Grip straps provide one of the few points of contact between you and your bike - getting them wrong can significantly diminish your pleasure of riding.
Size, profile, material, grip pattern, clamp design and rubber compound all influence how a grip performs; selecting appropriate options means less hand fatigue and improved bar feel.
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5 Best Mountain Bike Handlebar Grip Reviews |
1. Deity Lockjaw
Deity's Lockjaw grips combine cushioned deep dish diamond pattern grips with recessed half waffles for ultimate cushioned responsiveness without compromising responsiveness - providing maximum cushion without compromise to rider comfort.
These ergonomic grips feature an elegant transition from the padded thumb area, through the deep dish diamond top pattern and into the recessed half waffle on the underside for an exceptionally responsive experience.
A recessed gripping area also helps avoid hot spots for an exceptional feel and no hot spots are felt during gripping sessions.
Deity's Supercrush grips are widely-acclaimed, yet these single clamp grips without end caps still offer plenty of comfort for MTB riders and Enduro racers. Their single clamp design makes installation simple without needing a wrench - ideal for new riders starting out.
At 132mm width they are suitable for most MTB riders and ideal for long travel trail/Enduro bikes.
2. Lizard Skin Charger Evo
Lizard Skin's most technical grip offers an ideal combination of comfort and control, featuring an eye-catching texture featuring checkerboard patterns with smooth zones around fingers and palm to provide cushioning traction and cushioning traction and cushioning traction and cushioning, in addition to having a locking collar and round shape - something which ODI Vapor grips simply don't do!
Another highlight of this grip is its soft rubber compound, making it comfortable to ride without gloves compared to low-cost grips typically included with bikes.
Furthermore, there are multiple colors and rings so you can find something suitable to complement the bike you ride.
Another plus of this grip is its locking collar, which prevents it from dislodging from your handlebars during our tests.
Even after numerous crashes, it remained securely in its position without moving at all - making this an affordable upgrade with easy setup!
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5 Best Mountain Bike Handlebar Grip Reviews |
3. Lizard Skin Strata
Lizard Skins makes athletic-style grips designed to meet athletes' needs, and their Strata range is no different.
Constructed of soft rubber with precise patterns that provide maximum comfort for playing sports like golf and basketball, these customisable grips also come equipped with customizable colors for rubber, rings and engraving options to meet your personal taste and requirements.
These grips feature an innovative grid pattern with small raised squares at various angles to reduce hand numbness and slipping, and feature soft non-slip rubber coating that feels wonderful against your fingertips. A great upgrade from traditional grips like those found on our E11even Fitness Bike!
Only drawback is the pattern can be hard on palms when riding without gloves, they're more expensive than similar grips in this price range, and feature a single clamp design which requires use of tools for installation. Also note that most 3D-printed elastomeric components carry a premium price tag; additionally they require special grip glue for installation.
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5 Best Mountain Bike Handlebar Grip Reviews |
4. Wolf Tooth Mega Fat Paws
Wolf Tooth is a Minnesota-based company that designs, engineers, manufactures and ships components and accessories.
Their grips are produced in the US using their dual-density silicone compound that offers vibration damping properties while conforming to hand shape for ultimate comfort in any weather condition.
Mega Fat Paw Cam grips feature a cam shape to reduce wrist pressure for reduced finger numbness and fatigue, and offer comfort throughout any weather condition without compromising control or bar feel. At 11.5mm thickness they also ensure increased comfort for maximum control and bar feel without sacrificing control or bar feel.
As with other silicone grips, Mega Fat Paws could get cut up if your handlebar hits something sharp like rocks or branches during a crash, though they seem fairly resilient thanks to extra padding that protects its foam from damage that would cause other thinner grips to crumble quickly.
The Echo Lock-On Grips feature an open end which accommodates standard 22mm mountain bike bar end plugs (not included).
Their anodized aluminum collar is machined in Minnesota and can be tightened/loosened using a 3mm hex wrench.
Furthermore, there are eight colors to match Wolf Tooth anodized aluminum components and accessories such as headsets, seatpost clamps, ReMote dropper levers, bottle cage bolts etc.
5. Chromag Format
Gripping the bars with your hands is your primary method of connecting with your bike.
Sure, your feet may be pedaling away and your bum seated comfortably in its saddle; but which grips (and where) you choose determine how secure and enjoyable your ride will be.
Chromag Format is a contemporary single clamp grip with an innovative plastic sleeve to prevent twisting.
Additionally, there are finger divots at either end for your pinky and ring fingers to lock into as well as various textures designed to mimic wear patterns found on most grips put through rigorous testing.
These grips have a 25a durometer rating, which is medium to firm and offers the ideal balance of durability, comfort, and performance.
As these grips wear down with use they will become softer and tackier which provides increased traction but may need replacing more often due to wear-and-tear than firmer versions; most riders switch out their grips once or twice every season depending on riding volume.
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5 Best Mountain Bike Handlebar Grip Reviews |
Q. What are mountain bike handlebar grips?
Mountain bike handlebar grips are rubber or foam grips attached to the handlebars of a mountain bike. They provide comfort, control, and support to the rider’s hands during long or rough rides, reducing fatigue and improving overall performance.
Q. How do handlebar grips improve my mountain biking experience?
Handlebar grips enhance comfort by absorbing shocks from rough trails and reduce hand fatigue by offering better grip and control. This leads to more stable and comfortable rides, especially on challenging terrains.
Q. Who should consider upgrading their mountain bike handlebar grips?
Anyone who rides frequently, especially mountain bikers tackling rough, technical trails, should consider upgrading their handlebar grips. Riders experiencing discomfort, slipping hands, or calluses might benefit the most from a grip upgrade.
Q. What factors should I consider when choosing the best mountain bike handlebar grips?
When selecting handlebar grips, consider factors such as:
- Material (rubber, silicone, foam)
- Grip texture (smooth vs. textured)
- Diameter (to fit your hand size)
- Length
- Lock-on vs. Slip-on (lock-on grips have clamps for security; slip-on grips slide into place)
Q. How do I install new mountain bike handlebar grips?
- For lock-on grips: Simply remove the old grips, place the new ones on the handlebars, and tighten the clamps using a hex wrench.
- For slip-on grips: Remove the old grips, apply a little soapy water or rubbing alcohol to the handlebars, and slide the new grips into position. Let them dry before use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right handlebar grips is crucial for maximizing comfort and control during mountain biking adventures.
The five grips reviewed—Deity Lockjaw, Lizard Skin Charger Evo, Lizard Skin Strata, Wolf Tooth Mega Fat Paws, and Chromag Format—each offer unique features tailored to different riding styles and preferences.
Whether you prioritize cushioning, grip texture, or easy installation, these options provide solid solutions to enhance your biking experience.
Investing in quality grips not only minimizes hand fatigue but also improves your overall handling and stability on varied terrains.
As your primary connection point with the bike, the right grips can transform your rides, making them more enjoyable and less strenuous.
Consider your riding habits and preferences when selecting the best grips for you, and enjoy the difference that well-chosen handlebar grips can make on the trails. Happy riding!
