If you’ve been through countless mountain biking trails and still find your hands or arms feeling restless every time after, you might not have the MTB grip with the correct size. Like having the correct type of tires and suspension for your bike, having the correct grip with the proper measurements and compound according to your needs is just as important. You’ll be learning about the basics of MTB grips as you read this article.
How do I find the correct MTB grip size for my hands? You can obtain the ideal diameter for your MTB grip by measuring your hand from the topmost crease from your palm to the tip of your middle finger. Multiply your obtained measurement to 18 percent. This would be the ideal diameter in millimeters for your MTB grip.
Arm pump, accidental slipping, and carpal tunnel are just some of the possible consequences of not having the correct size for your MTB grips. In this article, I’ll be teaching you how these could be prevented. I’ll be giving you the perfect formula for the ideal MTB grip size and the different factors you should consider when buying an MTB grip. I’ll also be giving you the best options on the available MTB grips on the market and an in-depth explanation on what makes each one of them stand out.
The Formula For The Perfect Grip
For some mountain bikers, the typical formula in finding the right MTB grip size is a bit of a hit or miss. If you find that your hands are relatively small, you should go for MTB grips with diameters ranging from 29-30 mm. On the other hand, if you consider your hands bigger than an average person’s, then you should go for MTB grips with diameters from 32-34 mm.
While this method works for some, there is a more proper way to obtain the ideal MTB grip size for you. Measure the length of your hand in inches by starting from the nearest crease from your palm or the distal wrist crease up to the tip of your middle finger. Once you obtain the length of your hand, multiply it to .18 or 18 percent. The resulting number would be the ideal diameter for your MTB grip.
The Best MTB Grips In Town
There are various MTB grips available on the market with varying types, sizes, and functions. They also have different appearances if you’re looking for something to match the rest of your bike. Prices and weight could also vary depending on what type of MTB grip you are going for. If you are the type of biker who’s a little bit more conscious with weight-saving or other aspects of an MTB grip, then check out the table below with a comparison of the best MTB grips available.
| Product | Price | Diameter | Length | Weight |
| Ergon GA3 | $29.95 | 30mm | 135mm | 115g |
| Lizard Skins Peaty | $29.99 | 30.5mm | 130mm | 112g (with plugs) |
| ODI Cross Trainer | $29.95 | 32mm | 130mm | 100g |
| ESI RACERS EDGE | $15.99 | 30mm | 130mm | 51g |
| ERGON GS1 | $39.95 | 6.5 to 8.5, 8.5 to 10.5 | 130mm | 155g |
| ODI TROY LEE | $32.95 | 31mm | 115mm | 113g |
| Oury | $34.99 | 32mm | 133mm | 200g |
Ergon GA3
The Ergon GA3, which is manufactured in Germany, is priced at $29.95. Its diameter and length are 30 mm and 135 mm, respectively. For an ergonomic MTB grip, its weight is relatively lighter at 115g.
The Ergon GA3 features a locking mechanism for a more secure and firmer attachment to your MTB handles. Its clamp is made out of aluminum so that material strength would be out of the question.
The ergonomic layout of the GA3 is ideal for longer and less punishing mountain biking trails with its wrist and hand support system. Its UV-stable rubber compound would work well in any condition, whether it may be sunny or wet. If you spend your time biking in more tropical conditions, this ergonomic grip is right for your needs.
Lizard Skins Peaty
The Lizard Skins Peaty is priced nearly the same as the Ergon GA3 at $29.99. It has a diameter of 30.5mm and a length of 130mm. Its total weight sits at 112 g, which already includes the bar end caps that come as you purchase the Lizard Skins Peaty.
The Lizard Skins Peaty is made out of aluminum, plastic, and rubber which are all perfect for a grippy yet sturdy MTB grip. If you want to personalize your MTB grip to your taste, Lizard Skins offers you the opportunity to select the color of your MTB grip from a pool of options and to etch a text in your chosen text style for a few extra dollars. With its plain gauge and grippy characteristics, the Lizard Skins Peaty is great for the tougher mountain trills with sharp turns and drastic elevation changes.
The Lizard Skins Peaty is also easier to install on your handlebars with its lock-on feature while offering a more secure fit.
ODI Cross Trainer
The ODI Cross trainer, another lock-on MTB grip, is priced at $29.95 and already comes with bar end caps. With a diameter of 32mm and a length of 130mm, the ODI Cross Trainer is ideal for those with average-size hands. It is also lightweight at just 100g.
The ODI Cross Trainer has a criss-cross pattern with a soft feel, which is perfect for a comfortable ride in a wet or damp condition. Like the Lizard Skins Peaty, it is a plain gauge grip. This means that if you’re used to MTB grips with a consistent diameter from end to end, then the Cross Trainer would be the right grip for you.
Esi Racers Edge
The ESI Racers Edge slide-on grip is the cheapest yet still competitive at $15.99. With a diameter of 30mm and a length of 130mm, you’re still getting a quality MTB grip for much less. It is also the lightest of the MTB grips at just 51g.
What sets the ESI Racers Edge from the others is its compound. Unlike MTB grips with a pure rubber compound, the ESI Racers Edge is made out of foam. This ensures that while getting a good hold of your bike while trailing, you are also less susceptible to rougher trails with its excellent vibration damping. It is also UV-resistant, meaning you can use it even in sunny biking conditions.
Ergon GS1
The Ergon GS1, also from Germany like the GA3, is the priciest of the options at $39.95. Unlike the other grips offered in a specific diameter, Ergon offers the GS1 in two different size ranges, one at 6.5” to 8.5” and another at 8.5” to 10.5” for bigger hands. The GS1 is quite bulky at 155g.
The Ergon GS1 has a winged design that offers great wrist and hand support for long-distance endurance mountain biking sessions. It supports nerve relief by placing the pressure on your hands in a smaller surface area and therefore offering a more comfortable ride. The rubber compound of the GS1 is developed without fillers, which means it is made of pure UV-resistant rubber.
These grips are conveniently locked onto your bike using a one-bolt mechanism with cold-forged aluminum clamps to prevent twisting when you grip hard on your bike.
ODI Troy Lee
The ODI Troy Lee lock-on grips are priced at $32.95. It has a diameter and length of 31mm and 115 mm respectively. It weighs a little bit more than the ODI Cross Trainer at 113g.
It has grooved channels to prevent mud and water accumulation when riding in muddy conditions. The underpad clamps on the Troy Lee provide comfortable yet maximum grip. It has a custom flanged design that provides hand support by providing a more usable grip surface. The ODI Troy Lee has outstanding reviews for wet conditions, so if you live in a commonly wet climate, then the Troy Lee would be the perfect choice for you.
Oury Grip
The Oury lock-on grips are priced at $34.99 and come with bar end caps. Its diameter is at 32mm while its length is 133mm. The Oury is also quite bulky at 200g.
Made in the U.S.A, the Oury has an anti-vibration feature and a large pad design that reduces your chances of an arm pump while giving you maximum control of your bike. The bulkiness comes from its large surface area designed specifically to distribute the vibration it would absorb during your mountain biking session.
If you do not mind adding a little extra weight to your bike with top of the line vibration damping, then the Oury grip is the ideal choice to go for. You do not need to sacrifice comfort while riding just to get good control of your bike.
MTB Grips – The Secret For A Grippy Ride
When choosing the right MTB grip for your needs, there are a few factors that you must consider before you decide which MTB grip to purchase. While some would choose to settle for the cheapest entry-level MTB grip, you should also consider its compound, size, and function.
Compound
When it comes to compound, some MTB grips could deteriorate faster in certain circumstances. Take foam MTB grips as an example. They may cost less, weigh less, and offer superior vibration damping against arm pump. However, foam MTB grips would soak up all the water in an instant compared to rubber MTB grips. Foam grips would also absorb your sweat and would have an unpleasant smell the more you use them. This would make your grip less reliable and comfortable. They are also much harder to install since they have a slide-on mechanism which would be discussed as you read further in this article.
On the other hand, rubber grips are less absorbent of vibration and heavier but last much longer than foam grips. They are also mostly lock-on grips, which means that they are more tightly secured onto your bike. Based on these characteristics and on your needs, you should consider what compound is best for you.
Diameter
Diameter also is an important factor to consider when choosing your MTB grip. While most grips are offered in various sizes, not all brands could have the right size for you. As mentioned earlier, the key to a comfortable grip is to find the perfect size for you. Having too small of diameter could render you squeezing too much for grip, while having it too thick would give you less control of your bike. Be sure to use the formula for the perfect MTB grip size I provided.
Weight
For those who want to reduce as much load on their bikes as possible, no matter how little, the weight would matter a lot. Some grip types have less weight on the cost of ease of installment or how well secured it is on your bike. Although lighter means better most of the time in performance, the advantages of going for light MTB grips do not outweigh the advantages of a versatile heavy-duty MTB grip.
It is a persistent prejudice that the heavier a bike, the less capable and more difficult it is to climb with. However, heavier bikes actually have better handling than lighter ones. Heavier bikes are glued to the surface more by gravity and, therefore, more capable of handling sharper turns. In downhill trails, the heavier you are, the more leverage you have to carry higher speeds.
Common Types And Terms For MTB Grips
There are certain terms that you must get accustomed to before you purchase the perfect MTB grip. Some types of MTB grips do not have consistent diameters from end to end, offer alternate hand positions, and some are much easier to install than the others. Here are the basic terms that you must know to help you gain a better understanding of MTB grips.
Slide-On MTB Grips
Slide-on MTB grips are compatible with any handlebar material and have smaller interior diameters than the handlebar itself. Foam MTB grips are commonly slide-on. They are also lighter than lock-on grips. They have no collars that would secure them onto your handlebars and therefore, they are much more susceptible to accidental slipping, especially during wet conditions.
When it comes to installation, they are much more difficult to install, and you must find a way to lubricate your handlebars for easier installation.
Lock-On MTB Grips
Lock-on MTB grips, on the other hand, are secured with locking collars. This prevents your grip from sliding away and has a wider interior diameter than your handlebar. The grip security comes with a price as lock-on grips are more expensive than slide-on grips and are heavier.
Lock-on grips are divided into two types; single-lock and dual-lock grips. Single-lock grips, though not prone to twisting, have a tendency to move on one side. They are more comfortable as they provide support on the outer side of your grips. Dual-locks, for a better riding performance, offer a much more secure grip.
Plain Gauge MTB Grips
Plain Gauge grips are the ones that have a consistent diameter from end to end. It is common for downhill riders to go for this kind of grip as they gain more control of their bike when speeding down a mountain. Plain gauge grips work better when paired with a flange. Flanges are added at the outer end of your MTB grip to prevent your hand from sliding away during instances that you have to absorb an impact, such as in high jumps.
Ergonomic MTB Grips
Ergonomic grips are best suited if you want to go for comfort when riding. If you are less of a hardcore mountain biker and would prefer less punishing but longer trails, then it is best to go for ergonomic MTB grips. Ergonomic grips, aside from offering support for your hands, also offer wrist support.
They are commonly irregularly shaped, opposite from plain gauge grips that have consistent diameters from end to end. The purpose of this irregular shape is to mold into a more natural position for your hands and wrists to prevent common conditions for bikers such as arm pump, numbness, or even carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic grips work by creating a wider angle for your wrists, which in turn gives a more relaxed position. Ergonomic MTB grips could be paired with integrated bar-ends that would offer an alternative position for your hands. They could activate more muscles such as your triceps when biking in order to lessen the load on your forearm and hands when gripping and pedaling hard.
Conclusion
Riding techniques and having the correct specifications for your bike, especially the grips, go hand in hand. Without either of the two, one can not enjoy the mountain biking experience. Finding the perfect MTB grip for you means getting the grip with the perfect diameter, compound and shape. With the perfect grip, you would have the confidence and trust in your bike needed to conquer the toughest of trails.
