to order different types of grips. Thus, you can consider the right grip by holding them in your hands. Keep the one that suits you the best and return the others after getting what you exactly need.

It may take some time to become used to the new grips. However, after a few rides, you will not feel any discomfort and have enjoyable riding experience.

Fixing Method

You will find two typical ways of mounting the MTB grips on the handlebars that include a Slide-on design and a Lock-on design.

1. Slide-on Design

Slide-on grips are wired in place, and they do not require any locking mechanism. Oppositely, Lock-on grips are designed with single or double clamp locking rings that hold them in place.

Slide-on grips are made up of rubber, so they are effortless to install. You just need to push them slightly onto the bars. Sometimes, it will require a compressed air gun to fix the Slide-on grips onto the bike handlebars.

Another critical thing to mention about the Slide-on grips is that they become a little bit vulnerable when wet. They will tend to rotate when you are riding in rainy weather or if there is any dirt accumulated under them.

2. Lock-On Design

Lock-on grips have a plastic core that covers around the bar, and it is also less thick than rubbers. You can fasten these grips with the help of a screw.

However, Lock-on grips may feel stiffer than rubber grips, so they are a little challenging to hold for an extended time.

As Slide-on grips are glued and wired to the handlebars, they provide a better direct feel, but you need to cut them off when it comes to removing.

Lock-on grips are safer than the Slide-on grips because of the lock rings. Moreover, the lock rings naturally increase the weight of the grips. If you do not maintain them regularly, dirt and mud will block the bolt, and you will have to put a lot of effort into removing them.

When the Lock-on grips are equipped with two lock rings, they maximize the safety of the riders in the best possible way. Though they add some extra weight, you can ignore it for better security.

The outer lock ring cover space on the bike handlebars that helps you in keeping your hands in place.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Most of the high standard MTB grips have an ergonomic design which is essential for better control and support.

With an ergonomic bike grip, you can get better functionality because it is integrated with the basic design very effectively.

It can take the exact shape of the palm when you need to squeeze the grips so that you can hold onto the handles tightly while riding your bike on a bumpy trail.

That is how it can reduce palm fatigue and spread the impact throughout your body without concentrating on your wrists and hands.

So, bike grips built with the ergonomic standard are very easy to use and maintain.

Along with an ergonomic design, you must consider the comfort of the grips. Without having the right amount of comfort, you cannot efficiently ride on your bike. Therefore, it is highly recommended to search for a comfortable grip to make sure you will have an enjoyable experience on the trail.

Bike grips which can spread the pressure on the hands and wrists to provide better comfort.

You should also make sure that the grips are durable enough and can be installed without putting any extra effort.

Bar Plugs

There are some bike grips designed in a specific way that can be opened from only one end. On the other hand, several are covered entirely, and they do not open at a specific end.

These small details are beneficial to protect yourself from any kind of injuries. If you fall suddenly while riding the bike, the exposed end can hurt you and cause severe injuries.

When you buy a cylindrical grip without any bottom, you must consider the bar plugs. If they do not come up with the grips, you should buy them separately.

For a tight budget, you can replace the bar plugs with strong wine corks, but it will work temporarily. If you are a mountain biking enthusiast, you must use good-quality bar plugs at the end of the grips for better support.

Profile

MTB grips are available with several types of profile. The main purpose of using the profile is to provide comfort to the riders so that they can hold the handles tightly.

Also, it helps to remove moisture and sweat from the skin. You should choose a grip that can deal with any problematic weather conditions. Only then, you will be able to ride your bike without losing control.

Different patterns are found in the market, including small and big square blocks or stylish hexagons. You need to pick up the right one according to your comfort and convenience.

The width also matters when it comes to choosing your grips. You can select a thicker or thinner grip depending on your riding style and requirements.

Thicker grips are good to absorb shocks whereas thinner grips offer a better feeling. But you do not need to worry about it, and you can easily find something between the thinner and thicker grips that can fit your hand perfectly.

Hard or Soft

While buying the mountain bike grips, you must check whether the grips are soft or hard. Not all the grips have the same kind of firmness and softness.

Lock-on grips are made of using rubber, so they are a little softer. But they are fastened tightly on the bars and not move or spin during riding.

However, one of the biggest disadvantages of selecting softer grips is that they tend to get damaged faster. The outboard end becomes affected most of the time.

If only the inboard end is designed with a collar, the outboard end having no collar will become tatty in less time.

Usually, the Lock-on grips are preferred for their soft feeling, and they are ideal for racers and downhillers. For regular riding, you will need something that stays intact for a long time.

Tread Pattern

The tread pattern of the MTB grips can be an essential consideration if you think so. Some of the expert bikers are less likely to pay attention to the tread pattern.

Previously, different types of tread patterns were accessible for the bikers such as fins, gills, stars, holes, ribs, knobbles and much more.

Nowadays, many grips designers prefer to keep it less. You will find a little file tread besides finning and light rippling. But, all of them are available with a minimalist approach.

There are some reasons for this approach. Knobbly bike grips are not so convenient to manage the handlebars while you are riding on a steep trail. No rider will prefer it even if the condition is the worst.

Furthermore, smooth grips are slippery, which you will never look for. So, you will want some detailing. If you are planning to ride on rugged terrain, you should choose the grips accordingly.

Fat or Thin

There is a common belief that fat grips provide more cushioning and comfort as well. But if you check carefully, you will find this is not always true. More padding does not necessarily mean more comfort.

Therefore, you must consider what you exactly need before making your purchase.

You should keep it in mind that with thicker grips, you may find it a little difficult to hold them firmly. If you try to hold onto the grips with more pressure, it will become tiring and extremely uncomfortable after a certain point of time.

If you have small hands, then you should opt for the skinniest MTB grips. Only the ultra-slim grips can offer them the right amount of comfort while holding the bars.

In case of having shovels for your hands, you can choose a little fatter grip for better performance.

Width

Another crucial factor is the bar width that you must consider when you are deciding your MTB grips.

If you do not have the exact idea of the width, you should go for something more extensive, and it will be better to try them in different locations.

Also, you can cut bars accordingly. Aluminium bars are more comfortable to cut at home. You will just need a pipe cutter.

It would help if you were careful about the sharp edges. Also, it is an excellent choice to use a file for removing the sharp edges.

However, carbon bars produce a lot of dust particles while cutting that is responsible for several health hazards. So, you should avoid cutting carbon bars without proper precautions.

Moreover, you should choose between a flat bar and a rise bar. Rise bars are easily adjustable while flat bars are considered more graceful than the rise bars.

Flared Ends

The bike grips designed with flared ends have a large surface area that is extremely useful for achieving better control. So, you can look for the flared ends while buying your mountain bike grips.

Grips which are open on both sides are very convenient to put on, so these grips are easy to use and maintain.

Flared grips do not offer much more comfort, but they are incredibly essential for controlling the bike on uneven terrain. They also reduce the chances of having blisters.

For better protection, flared grips will be an imperative choice instead of the regular bike grips. They can protect you from injuries and ensure a tighter grip effectively.

Different brands come up with bike grips covering different qualities. Besides comfort, you should look for the weather-resistant features and durability of the grips.

Hand Pressure

Hand pressure is closely related to the comfort of your wrists and hands. Without determining the pressure on your hands, you can get your desired comfort from the MTB grips.

You know that without having comfort, it will be hard to maintain your bike. But it is a thin rule that a good grip should be able to reduce the pressure on the hands in a significant manner.

Simply put, the grips you are choosing need to be appropriately optimized so that you can go for a long ride without any discomfort or hand fatigue.

A good quality bike grip can distribute the pressure throughout the large surface area.

FAQs

1. What is the optimum distribution of pressure required in MTB grips?

An even pressure distribution is required in MTB grips so that you don’t have to face any discomfort while riding the bike.

2. How to Clean MTB grips?

They can be easily cleaned by cleaning them with a wet cloth and then, leaving them to dry in the sunlight.

3. How are MTB grips different from regular grips?

It is needless to mention that the mountain bike grips are different from regular grips. There are some specific factors that create the difference.

Mountain bike grips come with more strength and power which is missing in the regular grips. They are more durable and more comfortable to hold, which ensures maximum safety.

It is no brainer that mountain biking involves more risk than regular bike riding on the streets. So, mountain bike grips offer a more industrial standard that can withstand different rigorous activities.

Final Verdict

Your hands control all the movements of your bike. So it is imperative to invest in high-quality MTB grips to provide for proper support.

In this guide, you will get all the necessary details on all the critical factors under one roof. Go through them and select an elite product for your expedition.