Best Grips for Mountain Bike in 2026: Which Type Is Right for You?

Types of Mountain Bike Grips Compared

Lock on rubber grips are the best all round choice for trail riding, ergonomic winged grips suit long rides and hand numbness, silicone grips are the lightest and most shock absorbing and foam or gel grips suit budget and casual bikes.

Type	Best For	Pros	Cons	Typical Price
Lock on rubber	Trail, enduro, all round	Secure, no twist, tacky	Slightly heavier	around $22 to $35
Ergonomic winged	XC, long rides, numb hands	Palm support, less pressure	Fixed hand position, cost	around $30 to $40
Silicone	Vibration damping, light weight	Soft, light, comfortable	Wear faster	around $24 to $35
Foam and gel budget	Casual and cruiser bikes	Cheap, easy to fit	Less durable, less control	around $7 to $13

Lock On Rubber Grips

Lock on grips clamp to the bar with a bolt, so they will not twist or slide in wet or muddy conditions. The PNW Components Loam grip, at around $22 to $29, lists an ultra tacky 25A rubber compound that absorbs vibration and grips well when wet, a dual pattern surface, a choice of 30 mm or 34 mm diameter, a single clamp design for standard 22.2 mm bars, a weight of about 90 to 120 grams per pair and a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. ODI's Troy Lee Designs lock on grip, at around $33, is a long running favorite.

These suit most trail, enduro and all mountain riders.

Closed end designs, like PNW's, protect the grip ends and bars when the bike falls over.

Ergonomic Winged Grips

Ergonomic grips add a flattened wing that spreads pressure across your palm, which can ease numbness on long rides. The Ergon GA3, at around $40, is a lock on grip with a winged design for comfort and wrist support, and the Ergon GP1, at around $40, has a larger wing aimed at upright riding. The Ergon GA2 Fat, at around $30, is a thicker all mountain grip in soft German rubber.

These suit cross country riders, bikepackers and anyone with sore hands.

Set the wing angle carefully: a slight downward tilt usually supports the palm without bending the wrist. Ergon's GA2 is adjustable, letting you fine tune the position.

Silicone Grips

Silicone grips feel soft and damp trail buzz well while staying very light. ESI's Extra Chunky silicone grips, at around $24, are a popular choice for comfort and control on mountain bikes and e bikes. Wolf Tooth's Lock On Fat Paw grip, at around $35, combines a thick, cushy grip with a lock on clamp.

These suit riders who want comfort and light weight, though silicone can wear faster than rubber.

Silicone grips can be harder to install because they are stretchy; many riders use air or a little water to slide them on.

Foam and Gel Budget Grips

Budget grips upgrade worn stock grips cheaply. GPMTER's lock on grips, at around $7, list non slip rubber with an extra gel layer, an aluminum lock on clamp and a 131 mm length for 22.2 mm bars. ROCKBROS foam grips, at around $12, suit cruisers, folding bikes and casual riding.

These suit casual riders and kids' bikes but wear out sooner on rough trails.

Budget grips are also handy as spares to swap onto a second bike.

Lock On Rubber vs Ergonomic Grips: Which Should You Choose?

Choose round lock on rubber grips if you ride technical trails, move around on the bike a lot or like to change hand positions. Choose ergonomic winged grips if you ride long, steady distances, sit upright or get numb hands.

On control, round grips win because your hands can roll freely through rough sections. On comfort over hours, ergonomic grips win thanks to palm support.

On security, both are usually lock on. On price, round grips like PNW's cost a little less. On versatility, round grips suit more riding styles.

Many riders try round lock on grips first and switch to ergonomic grips only if hand pain persists.

How to Choose the Best Grips for Mountain Bike

Diameter, compound, pattern, mounting and length matter most. Here is what to check.

Grip Diameter and Hand Size

Diameter affects comfort and control. PNW offers 30 mm for a more minimal feel and 34 mm for more cushion and bigger hands. Thicker grips, like Ergon's GA2 Fat and Wolf Tooth's Fat Paw, spread pressure but can feel bulky for small hands. Riders with small hands usually prefer slimmer grips.

A quick check: when you grip the bar, your fingertips should just reach your palm without strain.

Rubber Compound and Tackiness

Softer compounds feel tacky and damp vibration but wear faster; PNW lists a 25A compound. Harder compounds last longer but feel less grippy. Silicone feels the softest. Tacky grips help riders who ride without gloves.

Hot climates can make very soft grips feel greasy, so a medium compound may suit summer riding better.

Tread Pattern and Texture

Patterns affect grip in wet conditions and how the grip feels in gloves. PNW combines thin horizontal strips with a thicker pattern under the palm. Waffle and ribbed patterns add cushioning, while finer textures feel more direct.

Try grips in a shop if possible, since feel is personal.

Lock On vs Slip On Mounting

Lock on grips use one or two clamps and will not twist, which is safest for mountain biking. Slip on grips rely on friction and can twist in rain or mud unless fitted carefully. Check that grips fit standard 22.2 mm bars, as PNW and GPMTER list.

Lock on grips are also easy to remove for maintenance or swapping.

Length and Bar Setup

Grips usually measure around 130 to 140 mm; GPMTER lists 131 mm. Make sure your brake levers and shifters have room after fitting. Single clamp grips save space on crowded bars.

Trim excess grip length only on grips designed for it, and never cut lock on clamps.

How to Make Your Grips Last Longer

• Clean grips with mild soap and water. Dirt and sunscreen wear down rubber.
• Check clamp bolts regularly. Retighten to the maker's torque if grips move.
• Store the bike out of direct sun. UV light hardens rubber and silicone.
• Replace worn grips. Slick or torn grips reduce control.
• Keep bar ends plugged. End plugs protect you and the grip in a crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features matter most in grips for mountain bike?

A secure lock on clamp, a diameter that fits your hand, a tacky compound for wet conditions and a pattern that feels comfortable matter most. Riders with sore hands should consider ergonomic grips.

How often should I replace mountain bike grips?

Replace grips when they feel slick, tear, harden or move on the bar. Heavy riders on rough trails may replace soft compound or silicone grips every season, while harder rubber lasts longer.

Do ergonomic grips help with numb hands?

They can. Winged grips like Ergon's spread pressure across the palm, which can reduce pressure on nerves. Bike fit, bar height and gloves also matter, so check with a bike fitter or doctor if numbness persists.

Change hand positions often on long rides.

Can I install lock on grips myself?

Yes. Remove the old grips, slide the new grips on, set the angle and tighten the clamp bolts with a hex key to the recommended torque. No glue is needed.

Line up both grips at the same angle.

Are thicker grips better?

Not always. Thicker grips add cushion and suit bigger hands, but they can tire smaller hands and reduce feel. Choose a diameter that lets you wrap your fingers comfortably.

Gloves add thickness too, so account for them.

Should I ride with gloves or bare hands?

Gloves add grip in sweat and rain, protect your palms in a fall and reduce blisters, so most mountain bikers wear them. If you prefer bare hands, choose a tacky compound like PNW's and a pattern that feels comfortable without padding.

Both work with good grips.

Do e bikes need special grips?

Not usually. Any grip that fits a standard 22.2 mm bar works, but heavier e bikes and higher speeds make secure lock on grips and vibration damping compounds more valuable. ESI notes its Extra Chunky grips suit both mountain bike and e bike riders.

Wrapping Up

The best grips for mountain bike fit your hand size, stay locked in place and match how you ride. Choose PNW Loam or ODI lock on grips for all round trail riding, Ergon GA3 or GP1 for long rides and sore hands, ESI or Wolf Tooth for soft, vibration damping comfort and GPMTER or ROCKBROS for budget upgrades.

For more cycling guides, see the best mountain bike ebike, the best beginner mountain bike, the best flat bike pedals and the best mountain bike helmet. Then compare current prices in the product table above.