Bike Grips: For a better ride
Bike grips are often overlooked as a way to significantly upgrade your mountain bike cheaply. Handlebar grips are the unsung heroes that connect us to our trusty steeds and help us conquer the gnarliest trails with confidence and flair. So, in this article, I’ll explore why your choice of bike grips is more critical than ever, along with the different types and how they fit your beloved bike.
The Importance of Bike Grips On A Mountain Bike
Picture this: you’re ripping down a flowy singletrack, a symphony of trees blurring past, the wind whistling through your helmet, and adrenaline pumping through your veins. Suddenly, you come across a rooty section requiring you to use total precision and control.
This is where a good set of bike grips will help by ensuring your hands stay glued to the bars and allowing you to make split-second adjustments. Precise control and security can mean the difference between nailing the section and tasting the dirt. The bike grips are crucial contact points between you and your bike, transmitting vital feedback while reducing fatigue and discomfort.
Finding The Perfect Bike Grips For You
There are a few characteristics to consider when looking for bike grips. Here is what you need to know before you buy.
How They Fit Your Handlebars
Lock-On Grips: Lock-on bike grips are all about staying together through thick and thin. These grips come with a collar and a bolt, making installation a breeze. The locking mechanism ensures they won’t slip, slide, or shift during intense rides, providing peace of mind. They usually feature a durable rubber compound that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and control.
Slide-On Grips: For those who prefer a more minimalist approach, slide-on grips offer a simple and lightweight solution. These grips don’t have a locking mechanism, but their snug fit ensures they stay in place during most rides. Slide-on grips often appeal to weight-conscious riders or those who prefer milder terrain. But if you like the rough stuff, it’s best to avoid them and go for lock-ons.
Rubber Compounds and Patterns
Soft and Squishy: Soft rubber compounds are ideal if you like a plush feel and want to soak up vibrations. These grips are like marshmallow clouds for your hands, especially on long, rocky descents. However, remember that they often wear out faster, especially if you’re a frequent rider.
Firm and Fast: On the other end of the spectrum, we have firm rubber compounds. These grips offer a more direct feel, allowing you to sense the trail beneath your wheels and respond with lightning-fast reflexes. They tend to be more durable and are a popular choice for aggressive riders and racers.
Pattern Power: Grip patterns can enhance your riding experience. Wavy or hexagonal patterns provide an excellent grip surface, preventing your hands from slipping even in the sweatiest situations. Some grips even have multi-textured designs to cater to different areas of your hand, like providing extra support to your palms and fingers.
Shape and Size Matters
Ergonomic Contours: Ergonomic grips are like a custom-moulded hug for your hands. They are designed to follow the natural curves of your palms and fingers, reducing pressure points and fatigue. These grips are fantastic for longer rides, as they keep you comfy and in control for extended periods.
Thick And Chunky: Chunky grips are for those who like to grip it and rip it. With a larger diameter, they offer more substance to hold onto, making them ideal for riders with bigger hands or those who prefer a meatier grip feel. Chunky grips can also help alleviate hand fatigue and numbness on rough trails.
Some Recommendations For Mountain Bike Grips
1. Nukeproof Horizon Race Handlebar Grips
The Horizon handlebar grips from Nukeproof have always been excellent. They have been developed over the years with pro riders, such as enduro champion Sam Hill. I used to have Sam Hill signature grips on my Nukeproof Mega, and I loved them, but these “Race” versions are a little different.
This version uses softer rubber to enhance vibration damping, comfort, and grip. The idea is to help you maintain your hand position even when your palms are sweaty or you’re riding in wet conditions. The only downside to this softness is that they won’t last as long as grips with harder compounds.
The Horizon Race handlebar grips are aimed at downhill riders or anyone who wants the security of extra grip on tricky terrain.
2. Burgtec Bartender Pro Minnaar Signature Grip
My Nukeproof grips finally gave up the ghost last summer, so I thought I’d try something new. I saw the Nurgtech Bartender Pro Minnaar bike grips in my local bike shop and thought, “If they are good enough for Greg, they are good enough for me.”
I have to say that I prefer them to the Nukeproof Horizon Sam Hill grips. They give me a more secure feeling when riding, especially with my new Melon Optics MTB gloves. These grips have a thin core that allows them to use more rubber, which improves vibration damping. The rubber in question is super tacky for extra grip. I’ll keep you updated regarding how they cope with alpine life, but I’m sure Greg wouldn’t put his mane on something that wouldn’t last.
3. Ergon GE1 Evo Bar Grips
The Ergon GE1 Evo Bar Grips are designed for riding extremely rough terrain. Ergon has utilized their GravityControl rubber compound, which includes a slip-proof surface for secure grip and comfort. They also have a forged inner clamp and integrated grip end attached to the inner core. This combination ensures superb shock absorption, damping, and reliable grip no matter how gnarly the terrain. My friend Nick rides with these grips and swears by them.
4. DMR Brendog DeathGrip
The DMR DeathGrips are among the most popular mountain bike grips. This version from Brendan Fairclough is designed to give riders the ultimate grip and meet the demands of Brendog himself.
They feature a high-quality Kraton rubber compound to offer an excellent blend of comfort, strength and security. Security is enhanced with a waffle and knurl grip pattern and a mushroom profile. This design gives you supportive hold as you charge down demanding trails. They have an internally tapered single-lock core grip to ensure they don’t slip. These flangeless mountain bike grips are well-equipped for the demands of modern trail riding.
Final Thoughts On Bike Grips
There you have it, bike grips may seem like a small detail, but their impact on your riding experience is anything but trivial. These essential companions keep you in control, reduce fatigue, and ultimately enhance the joy of every ride. Whether you opt for soft squishiness or firm responsiveness, remember that the perfect grip is the one that fits your hands like a tailored glove.
So, next time you hit the trails, think about your contact points and if they need renewing or swapping for a better set.
