Best Bike Grips (3 Comfortable Picks for Handlebars)


For maximum control on rough terrains, bike grips are the way to go. Grips are a vital component for comfort, control, and overall riding experience. These reduce hand fatigue on long rides to provide the confidence you need to navigate tricky terrains.

The best bike grips are the ODI Rogue bicycle grip and the ESI extra chunky MTB grip. The ODI Rogue is easy and quick to install and made with shock-absorbent padding. The ESI grip has a longer lifespan and is rugged enough for daily use without extreme wear and tear. It also offers value for money.

In this article, I will present top bike grip options that are well-padded, shock-absorbent, and easy to mount.

Best Bicycle Grips

Compare Top Handlebar Bike Grips

ProductOverall ScoreBottom LinePrice
ESI Grips Extra Chunky MTB - Best Bike Grips
ESI Grips Extra
Chunky MTB
88Budget Buy
Comes with end caps to
prevent the material from cracking
Check Out On
Amazon
ODI Rogue Bicycle Grip - Best Bike Grips
ODI Rogue
Bicycle Grip
89Top Pick
Made with shock-absorbent
padding
Check Out On
Amazon
FIFTY-FIFTY Lock-on Bicycle - Best Bike Grips
FIFTY-FIFTY
Lock-on
86Dual lock construction that
gives a secure fit
Check Out On
Amazon

Detailed Analysis of the Best Bike Grips

Have trouble with your bicycle grips? Consider replacing them with one of the following options and see if your bike riding hobby won’t change for the better.

1. ESI Grips Extra Chunky MTB Grip

ESI Grips Extra Chunky MTB - Best Bike Grips Review
Budget Buy

Overall Score: 88

The ESI Extra Chunky MTB Grips have many positive reviews by customers.

It’s padded with copious amounts of silicone that makes it nice and comfortable. This way, it can absorb shocks made by going over obstacles with your bike.

In addition to its high shock absorption ability, this bike grip makes it much easier to traverse through rough terrain.

Basically, they’re the best dirt bike grips on the market and are suitable for a wide variety of off-road and outdoor applications.

Advantages

  • It comes with end caps to prevent the material from cracking or splitting.
  • The grips are well-padded to further increase the product’s lifespan and make it rugged enough for daily use without suffering extreme wear and tear.
  • It costs less than similar products.
  • Offers great value for money.

Disadvantages

  • It only comes in one size.

2. ODI Rogue Bicycle Grip Bonus Pack

ODI Rogue Bicycle Grip - Best Bike Grips Review
Top Pick

Overall Score: 89

Next, we have the ODI Rouge bicycle grips which are arguably the best mountain bike handlebar grips on the market.

That’s because they sport heavy-duty design and construction that enables them to absorb shocks coming from going through different bumps that come with riding your bicycle through difficult trails.

You’ll definitely experience fewer cramps and aches on your hands when using these bicycle grips.

The grips feature multiple deep grooves that are designed to keep your hands secured on the handlebars so that they don’t slip off.

They’re made to offer additional padding that protects your palms and fingers from the rigors of the road. This is what makes these the top grips and one of the most popular options on the market.

Advantages

  • Easy and quick to install.
  • Made with shock-absorbent padding.
  • Offers excellent grip thanks to the grooves and padding included.
  • Helps to prevent injury and aches on the hands.

Disadvantages

  • There have been reports of customers receiving the wrong order without screws or caps.

3. FIFTY-FIFTY Lock-on Bicycle Grips

FIFTY-FIFTY Lock-on Bicycle - Best Bike Grips Review

Overall Score: 86

Thanks to its versatile design, these grips from FIFTY-FIFTY can be utilized in pretty much any type of scenario.

They fit nice and snug into your bicycle’s handlebars and they’re flexible enough to be spun around to ensure maximum comfort for the user.

The padded areas of the grips are extremely shock absorbent and allow you to enjoy longer and more comfortable rides in rough terrain without getting finger cramps.

It’s quick and easy to install these grips, thanks to the detachable end caps. They also allow you to effortlessly change and clean the grips.

Advantages

  • It comes with shock-absorbent padded areas.
  • Dual lock construction allows you to get a snug and secure fit.
  • It comes in different colors to go with your bike frame color.

Disadvantages

  • There have been complaints related to the screws popping off randomly.
  • It’s a bit pricey to consider if you’re a casual rider.

How to Find the Best Bike Grips

Now that you know what the best bicycle grips are, perhaps it’s time to look at the criteria that we used to determine which brands and grips made the cut.

Material

Now when it comes to the types of materials that are utilized to make bicycle grips, each one comes with its own pros and cons.

The most popular types of materials that are used include Kevlar, foam butter, silicone, and rubber.

Silicone is another common material that’s commonly used. It’s much softer and has a much more comfortable feel.

It also promotes better control of your bike and can absorb shocks and vibrations better. But they’re also susceptible to wear and tear.

Soft rubber grips are also known for feeling sticky because they tend to stick to your hands, while hardy materials have a tendency to become slippery.

Shape

In keeping with the theme of making products with the end-user in mind, a growing number of manufacturers are focusing on making grips that come in different sizes and shapes.

This is to suit different needs and preferences.

Whatever you do, don’t settle for a grip that’s the wrong size or anything that feels uncomfortable because it will affect your ability to shift and brake properly and your performance overall.

Mold grip is also important. There’s a variety of patterns to choose from, including grooves, ridges, and diamonds.

You can also refer to my guide on best MTB grips that are of great quality and carefully picked to help you avoid hand fatigue.

Slide-On Grips vs. Lock-On Grips

As the name implies, the way you install slide-on grips is by sliding them over the handlebar either using an air compressor to blow them on or using rubbing alcohol and glue.

You can even use other types of solvents or hairspray to get the same effect. Just make sure that you don’t do anything that will potentially damage the paint job on your bicycle.

It’s also possible to keep slide-on grips attached to your bike’s handlebars by placing a wire on either end.

Another component that can maximize the comfort provided by bike grips are handlebar tapes. Check out my guide on the best handlebar tapes for some great recs.

Then you have lock-on grips which are pretty new on the scene. Lock-on grips are quite popular due to their ability to help the user maintain a firm grip on the handlebars.

This is to improve bike control and handle the vibrations that come with riding a bicycle in rough terrain. As such, they’re considered the best bike grips for mountain bikes by experts.

Color

Lastly, one has to consider color because bike grips come in a wide variety of color options. Choose a color that expresses your personality.

This is a great way to customize your overall look when riding your bicycle.

Not all manufacturers offer grips in different colors, but you have brands whose grips come in different eye-catching and vibrant colors, sizes, and styles.

But, color should be the last thing that you think about when choosing your bicycle grips.

Quality of construction is the foremost important aspect of the grip’s design and after that, you can consider the color and other superficial customization features.

ODI Rogue Is a Top Choice for Riders With Sensitive Hands as It Reduces Blisters on Long Rides…

Well, there you have it! That’s how you pick the best bicycle grips out there. In our opinion, the ODI Rogue Bicycle Grip ticks all the boxes of what you should look for.

That’s because it comes with extra padding to absorb shocks and give an excellent grip, and the best part is that it’s comfortable and durable.

Shailen Vandeyar

A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not out cycling through the best routes, reviewing the latest gear, and sharing tips on everything biking.

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