Best Bicycle Grips – Reviews and Buyers Guide

Whether you have an expensive custom-made bicycle or a standard riding bicycle or a top-of-the line mountain bicycle; there is always the chance that the bicycle grips are not exactly what you are looking for. This is because the bicycle grips normally found on a bicycle are not meant for long-term use or perhaps you are older in age and would prefer something with a sturdier grip for stability. Some of the grips found on bicycle handles are slippery or can wear smooth after a certain amount of use and become hard to grip once you begin to sweat on your ride.

Best Bicycle Grips Comparisons

Brand

Details

ESI Extra Chunky MTB Grip, Black

  • Dimensions: 22.9 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm
  • Weight: 90.7 grams per set
  • Compatibility: works with most handlebars

ROCKBROS Bike Handlebar Grips Double Lock-on

  • Dimensions: 15.4 x 8.6 x 5 cm
  • Weight: 159.0 grams
  • Compatibly: fits bikes within 22.2mm diameter

Ergon GE1 Grips, Black

  • Dimensions: 25.4 x 15.2 x 5.1 cm
  • Weight: 99.8 grams
  • Compatibility: Fits most bikes

FIFTY-FIFTY Dual Lock-on Bike Grips

  • Dimensions: 15.5 x 8.1 x 3.8 cm
  • Weight: 22.7 grams
  • Compatibility: fits most and are adjustable

Odi ODI Rogue Bicycle Grip

  • Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 15.2 cm
  • Weight: 113.0 grams
  • Compatibility: fits most bikes

Why Have Grips?

There is nothing worse than hitting that hard trail and gaining traction for the hill in front of you, but your hands are sweaty, and they begin sliding over the bars. Not only is this a disappointment when you have to stop, wipe your hands dry and start again, it can be dangerous when travelling over rugged terrain as the lack of grip can cause potential injuries. Maybe you have temporary solved the problem by wearing a set of biking gloves but this can increase the moisture on the palms of your hands as the heat builds up during the physical exertion of riding a bicycle.

Luckily, you can buy after-market bicycle grips that will support the hands and even keep them in the proper riding position to eliminate any aches and pains that can be felt after the adrenaline leaves you. This is good to consider for both road or touring bikes and mountain models. Today we are going to be taking a look at the top recommended bicycle grips that are available on the market today and can be installed on your bicycle with minimum effort and minimal tools.

Ease of Installation

The first thing to look for when searching for a new set of bicycle grips is the ease of installation. This is especially true if you are an avid rider but not necessarily an avid tool smith. You want a set of grips that will easily go on your existing bicycle and can be removed with the same amount of effort if you are choosing a set that will only be used when riding a certain type of trail, such as a rugged mountainside opposed to a relaxing ride along the countryside on a paved trail.

Some bicycle grips can be almost too easy to install and you have to be wary of this kind because that means the fit might not be as snug as you could want for your bicycle. If your bicycle grips are sliding around the handlebars, the potential for injury is increased as hand control is limited. Bicycle grips that are too hard to install have a negative impact as well, as a constant struggle during installation could cause the grips to stretch, leading to the same problem as the bicycle grips being too easy to install.

Lifespan and Exposure to the Elements

You also want to look at the different models of bicycle grips and compare how they will withstand rougher conditions. If you are an avid bicycle enthusiast that tackles the hardest trails full of plant life, mud and other things; then you want a set of grips that can get a little dirty and not lose their gripping potential. You also want a set that can be easily cleaned without having to use a specialty cleaning solution or special condition for the material used in construction.

The lifespan of the bicycle grips is also an important thing to consider when it comes to the amount of money you might have to spend to get the product you want and need. Some grips might be expensive to purchase and flashy to look at but are worn smooth within months on continuous riding. These types of grips would not be a good buy as they would have to be replaced within a certain timeframe or they would basically be the exact same type of bicycle grip that comes on a standard bike anyway.

What You Are Looking For

When it comes to customization of your bicycle with racks and pedals and grips; you need to narrow down exactly what it is you are looking for. Are you looking for a set of bicycle grips that have grooves and edges for your hands or gloves to stick to? Are you looking for a set that are ergonomically correct as you find that your hands tend to tighten and cramp after a certain period of riding? Are you looking for a set that are on the bigger side so your hands rest more comfortably on the handles and the amount of shock absorption is higher to prevent injury or the tingling of hands?

These are all questions that should be considered before purchasing any type of after-market grips as buying the first pair you see with positive reviews and a fair price could be a mistake. Look for a pair of bicycle grips that will meet your needs and fulfill the desires you have for the type of riding you will be doing.

Top 5 Bicycle Grips Reviews

ESI Extra Chunky MTB Grip, Black

  • Dimensions: 22.9 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm
  • Weight: 90.7 grams per set
  • Compatibility: works with most handlebars

The ESI Extra Chunky MTB Grips for bicycles are a lightweight set of grips that garnered a four out of five star rating online and also was awarded the Amazon Choice selection when it came to the various ESI Grips available for purchase.

The use of extra silicone padding in the construction of these grips, hence the extra chunky designation, allows for a higher shock absorption rate. This extra material prevents the shocks of riding rugged terrain from traveling through the bike frame to the hands, which can cause injury or hand cramps on tough rides.

Pros

  • Lower cost compared to competitors.
  • More material used in the construction of the grips means a longer lifespan as there is more to wear through from daily use.
  • Comes complete with end caps which prevents the splitting and cracking of material that is typically caused by frequent use.

Cons

  • Only available in one size which fits the typical handlebar setup on a standard bicycle but can be cut to fit shorter handlebars.
  • Due to the thicker material, some customers report a struggle to get the grips in place. Once they were in place, they had a snug fit that didn’t slide around the handlebar.

ROCKBROS Bike Handlebar Grips Double Lock-on

  • Dimensions: 15.4 x 8.6 x 5 cm
  • Weight: 159.0 grams
  • Compatibly: fits bikes within 22.2mm diameter

The ROCKBROS Bike Handlebar Grips are meant to last with its durable and flexible construction. With a lower price tag but high quality grip, these bicycle grips have earned themselves four stars out of five on Amazon while making recommendation lists from other publications. The fashionable BIKE GRIP logo emblazoned on the grips also doubles a secondary hold, as the fingers fit around the grooves of the letters for a more secure hold; even over rougher terrain.

These quality grips are available through the manufacturer or other online retailers in one standard size but this size fits all standard bicycles, including mountain bikes within a 22.2mm diameter. This is the perfect set of bicycle grips if you have never used them before and are unsure of what would suit you as they are fairly priced with the features of a more expensive pair.

Pros

  • Easily installed onto the handlebars of your bicycle using a set of Allen Keys and the included screws.
  • Noted for having a snug and secure fit for a lower-cost bicycle grip

Cons

  • Some reviewers have noted that the endcaps for the grips are a bit on the flimsy side and might need additional reinforcements (glue, contact cement, etc.) to stay in place during the ride.

Ergon GE1 Grips, Black

  • Dimensions: 25.4 x 15.2 x 5.1 cm
  • Weight: 99.8 grams
  • Compatibility: Fits most bikes

A more expensive entry on this list, the Ergon GE1 Grips fit all standard bicycles with a secure and snug fit. Designed with numerous sized grooves for a secure grip under the hands, this product can be used as a set of standard riding grips but the universal design is also good for rough terrain riding or racing style bicycle riding. These grips are also known for their ergonomically correct design that prevents hand and wrist pain.

The one-piece construction also allows for easy installation and these grips can be easily cleaned when they come in contact with the elements with a bit of water combined with a rag. You can get these grips in a solid black design but also in a funky blue or red to spice up your bicycle for a visually appealing look.

Pros

  • Easy installation for one person without the use of numerous tools.
  • One piece construction using alloy speaks for a long lifespan.
  • Ergonomic design to prevent hand and wrist pain after long periods of riding.

Cons

  • Pricy for a single set of bicycle grips.

FIFTY-FIFTY Dual Lock-on Bike Grips

  • Dimensions: 15.5 x 8.1 x 3.8 cm
  • Weight: 22.7 grams
  • Compatibility: fits most and are adjustable

Using a universal design, the FIFTY-FIFTY Dual Lock-on Bike Grips are universal in the fact that they can be used during any type of ride but they are unique in the fact that while they securely and snugly fit onto the handlebars of your bike, they can be rotated to position the padded sections to wherever is most comfortable. The padded areas also provide a higher level of shock absorption for the rider, preventing annoying hand cramps or tingling upon impact during the ride. Installation is straightforward and simple, with end caps that be popped off with ease to remove the grips for cleaning or changing.

Pros

  • Available in multiple colors to suit the color of the bike frame.
  • Dual lock construction allows for a secure fit while in place on the handlebars.
  • Padded areas provide shock absorption where it is needed the most.

Cons

  • A bit on the expensive side for casual riders.
  • Some customers reported the screws stripped easily during installation so it might be a good idea to use heavy duty screws of the same caliber from your local hardware store.

Odi ODI Rogue Bicycle Grip

  • Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 15.2 cm
  • Weight: 113.0 grams
  • Compatibility: fits most bikes

These Odi Rouge bicycle grips are a heavyweight grip used mainly in mountain biking and rough terrain riding. While suitable for regular riding, the amount of padding and cushion found throughout these grips provide an unbeatable level of shock absorption to prevent hand cramps and aches.

With multiple deep grooves all over the grips, it doesn’t matter how sweaty your hands are or the speed at which you are riding, your hands stay secure and snug on the handlebars. Designed in a way to provide padding along the fingers and soothing grooves against the palm, it is no wonder these grips are favored by many.

Pros

  • Excellent grip design featuring padding and grooves to minimize hand slippage and potential injury.
  • Padding provides a high level of shock absorption.
  • Installation is easy and efficient.

Cons

  • Some customers reported issues with their order in terms of not receiving end caps and/or screws

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is, no matter how good some of the above bicycle grips truly are, the final decision rests in the hands of the rider; no pun intended. It is your bicycle, your ride, and your needs when it comes to narrowing down what is the best product for you. Ask yourself the questions of what it is you are looking for, consider pricing and budgets before purchasing, and check into aftercare such as warranty and repair should the material used in the grips split or crack after some use.

There is nothing better than spending a Sunday taking in the scenic beauty that is Mother Nature, feeling your lungs and calves burn from the physical exertion and breathing in the fresh air while hearing the sounds of nature all around you. That same feeling comes from knowing you are doing your part for the environment by releasing less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and if you use your bicycle as your main source of transportation, saving those extra dollars for a rainy day.