In need of an upgrade to your bicycle grips, but still unsure which one you should choose? Then you’re at the right place.
There is, however, a seemingly endless array of options with different features, which can be cumbersome for you. I’m here to guide you through the 13 best mountain bike grips currently on the market.
Make sure to read everything carefully before scrolling down for helpful buying tips and other in-depth reviews.
Why You Need A Good Pair Of Mountain Bike Grips?
What distinguishes a quality pair of mountain bike grips from a cheaply made one is not only the feelings of hands, but also the hours of happy and enjoyable riding.
A good pair of mountain bike grips should deliver the maximum comfort to your hands over an extended period of time, and it should give you adequate and precise steering control.
Not only that, the component choice and construction should contribute to the grips’ durability and, most importantly, its life shell.
Benefits Of Using Mountain Bike Grips
Designed with comfort in mind, mountain bike grips promise to deliver you:
- A great amount of cushioning and padding
- Good vibration damping (Shock absorption)
- Ergonomic design to keep your hands comfortable (Little or no hand fatigue)
What Are The Best Mountain Bike Grips To Buy In 2021?
To warm up, take a quick look at the summarized list of 13 best mountain bike grips which I’ve carefully picked for you:
- Best Overall: Race Face Half Nelson Mountain Bike Grips
(Well-built, low-profile design, channel away dirt and debris, outstandingly responsive, sticky and tacky, perfect for down-hill, all-mountain, cross-country rides)
- Best Value: GPMTER Mountain Bike Grips
(Economically designed, added protection with tri layers, nice grip, excellent vibration and shock damping, ideal for most types of bikes, offers extensive warranty)
- Best Budget: Vktech Mountain Bike Grips
(high-quality components, effortless installation, comes with manufacturer’s guarantee, compatible with most handlebars)
- Best All-Weather Grips: Outerdo Mountain Bike Grips
(High-quality component, greatly reduce shocks and vibration, can be used with or without gloves, suitable for various bike breeds)
- Best for All-Mountain Rides: Ergon GA2 Mountain Bike Grips
(Carbon bar-friendly, constructed with quality and details, great amount of cushioning, varied thickness for maximum damping)
- Best Surface Pattern: MARQUE Mountain Bike Grips
(Attractive patterns, slim and comfortable design, secure locking system, outstanding grip under all circumstances)
- Best Comfortable: Schwinn Mountain Bike Grips
(Ergonomic design relieves all tensions and pressures on hand palms, high-quality and durable Kraton components, large palm area, textured pattern)
- Best for Big Hands: Odi Rogue Mountain Bike Grips
(Very cushioned, high-quality construction, deep grooves to channel out any dirt, includes snap cap end plugs)
- Best Dual-Lock Grips: Fifty-Fifty Mountain Bike Grips
(Highly grippy and comfortable, quality and durable construction, tacky feeling)
- Best Grips With No Gloves: ODI Ruffian Mountain Bike Grips
(Knurled pattern provides excellent traction in all conditions, double lock protects handlebar from damage, locking clamp included, nice fit)
- Best for Gravity Riders: Ergon GE1 Mountain Bike Grips
(Little gripping force needed, compatible with carbon bars, improves body’s posture for better cornerings, adjustable angle grip, 2-year warranty)
- Esi Chunky Mountain Bike Grips
(Effortless installation, lightweight and comfortable, compatible with RockShox Twist Loc, custom fit, secure hands and handlebar)
- ODI Elite Pro Mountain Bike Grips
(Affordable quality, feels great on bare hands, responsive, excellent amount of traction)
Best Mountain Bike Grips Comparison Chart 2021
I’ve also included a comparison of 13 best mountain bike grips to help you choose the one suited you best.
Read more:
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Top 13 Best Mountain Bike Grips Reviews In 2021
I can’t wait no more to introduce you to the 13 best mountain bike grips. Let’s dive right in!
Best Overall: Race Face Half Nelson Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Good value
- Simple and lightweight construction
- Easy to install and fits well
- Low-profile design, does not trap dirt
- Provides a good response and a tacky feeling
- Feels great on different terrains – downhill, all-mountain, cross-country
Cons
- A little bit thin
- Might be a bit small for those with big hands
The Raceface Half Nelson grips will definitely impress you as they provide sufficient cushion as well as a decent response to your palms.
They have a slim and low-profile shape which provides a desirable tacky feeling, and the soft, durable, yet grippy compound gives you a comfortable feel throughout the journey.
Featuring topographic moisture channels, they work to deliver you a comfortable feeling and reduce any hand numbness or slick when sweat. Since they’re made of silicone, the grips are soft, durable and you’ll also feel a bit tacky on your palms whether or not you’re wearing gloves.
Product specs:
Brand | Raceface Half Nelson |
Weight | 92g |
Material | Silicone |
Size | Length: 133mm
Diameter: 28mm |
Features | Single lock-on locking ring
Topographic moisture channels RaceFace MX style half waffle pattern for good contact |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best Value: GPMTER Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Best value for the quality
- Ideal for most bike breeds
- Economically designed – a great bargain
- Excellent vibration and shock absorption
- Nice grip in all riding conditions
- Extra gel layer for added protection as well as comfort
- Comes with an extensive warranty
Cons
- End caps could be better
- Limited color options
With the GPMTER Mountain Bike Grips, you won’t be disappointed and save yourself tons of money. It’s beyond my expectations when it comes to feeling, materials, and of course, price point.
The rubber feels great on hands. It feels super soft even when you wear gloves on. That being said, it’s incredibly comfortable when riding without gloves thanks to the padding.
Also, the product comes with an allen wrench which serves to help you with installation or so. The grips, too, do have an adjustable locking collar to meet a variety of needs.
Product specs:
Brand | GPMTER |
Weight | N/A |
Material | Rubber and alloy aluminum |
Size | Length: 131mm
Diameter: 22.2mm |
Features | High-quality, durable non-slip rubber material
Single aluminum alloy lock-on system Extra gel layer for added softness |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best Budget: Vktech Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Super budget-friendly
- Durable and hard-wearing components
- Compatible with almost all handlebars
- Easy to put on or take off, requires no additional tools
- Backed with manufacturer’s guarantee
Cons
- Lack of padding
- A bit thin on the side
Though offered at an incredibly cheap price, this mountain bike grip from Vktech lives up to my expectations.
Though they fit snugly into practically any bike’s handlebar, they are larger than I expected, measuring 120mm in length which in turn gives you more comfort and ease off hand numbness.
Should the grips be tight, just use soap and water so that they can easily slip in. Also, a pair of padded biking gloves is useful for longer rides, especially for off-road mountain adventures since there isn’t enough padding on the grip, and your hands can get hurt.
Product specs:
Brand | Vktech |
Weight | 128 |
Material | Rubber |
Size | Length: 120mm
Diameter: 22.2mm |
Features | Non-slip and anti-bacterial rubber grips
Custom anatomic raised surface promotes traction in any circumstances |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best All-Weather Grips: OUTERDO Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- High-quality component for durability, safety, and comfort
- Reduces shock and vibration encountered on rough trails
- Suitable for use with or without gloves
- Available in an extensive range of color options
- Suits many bike breeds – BMX, mountain bikes, downhill bikes, folding bikes
Cons
- Tear down easily
There’s nothing special about this pair of mountain bike grips, but surely it gets the job done and feels nice on the hands, and I do appreciate the fact that it features a BMX-like design, which recalls an “old school” feeling whenever I ride it.
It appears to be longer than some bike grips I’ve used, but you can trim them so that they can fit your handlebar. A small tip for installing: wet the handlebar and spray a bit of vegetable oil inside the grips, and they will slip in right away. Don’t worry about your bike’s handlebar getting slippery because the oil will dry out after a few hours.
Product specs:
Brand | Outerdo |
Weight | N/A |
Material | Rubber |
Size | Length: 125mm
Diameter: 21mm |
Features | High-quality TPR Rubber
Ergonomic design to absorb shock and vibration Durable, soft and shock-resistance |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best for All-Weather Rides: Ergon GA2 Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Carbon bar-friendly
- Super comfortable, good grippy feel
- Well-built and detailed
- Provides sufficient cushioning
- Comes with various thickness to optimize damping
Cons
- Not really for commuter bikes
Don’t skip these German-made Ergon GA2 grips if you need to upgrade your bike for a mountain ride.
The ergonomic shape is not only comfortable but is also absolutely aggressive, perfect for mountain riders looking for a locked-in feeling. The grips are thicker than those Specialized SIP grips, thus delivering better shock absorption.
What’s more, it’s comfortable even when you wear gloves on. Riding with bare hands will also not strain your wrists at all as the aluminum, carbon bar-friendly clamp provides you a full area of grip to which you can hold.
Just like other products, these grips from Ergon are also available in multiple colors to suit your taste.
Product specs:
Brand | Ergon |
Weight | 107g |
Material | Rubber |
Size | Length: 130mm
Diameter: 30mm |
Features | UV stable rubber compound
Nice tapered shape design Thickness of inner construction varies for greater damping Maximum security thanks to in-board aluminum clamp |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best Surface Pattern: MARQUE Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Attractive and eye-catching patterns
- Comfortable slim design, easy to fit and adjust
- Secure locking system
- Fits any standard straight handlebar, handlebars with outer diameter of 20-23mm
- Offered in a wide range of color options
Cons
- End caps fall off frequently
These grips from Marque will definitely satisfy you with the unique visual design, perfect for those wanting to do a fancy upgrade.
Thanks to the unique multidirectional ergonomic surface, handling on the handlebar is a piece of cake, crisply and confidently.Moreover, these grips would give you a more race-y and aggressive feeling due to the micro-cavities on the surface, which help enhance comfort and grip also.
After a couple of uses, I feel that the grips are a bit thinner than other counterparts, and seem to be longer as well, but you can easily trim it off depending on your bar length.
Product specs:
Brand | Marque |
Weight | N/A |
Material | Rubber and alloy aluminum |
Size | Length: 131mm
Diameter: 22.2mm |
Features | Single aluminum alloy lock-on locking ring
Slim profile with micro-cavities for added comfort and grip Multidirectional ergonomic surface design |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best Comfortable: Schwinn Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Best bang for your bucks
- Pretty good snug fit
- Ergonomic design gives comfortable, no-pain feel
- Durable construction with Kraton material
Cons
- May be too long for some handlebars
Schwinn has long been well-known for its high-quality product line of cycling equipment, and the Schwinn Mountain Bike Grip is no exception.
The large palm pad alleviates the tension on your wrists, which is helpful for those who travel over long distances. Also, they can be somewhat adjusted in terms of rotation to help you to get the most efficient and comfortable handling position on the handlebar.
I love the design because it gives you the ability to climb up steep hills with more confidence and firmness. Moreover, the front edge is narrowed down so it won’t block your blood circulation.
All in all, it’s yet another comfortable, grippy and sturdy pair of grips from this popular brand.
Product specs:
Brand | Schwinn |
Weight (g/ ounces) | 159g |
Material | Kraton |
Size | Length: 120mm
Diameter: 22mm |
Features | Extra gel layer; tri-layer
Durable Kraton material Large palm area Textured pattern |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best for Big Hands: ODI Rogue Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Best for people with large hands
- Thick, spongy and comfortable
- High-quality construction
- Deep grooves to blow away dirt or debris
- Snap cap end plugs are included
- Multiple color locks available for customization
Cons
- Might be a bit mushy when wet or sweat
I couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to this top-quality pair of mountain bike grips from Odi.
To be honest, they’re the most comfortable grips I’ve ever tested, and look amazingly cool and sporty on the handlebars.
The metal lock rings clamp on to the bar easily, and the plastic end caps lock in tightly.
The best thing about these grips is that they’re made for large hands, so you’ll not experience any strain or numbness on your long epic riding adventures.
The reviews and photos on Amazon wouldn’t do justice, you just have to try it yourself!
Product specs:
Brand | Odi |
Weight | 113 |
Material | Rubber |
Size | Length: 130mm
Diameter: 33mm |
Features | Textured surface with deep grooves to clear out dirt and debris
Extra large raised pads for maximum shock absorption Slip-free performance with lock-on grip system |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best Dual Lock-On Grips: FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Reasonable price point
- Super grippy, comfortable
- Well-constructed and lightweight
- Tacky, provides more grip in the palm area
- Available in various color options
Cons
- Easily slide off when wet
If you’re looking for the most grippy bike grips, then you’re at the right place. The Fifty-fifty grips won’t let you down.
It’s super easy to install, and it grips very well with bare hands, and even better with gloves. The grips clamp onto the handlebars tightly by tightening the collars on both ends, so there’s no chance of falling off.
The pattern is what makes the Fifty-fifty grips unique. Though it has larger ribbed areas, your comfort will not be compromised. These grips have been designed with natural feel in mind, so don’t worry about being uncomfortable when not wearing gloves.
Overall, it’s a perfect grip for anyone intending to travel aggressively as the dual-lock feature ensures more stability.
Product specs:
Brand | Fifty-fifty |
Weight | 98g |
Material | Rubber |
Size | Length: 135mm
Diameter: 30mm |
Double lock-on clamp design
Integrated end plugs Soft and durable rubber component |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best Grips With No Gloves: ODI Ruffian Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Knurled pattern design gives great traction under wet or dry conditions
- Grippy, nice fit on the handlebar
- Double lock prevent damage on handlebar
- Lock-on collars do not slip
- Lightweight end-caps
- Locking clamp included with the product
Cons
- Clamp could be wider
- Lack of padding
Don’t be surprised when I introduce you to another pair of grips from Odi as this company produces one of the best grips ever.
The rubber material is a bit tacky, but it doesn’t wear off easily, and black finishing means less cleaning compared to other color options, which is very convenient.
The lock-on is a bonus and will not fail you, and the small diamond cuts into the grip provides not only great traction, but also that grippy and tacky feeling.
A feature which I really like is that you don’t have to cut them off when you need to access the shifter and brakes. All you need to do is to remove them off and reinstall again. Installation, however, is a breeze – no more struggle with lubrication and sliding them into the bar.
Product specs:
Brand | Odi |
Weight | 101 |
Material | Rubber |
Size | Length: 130mm
Diameter: 30mm |
Features | Rugged knurl pattern for maximum traction
Ultra narrow racing profile Lock-on grip system |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Best for Gravity Riders: Ergon GE1 Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Ergonomic shape requires less gripping force
- Tapered diameter improves cornering and keeps body’s posture natural
- Adjustable angle grip for a custom fit
- Carbon bar compatible
- Backed by 2-year warranty on materials and workmanship
Cons
- Fairly thin grips
Not sure which pair of grips to get for gravity riders? The Ergon GE1 Mountain Bike Grips will not let you down.
The ergonomic design is awesome, resulting in a soft, grippy feeling and delivers the exact amount of cushioning. This design will also change your riding posture a bit, which allows your elbows to stay up for better cornerings.
What’s more special about these grips are that they’re asymmetrical, meaning that they can constrict to allow you to wrap around with fingers to give you more control.
In short, these grips from Ergon are a great combination of function and comfort – a worthy upgrade for any riders.
Product specs:
Brand | Ergon |
Weight | 110g |
Material | Rubber |
Size (inches) | Length: 135mm
Diameter: 30mm or 32mm |
Features | Complex surface textures maximizes traction, damping and control
Rubber compound for slip-proof adhesion Anodized aluminum alloy clamp |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
ESI Chunky Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- Requires no bar adhesion
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Works in both directions to secure hands as well as handlebar
- Gives a numbness-free and strain-free feel
- Nicely compatible with RockShox Twist Loc
- Provides a custom fit
Cons
- Installing is a hassle
- Not for “hardcore” riding style
Say goodbye to those long days of hand fatigue as the ESI Chunky mountain bike grips is here to make it disappear.
Due to the fact that these grips are made of silicone, they are lighter than lock-on ones. Moreover, they are much more effective than standard grips when it comes to vibration damping, which eventually leads to hand numbness. The more you ride, the more you’ll appreciate this.
They have medium thickness suitable for most riders out there. Since they’re offset, one side is slightly thinner than the other. Make sure to face the thinner end underneath your fingers and the thicker one to your palms.
Product specs:
Brand | ESI Chunky |
Weight (g/ounces) | 68g |
Material | Silicone |
Size | Length: 130mm
Diameter: 34mm |
Features | Outstanding vibration damping
Proprietary foam |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
Odi Elite Pro Mountain Bike Grips
Pros
- High-quality yet affordable
- Feels great even on bare hands
- Very comfortable, but not squishy
- Thin profile design gives a good response
- Knurled patterns alternate to provide traction without irritation
Cons
- Rubber ends tear quickly
Here comes another quality product from the experienced company Odi which I’m sure will satisfy you.
Featuring a slim design, the Odi Pro Elite grips are highly responsive, providing feedback about terrains and tires as you ride.These grips are a perfect combination of comfort and control – grippy and tactile.
The new single collar design is secure not only on regular handlebars, but carbon bars as well. What I truly appreciate is that the integrated end caps on these grips have resolved the issues I found with the Race Face Half Nelson Mountain Bike Grip, which are moving around the handlebar and trapping dirt.
I particularly love the waffle pattern because it gives me more space to which my fingers can grab, and the small inside flange is something I cannot do without.
Product specs:
Brand | Odi |
Weight | 90 |
Material | Rubber |
Size | Length: 130mm
Diameter: 32mm |
Features | Single clamp design
Ergonomic shape Half-waffle pattern on the front provides extra control |
To learn more about this bike grips, please watch this review video:
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Mountain Bike Grips In 2021
What to look for when buying a new set of grips? Here are several key factors you need to pay attention to before making a decision:
Type of grips
Grips can be classified into 2 main types: push-on and lock-on.
Lock-on grips: These grips are made of rubber, and have metal rings at one or both ends, which clamp onto the handlebar. They are very secure and 100% slip-free. Dual lock-on grips provide the highest level of security.
Pros | Cons |
● Ease of installation/ uninstallation
● Non-slip performance ● Available in different sizes and compounds |
● More expensive
● Rarely slim in size |
Push-on grips: They’re also made of rubber, but need liquid adhesive or compressed air for installation. These grips deliver better shock/ bump absorption because they’re in direct contact with the bar.
Pros | Cons |
● Cheap
● Can be zip-tied or wired on ● Offers variable shapes |
● Can get slippy in wet conditions
● Not as grippy as other grips |
In addition to rubber, many grips are made of silicone or foam. They don’t have lock-on collars or integrated bar ends, but are popular among long distance riders for their good vibration damping.
Pros | Cons |
● Cheap
● Simple construction ● Good vibration damping ● Slightly conform to hand shape |
● Can move around
● No bar end plugs |
Size
Mountain bike grips differ in size. A common sense is that smaller hands suit smaller grips and vice versa. Not only that, some manufacturers do use padding to offer more cushioning to the hands.
Make sure to get the right grips for your hands for ultimate control and comfort. You don’t want to get achy hands or strain on your wrist, right?
Pattern
There are various patterns on the grips, from simple cross-hatched to lines and even words. However, there are three most popular patterns on the market which I’m sure you have all come across are waffle pattern for palm cushioning, knurled pattern for fingertips, and mushroom profile for thumb cushioning.
Again, it all comes down to personal preference for pattern choice. My only recommendation, if you plan to get rubber grips, is to get a pair of grips with a small amount of pattern for a good grip.
Compound
Just like tires, grips also come in different compounds.
My only advice is that choose a set of grip with a fairly thick rubber covering (not too thick and not too thin). Why? These grips will provide good vibration damping, and won’t cause hand fatigue, at least for a particular period of time.
FAQs
How do I choose mountain bike grips?
It depends your riding style (hardcore, rough terrains or paved trails, etc.), bar length and personal preference (color, pattern, etc.).
Generally, choose a pair of grips that deliver just the right amount of cushioning (for comfort), sufficient or ample vibration damping, and of course, is offered at a reasonable price point.
Are lock on grips good?
Since lock-on grips have to be clamped on, they provide a high level of security and sit tightly on the handlebar. That being said, it’ll take a lot of force to make them slip.
How do you keep your grips from slipping off?
Getting annoyed because the grips keep sliding on and off? Watch this video for how to make them ‘unmovable’:
Do BMX grips fit mountain bikes?
Definitely yes, and may be even better than regular grips because they are specifically designed with special features for a particular riding style.
Are all mountain bike grips the same size?
The inner diameter of the grips have been standardized to 22.2mm to fit virtually any handlebars, but they vary in lengths and outer diameters. Riders can choose among these grips for a custom fit and, most off all, suit their personal taste.
My Top Pick
My most favorite pair of mountain bike grips is inarguably the award-winning Race Face Half Nelson. They feature a slim profile design and a well-padded surface that addresses all problems related to hand fatigue. As highly responsive as they are, I am able to tell whether or not my tires need a top-off.
That’s it! Which product comes first to your mind? What do you like about it? Do you have any issue with your current grips? Please comment down below. I hope my review helps you with making the right buying decision. Stay tuned for more updates!