How to Choose Mountain Bike Grips

May 22, 2022

Grips are one of the most familiar mountain bike parts, constantly touched by your hands while riding.

There isn't a clear mileage or time frame for when to replace them, but it's time for a change if they're worn down, the surface pattern has disappeared, or they've become sticky.

Why not replace them as part of your maintenance routine or for a change of pace?

That said, there are so many types of grips that it can be hard to know which one to choose.

Since suitability varies depending on your riding style and usage, I'll introduce the characteristics of different grips and recommend some based on riding style.

Grips broadly fall into two types.

When we say "grip," there are truly many varieties in terms of design, thickness, material... but they can be broadly categorized into two types:

1. Push-on type

2. Lock-on type

1. Push-on type

These are traditional grips that are pushed directly onto the handlebar.

Many are lightweight and come in various thicknesses. For the same thickness, many offer a better feel than lock-on grips. They can be freely bent and cut, offering high flexibility in handle installation.

However, replacement can be troublesome. Also, if they get wet, they can twist or slip off, so their reliability might be lacking depending on the intended use.

2. Lock-on type

These grips are secured to the handlebar with an included lock ring. They are currently the mainstream.

Recently, variations have increased, with some having lock rings on both ends and others only on the inside.

Common features include easy attachment/detachment and secure fastening. Compared to push-on grips, thinner lock-on grips tend to feel stiffer (having a core).

Each feature

・Dual lock type

The lock rings are on both sides, and the outer end is open, allowing for tools to be stored inside the handlebar.

Since the lock rings are metal, they can scratch objects they lean against.

・Inner-only lock type

Currently the mainstream. The lock ring is only on the inside, and the outside is covered with rubber, making it safer. It's less likely to scratch people or objects with the end.

Since the end is closed, tools cannot be stored inside the handlebar.

Thickness and pattern features

There's a wide variety of thicknesses, which largely depend on your hand size and preference, so try various ones to find the thickness that suits you best.

On mountain bikes, the trend recently seems to be for thicker grips that you hold lightly, but they didn't suit me as I have small hands.

There are various patterns, but the most common are file-patterned and 'frilly' patterned.

File patterns are the most common and prevent slipping.

The "frilly" pattern is less painful on bare hands.

Recommended grips by riding style

All mountain bikes

For those who ride mountain bikes in the mountains, grips with only an inner lock ring are recommended.

Push-on grips carry the risk of slipping off during a ride, so unless you have a specific preference for them, there's little advantage to using them.
Dual lock-on grips are also not highly recommended because the outer lock ring can cause injury if your body makes strong contact with it during a fall. In fact, I once fell after a failed jump and landed on the grip end, tearing my skin, and I haven't used dual lock-on grips since.

Especially for those who enjoy extreme riding like downhill, I strongly recommend grips that only lock on the inside.

Also, when riding MTB courses or trails, grips that are too thick for you can cause arm fatigue as you tend to grip them too tightly to avoid letting go. Choosing thinner grips would be a safe bet.

Here are our recommendations. Both are thin.

DMR DEATH GRIP (thin)

ODI ELITE Series

Self-propelled riders and bikepacking

For those who enjoy self-propelled rides or bikepacking and want to minimize luggage, push-on type or dual lock-on grips that allow the handlebar to be used for storage might be a good choice.

If you want to lighten the load even a little or prefer a good grip feel, foam push-on grips like ESI or Wolftooth are good. If you want a secure fit, dual lock-on grips are recommended.

Wolftooth Silicone Grips (Push-on)

ODI VANS (Dual Lock-on)

Both have open grip ends, allowing tools to be stored inside.

For trails or similar terrain, thinner grips are better; for long distances, paved roads, or gravel roads with relatively smooth surfaces, thicker, more cushioned grips are fine.

For those who don't store tools in their handlebars, Sensus's extra-thick grips are recommended. They reduce the transmission of minor bumps from the road surface to your hands, making them less tiring.