The grips on the handlebars of a mountain bike are a fundamental component that often goes unnoticed. However, their design, material, and fit directly influence the rider’s comfort, handlebar control, and injury prevention. Both on hardtail mountain bikes, where the terrain’s impact is transmitted more intensely to the hands, and on full suspension mountain bikes, where shock absorption is greater, choosing the right grips can make a big difference in the riding experience..
To ensure a good grip and comfort, the grips must be in perfect condition, have the right size and thickness, and provide the necessary hold. There are two main types on the market according to their installation system: lock-on grips, which offer a secure fit, and slip-on grips, which are usually lighter and have a softer feel. There are also ergonomic models designed to reduce hand fatigue, especially useful on long rides or challenging terrain.
Additionally, grips can be made from different materials, each optimized to improve shock absorption, grip, or lightness, allowing cyclists to find the most suitable option for their riding style, whether on hardtail or full suspension mountain bikes.
Types of grips according to their material
To start this guide on mountain bike grips, we will analyze the most commonly used materials for grips, explaining their advantages and disadvantages.
Rubber
Provides better grip and firmness but also more weight. It features patterns to ensure the palm of the hand sticks and to prevent slipping.
- Advantages: Better attachment to the handlebar and grip for the hands. Durability.
- Disadvantages: More weight and less comfort.
Foam
Neoprene foam or foam is used to create smooth grips or those with very little texture. The advantage of this material is its lightness and comfort when holding the handlebar. But this material degrades faster than rubber and gets dirty more easily.
- Advantages: Lightness and comfort.
- Disadvantages: Less resistance.
Silicone
We could say that it’s a hybrid between rubber and foam grips. They provide better grip because the material is less porous than foam, are lightweight, and repel dirt better. In terms of price, foam and silicone are very similar, although generally the latter are a bit more expensive.
- Advantages: Lightness and grip.
- Disadvantages: Higher price.
Types of grips according to their shape
Once the main materials for making grips have been described, they can be classified according to their type of attachment to the handlebar or their shape:
Closed grips or lock-on
They consist of the grip itself and one or two clamps with a screw (usually Allen type) at the ends. Once tightened onto the handlebar, the grip stays fixed and cannot move. However, they add a bit more weight, although their installation and removal is much easier than conventional grips, which are installed by pressure.
Conventional grips
They are installed on the handlebar by pressure. It is neither necessary nor advisable to use glue or any other adhesive to fix them, as their removal will be very difficult. Generally, this type of grip is made of foam or silicone, although there are also rubber grips that are fixed by pressure.
Ergonomic grips
Ergonomic grips are mainly about shape. While conventional ones are mostly circular or have small reliefs, ergonomic grips are special grips with flat and curved sections that provide better grip and comfort for the hands. These models are recommended for marathon bikers or cycle tourists who enjoy long days of cycling. They delay the onset of wear in hands and wrists and are made of rubber.
Which grips should I choose for my bike?
Once the main materials and their properties and the types of mountain bike grips available on the market have been described, it's time to guide you in your future purchase. To do so, you should consider three main aspects to make your choice easier:
The material
If you're looking for a standard grip that doesn't add much weight and provides comfort and better vibration absorption, your choice should be a foam one. If you need a bit more grip but don't want to give up comfort or lightness, you should look at silicone ones. And if you want grip and firmness, rubber grips should definitely be your choice.
The thickness
Thickness is an aspect not everyone considers when choosing grips. However, it is very important for ergonomics and hand grip on the handlebar. Certain models are offered in two or three different thicknesses. A larger one will be more advisable for big hands, while a thinner one will suit a smaller or slimmer hand. From there, personal preferences come into play: a thicker grip to absorb more vibrations, a thinner one for better grip and handling, etc.
The discipline you practice
Finally, you have to consider the type of mountain biking you do, as there are certain grips more suited than others to the different mountain bike disciplines. For pure XC (short and explosive routes), a silicone grip is ideal; in XC Marathon, foam or ergonomic grips will provide extra comfort. Meanwhile, in more extreme disciplines, such as trail or enduro, rubber grips are the riders' favorites, and if they're lock-on even better.
Maintenance: fixing, removal, and cleaning
Installing and removing a grip can be the easiest task in the world or the most complicated, depending on whether you have followed the manufacturer's recommendations or decided to do it your own way. For example, if you have used adhesive to stick the grips to the handlebar, it may take you a long time to remove them, having to inject solvent or thoroughly soak the grip to get it off. That’s why it’s most advisable to secure them without any glue. The grip is specifically designed to be pressure-fitted onto the handlebar. If you want extra firmness, you can moisten the inside a little with rubbing alcohol, just as you would to remove it, injecting it with a syringe. For lock-on grips, installation and removal is very simple; you just need the right tool to tighten or loosen the screw, and the grip will come off quickly. As for cleaning, it’s very important to do a basic cleaning after every ride and a thorough cleaning every month. Grips tend to accumulate a lot of dust, dirt, and sweat (if you don’t use gloves), compromising grip and comfort. For a thorough cleaning, we recommend removing them and cleaning both the outside and inside, using soap or a degreasing product.