Whether you’ve had enough of the standard grip that came with your mountain bike, or you’ve worn through it after years of use, we’ve created this helpful guide to get you through the hassle of picking the best mountain bike grips. We’ve spent hours pouring through articles, customer reviews, and stats, so you don’t have to. Read on to see our top picks!
Product FAQs
What is a bike grip?
A bike grip is usually made from plastic, rubber, leather or foam and covers the handlebar of your bicycle.
What does a bike grip do?
A bike grip can be basic, just a simple covering so your hands aren’t resting on the metal of your bike. They can also be quite customizable, padded and grooved for long rides or rides in wet conditions. The grip is designed to keep your hands from slipping off the handlebars.
How does it work?
The grips work by either sliding or locking on to the handlebars of your bike.
Where can you buy this type of product?
You can buy bike grips at any sports or bike shop, or easily purchase on Amazon.
How much does it cost?
You can spend anywhere from $6 – $35 on a bike grip, the more you spend, the better quality product you will be receiving. Although it’s possible to get a great grip for less, the fact is that most of them will wear out quickly, forcing you to buy another set faster.
What are lock jaws?
Lockjaws can be added after the installation of your new grip, and are a ring that clamps around the ends of the grip, thus preventing any slip. You could also use a zip tie for a similar effect.
What is carbon friendly?
“Carbon friendly” refers to the type of bike you might be using. Most bicycles are made from aluminum alloy; however, some use carbon. Every grip mentioned here will be safe for any bike.
What are snap caps?
Snap caps are used on some types of grips. Usually, they snap in at the end of the grip and can be changed or customized to fit your bike’s color scheme.
What is TPR?
TPR refers to the material used to make some bike grips. TPR stands for Thermoplastic Rubber.
How do I install the grips?
How to Install:
- Remove old grips
- Slip on the new grips. If you are having a hard time, try spraying the handlebars with hairspray or applying rubbing alcohol.
- Depending on the style of grip you get, it may have a locking collar, at which point you will want to use the provided hex key to tighten it around the grip.
- Take your hex key with you on your first ride out with your new grips; you may want to adjust as you get used to it.
How we Reviewed
To write this article, we poured over countless reviews from real customers; we scoured some great blog posts, articles, and Wikipedia entries. We wanted to provide you with a real, unbiased opinion on what will work for your bike and your pocketbook. In the end, the choice is yours to make, but hopefully, you’ll be just a little more informed before your purchase.
Overall Price Range Of This Product
image via Pexels
You can pay as little as $6 for the Outerdo Handlebar Grips, or as much as $30 for the Ergon GA 2 Grips. There are benefits and drawbacks to both sets, as you’ll read in our reviews. The truth is you can get a great grip, which will add comfort to your ride for a relatively low price. Plus, you get the option to customize with color, and what cyclist doesn’t love that?
Top Ten Mountain Bike Grips
10.) Soft BMX MTB Rubber End Grip by Vktech (Upgrade choice)
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Soft durable rubber
- Nonstick grip
- Upgrade style features double lock
Pros
Coming in at just under eight bucks and produced in a bunch of fun colors, this grip is a great find. The upgraded version is easy to take on and off and can lock into place with a double locking system.
Cons
You get what you pay for in life, and with bike gear. True, it has a good grip and locks into place. However, these grips tend to have a short lifespan and may need to be replaced more quickly than other grips listed below.
Where to buy
You can find these on Amazon.
Warranty
Unknown/Contact Seller
Coupons/deals
None at this time.
9.) Soft Rubber Handlebar Lock-On Mushroom Grips by OUTERDO
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Ergonomic
- Fit onto any standard handlebar
- Hard inner core
- Anti Slip
- Thick Wall
Pros
A terrific price point and nice thick wall are what keeps these grips in our top 10. They are great for your mountain bike, but also a good choice for your kid’s scooter. An assortment of colors is another plus for OUTERDO.
Cons
These grips are slip on with no locking mechanism. While they are seemingly easy to install (no hardware), they tend to have problems with slipping in wet conditions and may rip or breakdown more quickly than other grips. Some riders have complained about “black particles” shedding from the rubber and onto their hands. But, for six bucks? You really can’t go wrong here.
Where to buy
We found these on Amazon.
Warranty
None/Please Contact Seller for more information.
Coupons/deals
None at this time.
8.) Bike Handlebar Grips by LYCAON
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Lightweight
- Double aluminum alloy locking
- 4 Colors available
- 15 Month Warranty
Pros
Another inexpensive grip, this Lycaon model is one of the best mountain bike grips out there for under $10. It is double locking, meaning that it will not slip in wet conditions, and textured to keep your hands from slipping off the grips themselves. They also come with a 15-month warranty, in case of any defects.
Cons
While this locking grip stays put and keeps your hands from sliding off, riders have complained about the wall being too thin, thus making it uncomfortable for longer rides. These grips tend to wear down fast.
Where to buy
We found this set on Amazon.
Warranty
15 months
Coupons/deals
None at this time.
7.) Bike Hand Grips by Onedayshop
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- High Quality TPR material
- Double locking
- Honeycomb Surface
- Anti-Slip Design
- 3 Colors
Pros
This grip is ergonomic, and has more surface area for the hand. The grip relieves some of the pressure on the palm, which causes numbness and can make for a much more enjoyable ride. It has a double-locking system and is under $10.
Cons
While your comfort is maximized by the ergonomic design, these grips tend to wear down fast. Reviewers have also complained that the end caps fall out easily and that during installation, it is easy to strip the hardware.
Where to buy
We found these grips on Amazon.
Warranty
None/Contact seller for details.
Coupons/deals
None at this time.
6.)Bike Handlebar Grips Double Locking by BV
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Fit any straight standard bicycle or handlebars
- TPR material for shock absorption and comfort
- 2 Function Zones
- Can get double or single locking
Pros
A great find, these grips are super easy to install (you can decide if you want double or single locking), come in four colors and boast end caps which are integrated into the clamp. (You’ll find that end caps have a real tendency to fall out, even on the highest price models.)
Cons
Riders have complained that this set is better suited to shorter rides, as they are fairly hard and rigid. There are also no tools included with purchase, so you must have your own Allen wrench/hex key.
Where to buy
We found these on Amazon.
Warranty
Limited one year warranty
Coupons/deals
None at this time.
5.) Dual Lock on Grips by FIFTY-FIFTY
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Soft, durable and super tacky
- Carbon-Friendly clamps
- Eco-Friendly
Pros
The cool design with the “hive pattern” gives your palm some thick padding to rest on, making this a comfortable grip that doesn’t slide around. These are also a breeze to install, and they come with all the necessary tools and hardware for installation.
Cons
Although the design is nice, and provides some cushioning, riders complained that it could use even more padding. The end caps, which I mentioned tend to fall off on many grips, are slightly different on this model, being that they lock on the outside. However, this doesn’t seem to help much, as many riders complained about losing the caps out on the trail.
Where to buy
We found these on Amazon.
Warranty
Unknown/Contact seller
Coupons/deals
None at this time.
4.) Half Nelson Locking Grips by RaceFace
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Single lock-on grip
- Super Slim/Low Profile
- Lightweight
- Super Tacky VEXY
Pros
A very nice set of grips, these Single locks by RaceFace are a super find. Coming in at just over $20, they won’t break the bank and are just the right amount of tacky for all weather conditions.
Cons
There are some issues with end caps falling out, and for large hands, these may not be thick enough.
Where to buy
We found this set on Amazon.
Warranty
2 year – $ / 3 year – $
Coupons/deals
None at this time.
3.) GA3 Gravity All Mountain Grips by Ergon
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Soft rubber
- Large surface area
- Replaceable end caps
- Five fun colors
- Made in Germany
Pros
A lot of wonderful things to be said about these All Mountain grips by Ergon. Their ergonomic design, no-slip grip, and large surface area make these a great buy for comfort. They’ve been tested during wet conditions and appear to hold up quite well.
Cons
As with previous brands, the end caps have a way of falling out, and some have noted their colors aren’t as vibrant in person.
Where to buy
You can find these grips on Amazon.
Warranty
2 year – $ / 3 year – $
Coupons/deals
There are none at this time.
2.) GA 2 Grips by Ergon
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- UV stable rubber compound
- Removable end caps
- Inboard clamp
- Carbon bar friendly
- Locking
Pros
These grips are super easy to install, sticky – but not too sticky, have a slight taper that fits your hand, and is lightweight. They are durable, well built, and made to last!
Cons
Some have complained of end caps falling off, while others have noticed some black particles flaking off after prolonged usage. The price is a bit steep, in comparison to other models, but the durability makes it very reasonably priced. Other than that, these are a safe bet!
Where to buy
We found this set on Amazon.
Warranty
None/Contact seller for more info.
Coupons/deals
There are no coupons at this time.
1.) Rogue Bicycle Lock-On Grips by ODI
Image source: Amazon
Key features
- Soft pads for shock absorption
- The Textured grip helps with control
- Includes grips, lock jaws and snap-on end caps
Pros
These are built for comfort, and your previously numb hands will thank you for this purchase. They are grippy, durable and super easy to install. They will live up to all weather conditions, and will not slip when wet. They close with the lockjaw system, ensuring these bad boys aren’t going anywhere. They’re also a really good deal in comparison to other high-end models, like the Ergons.
Cons
At worst? The end caps are made of hard plastic, and taking a fall with those may hurt a bit.
Where to buy
We found this set on Amazon.
Warranty
2 year – $/ 3 year – $
Coupons/deals
Not at this time.
The Verdict
image via Pexels
Like all great gear out there, your grips are highly customizable. You need to decide what is most important to you, where you ride most often, and how much you want to spend. Our pick of the best mountain bike grips? Our money is still on Rogue Lock- On Bike Grips from ODI, which is a higher end model, but still less than $30. For beginners or children, we’re going to recommend Outerdo’s Soft Rubber Handlebar End Grips. They’re cheap, easy to slip on, come in an array of colors and are super comfortable, especially for smaller hands.
Whatever you decide to purchase, get out there and ride that bike! The open trails are calling you!
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