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Key Features to Look For
Grips vary more than most riders realize. Diameter, material, lock-on design, and ergonomics all affect how the grip feels and performs over the course of a long ride.
Lock-On vs. Slip-On
Slip-on grips use friction, hairspray, or grip glue to stay in place and are lighter and less expensive. Lock-on grips use one or two collars with bolts that clamp the grip to the bar, preventing any rotation or migration even in wet conditions. For mountain biking and any riding where grip security is critical, lock-on designs are strongly preferred. The small weight penalty is worth the confidence of knowing your grip is not going anywhere.
Diameter and Thickness
Grip diameter affects how hard your hands have to work to squeeze the bars, which influences fatigue over long rides. Riders with larger hands often prefer thicker grips. Riders with smaller hands may find thinner grips allow a more relaxed hold. Some grips offer a tapered or variable-thickness profile that is thicker where your palm contacts the bar and thinner under your fingers.
Ergonomic vs. Round
Round grips provide a neutral, consistent feel that works well for most riders and most disciplines. Ergonomic grips include a wing or palm rest that supports the hand in a more natural position and distributes pressure more evenly across the palm. Ergonomic grips reduce hand fatigue significantly on longer rides and are popular with commuters and trail riders who spend hours in the saddle.
Material and Texture
Rubber compounds vary in firmness and tackiness. Softer rubber absorbs more vibration and feels more comfortable on rough terrain. Firmer rubber transmits more trail feedback and tends to be more durable. Surface texture, including waffle patterns, fins, and diamond knurling, affects wet and dry grip. Silicone compounds offer exceptional wet traction and durability but can feel different from traditional rubber.
Length
Standard mountain bike grips run around 130mm. Longer grips give you more hand placement options, which is helpful on longer rides when you want to shift your position slightly. Shorter grips leave more bar room for dropper posts, bar-end shifters, or brake lever placement on narrower cockpits.
Bar End Compatibility
Some grip systems are compatible with bar end plugs or bar end extensions that provide additional hand positions for climbing or long road sections. If you use bar ends, make sure the grip you choose has an open end design that allows installation without interfering with the clamp or compound.
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Expert Advice at ERIK'S
Grip selection is one of the most personal decisions in cycling, and it is worth trying a few before committing. Our staff at ERIK'S rides a range of disciplines and can point you toward grips that work well for your specific riding, your bar diameter, and your hand size. Come into any ERIK'S location and we will help you find something that feels right the moment you grab it.
Shop bike grips at any ERIK'S location across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois.
