Best Bike Grips: Ultimate Guide for Comfort and Control

Bike grips are a small but essential component that significantly impacts your riding comfort and control. Whether you’re tackling rough mountain trails, cruising on a road bike, or dealing with hand issues like arthritis or carpal tunnel, the right pair of grips can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the best bike grips for various riding styles, focusing on comfort, durability, and performance.

Types of Bike Grips

Lock-On Grips: These grips are securely fastened to the handlebars using locking rings, ensuring they stay in place, even during aggressive riding. Lock-on grips are a favorite among mountain bikers.
Slip-On Grips: Slip-on grips slide onto the handlebars and are often lighter than lock-on grips. They provide a more natural feel but may require adhesives or sprays to stay secure.
Ergonomic Grips: Designed to reduce hand and wrist pain, ergonomic grips are shaped to distribute pressure evenly across your hands, making them perfect for long rides and riders with hand issues like arthritis or carpal tunnel.
Foam Grips: Lightweight and soft, foam grips are known for their comfort. They absorb vibration well, making them a great choice for riders looking for extra cushioning.
Rubber Grips: Durable and offering excellent grip, rubber grips are the most common type and work well in a variety of weather conditions.

How to Choose the Best Bike Grips

Riding Style: Mountain bikers need durable grips with extra control, while road cyclists might prioritize lightweight, ergonomic designs for long-distance comfort.
Material: Rubber grips offer durability and traction, while foam grips provide additional cushioning. Choose materials based on the terrain and type of riding you do.
Comfort Features: If you suffer from arthritis or carpal tunnel, consider ergonomic grips designed to reduce hand fatigue and numbness. These grips can make a huge difference on long rides.
Grip Diameter: Thicker grips offer more comfort and are ideal for riders with larger hands, while thinner grips provide better control for technical riding.
Locking Mechanism: Lock-on grips are great for aggressive or technical riding as they stay secure, while slip-on grips are lighter and often more affordable.

Comparison Chart of the Best Bike Grips

Product Name	Best For	Type	Material	Key Features	Price Range
ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips	Best Mountain Bike Grips	Lock-On	Rubber	Aggressive texture, anti-slip, durable	$$
ProTaper Pillow Top Grips	Best Dirt Bike Grips	Slip-On	Rubber	Soft, vibration-absorbing, tacky feel	$
Ergon GP1 Grips	Best Bike Grips for Arthritis	Lock-On	Rubber/EVA	Ergonomic design, pressure relief	$$$
RaceFace Half Nelson Grips	Best Cheap Mountain Bike Grips	Lock-On	Rubber	Slim profile, tacky grip, affordable	$
ESI Chunky MTB Grips	Best Comfort Bike Grips	Slip-On	Foam	Cushioned, vibration-dampening	$$
ODI Ruffian Grips	Best Bike Handlebar Grips	Lock-On	Rubber	Narrow profile, durable, high traction	$$
Oury Grip Road/Mountain Grips	Best Bike Grips for Carpal Tunnel	Slip-On	Rubber	Soft, thick profile, reduces pressure	$$
Renthal Kevlar Grips	Best Dirt Bike Grips for Arm Pump	Slip-On	Kevlar	Durable, excellent grip, reduces arm pump	$$$

Top Bike Grips

1. ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips – Best Mountain Bike Grips

Description:
The ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips are a top choice for mountain bikers looking for control and durability. With a thick, aggressive rubber texture, these grips offer superb traction even in wet conditions. The lock-on design ensures they stay securely attached to the handlebars, even on the roughest trails.

Benefits:

Aggressive texture: Provides a secure grip, making it one of the best grips for mountain bikes.
Lock-on design: Guarantees the grips won’t slip, even on technical trails.
Durable: Made from long-lasting rubber, perfect for heavy-duty mountain biking.

2. ProTaper Pillow Top Grips – Best Dirt Bike Grips

Description:
For dirt bike riders, the ProTaper Pillow Top Grips are built to absorb shock and vibrations, providing extra comfort on rough tracks. The slip-on design with a tacky rubber compound ensures a secure grip, while the pillow top cushioning helps reduce hand fatigue.

Benefits:

Vibration absorption: Reduces hand fatigue, making it the best dirt bike grips for long rides.
Tacky feel: Ensures a non-slip grip, even in muddy or wet conditions.
Affordable: Offers great value for dirt bike riders looking for high-performance grips.

3. Ergon GP1 Grips – Best Bike Grips for Arthritis

Description:
The Ergon GP1 grips are specifically designed for riders with hand issues like arthritis or carpal tunnel. The ergonomic shape distributes pressure across the palm, reducing hand fatigue and preventing numbness. These grips feature a lock-on design to ensure they stay in place during long rides.

Benefits:

Ergonomic design: Reduces pressure on sensitive areas, making it one of the best bike grips for arthritis.
Comfortable: Provides relief from numbness and hand pain on long rides.
High-quality materials: Made from rubber and EVA for durability and comfort.

4. RaceFace Half Nelson Grips – Best Cheap Mountain Bike Grips

Description:
If you’re looking for the best cheap mountain bike grips, the RaceFace Half Nelson Grips offer excellent performance at an affordable price. These lock-on grips feature a slim profile and a tacky rubber texture that provides great grip without being bulky.

Benefits:

Affordable: One of the best cheap mountain bike grips without compromising on performance.
Slim design: Perfect for riders who prefer a low-profile grip.
Great traction: Tacky rubber offers a solid grip, even in wet conditions.

5. ESI Chunky MTB Grips – Best Comfort Bike Grips

Description:
The ESI Chunky MTB Grips are made from soft silicone foam, providing an incredibly cushioned and comfortable feel. These grips are ideal for riders who prioritize comfort on long-distance rides or those who deal with hand numbness or fatigue. Their vibration-dampening properties make them the best comfort bike grips for casual and off-road cyclists alike.

Benefits:

Cushioned comfort: Soft foam absorbs shocks and reduces hand fatigue.
Vibration-dampening: Ideal for long rides over rough terrain.
Simple installation: Easy to slip on and adjust.

6. ODI Ruffian Grips – Best Bike Handlebar Grips

Description:
The ODI Ruffian Grips are a favorite among professional riders, known for their slim profile and durable, high-traction rubber. These grips are ideal for riders looking for precision and control, offering a narrow grip that works well for both mountain and dirt biking.

Benefits:

High traction: The aggressive rubber pattern ensures a secure grip, making it the best bike handlebar grips for technical rides.
Durable: Built to last through rough terrain and hard use.
Slim profile: Great for riders who prefer a narrower grip for better control.

7. Oury Grip Road/Mountain Grips – Best Bike Grips for Carpal Tunnel

Description:
The Oury Grip is a soft, thick-profile grip that provides extra cushioning, making it ideal for riders dealing with carpal tunnel. Its rubber compound absorbs shocks and reduces pressure on sensitive nerves, providing comfort and control on long rides.

Benefits:

Thick and soft: Reduces pressure on the hands, making it the best bike grips for carpal tunnel.
Shock absorption: Helps to minimize vibrations on rough trails.
Comfortable for long rides: Great for both road and mountain biking.

8. Renthal Kevlar Grips – Best Dirt Bike Grips for Arm Pump

Description:
The Renthal Kevlar Grips are designed to reduce arm pump, a common issue for dirt bike riders who experience hand fatigue on rough tracks. Made from a Kevlar-reinforced material, these grips are extremely durable and provide an excellent grip even in tough conditions.

Benefits:

Arm pump reduction: Designed to minimize arm fatigue during long dirt bike rides, making it the best dirt bike grips for arm pump.
Kevlar-reinforced: Durable and long-lasting, perfect for high-impact riding.
Superior grip: Provides excellent control, even in wet or muddy conditions.

How to Install Bike Grips

Remove Old Grips: Use a flathead screwdriver to gently lift the edges of the old grips and spray some rubbing alcohol or soapy water underneath to loosen them. Pull them off.
Prepare the Handlebars: Clean the handlebars thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Make sure they’re dry before installing new grips.
Apply the New Grips: For slip-on grips, spray a small amount of rubbing alcohol inside the grips and on the handlebars to help them slide on easily. For lock-on grips, align them on the handlebar and tighten the locking screws to secure them in place.
Adjust for Comfort: Make sure the grips are aligned properly, especially for ergonomic grips, so that they provide maximum comfort during your ride.

Tips for Maintaining Bike Grips

Clean Regularly: Wipe your grips down with a damp cloth after every ride to remove dirt and sweat, which can cause them to wear out faster.
Replace When Worn: If your grips are starting to feel slippery or the texture is worn down, it’s time to replace them for optimal control.
Avoid Over-Tightening: For lock-on grips, don’t over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the grips or the handlebars.

Conclusion

Choosing the best bike grips can enhance your riding experience by providing comfort, control, and durability. Whether you’re searching for the best mountain bike grips like the ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips, or need extra support for conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel, there are grips available for every type of cyclist. Invest in the right pair, and your hands will thank you on every ride!

FAQ

Q: What are the best bike grips for mountain biking?
A: The ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips are among the best for mountain biking, offering great traction and durability.

Q: What type of grips are best for riders with arthritis?
A: Ergonomic grips like the Ergon GP1 are specifically designed to reduce pressure and pain, making them the best bike grips for arthritis.

Q: How often should I replace my bike grips?
A: You should replace your grips when they start to feel slippery, show visible signs of wear, or no longer provide a secure grip.

Q: Are foam grips good for long-distance rides?
A: Yes, foam grips like the ESI Chunky MTB Grips provide excellent cushioning and are great for reducing hand fatigue on long rides.

Q: Can bike grips help with carpal tunnel?
A: Yes, thick and cushioned grips like the Oury Grip Road/Mountain Grips can help reduce pressure on the hands and alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms during rides.