Bike grips are designed to provide a secure grip for riding. Whether you’re riding mountain biking, BMX, road biking, or downhill riding, bike grips ensure a comfortable grip and secure grip that supports your hands and helps you handle the bike well.
There are different types of grips available in the market today. If you are not sure which bike grips to buy, we’ve got all the information you need right here How to choose the right bike grips for your riding style. Besides ensuring comfort while riding your bike, choosing bike grips also comes down to your riding style.
So before making a choice, take some time to understand the different shapes and sizes of bike grips and how they affect riding style. We’ve got all the tips right here for you.
What Are Bike Grips?
Bike grips are handlebar grips that are usually made from materials that provide better shock absorption and vibration damping for off-road riding. They come in a variety of shapes, thicknesses, and textures, and lock-on grips are the most commonly used type.
These grips have been engineered to improve handling performance, reliability, and overall function. Slide-on grips are also popular among mountain bikers, BMXers, and motocross riders, but can still be found today. These grips help protect hands in a crash by absorbing the impact of the handlebars, thereby preventing injuries. In addition to their functional uses, bike grips can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to any bike.
Types Of Bike Grips
There are a wide range of shapes, thicknesses, and textures available for bike grips, from sleek and minimalist styles to ergonomic and ultra-cushy designs. Bike handlebar grips come in sleek and minimalist styles, as well as ergonomic and ultra-cushy designs, which provide improved grip and handling for mountain bikers.
Some of the most popular bike handlebar grips include slip-on grips, lock-on grips, slide-on grips, and bar end grips.
Slip-on grips are the most common type of grip for mountain bikes, bmx, and motocross. They are designed to easily slide onto the handlebar’s end without the need for any extra tools or levers. They offer improved handling performance and reliability than lock-on grips.
Lock-on grips are also popular among mountain bikers. These grips feature a locking mechanism that allows extra grip on the handlebar without sacrificing durability. These are great for long rides when hands can get wet or sweaty. But slide-on grips have replaced bar end grips as the standard for mountain biking due to their durability and grip. When it comes to bike handlebar grip types, it all depends on personal preference and riding style.
6 Tips To Choose The Right Bike Grips For Your Riding Style
If you’re looking to upgrade your bike’s grips, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should consider the type of riding you plan to do. Depending on the riding style, you can choose grips tailored for that activity such as ergonomic grips for mountain biking or silicone grips for riding a bike handlebar.
You can also experiment with different styles of grips and try different types of grip such as foam, rubber, and silicone. Ultimately, you should make sure your grip is securely attached to your handlebars and that you wear appropriate gloves if needed. Once you’ve decided on the type of grip and finalized the details, it’s vital to test it out before going for a long ride to make sure it provides the right level of comfort and control.
1. Understand The Different Shapes & Lengths
Bike grips come in a variety of shapes and lengths to suit different riding styles. Longer handlebar-mounted bike grips are typically used with brakes and shifters that require more space on the handlebar, while shorter grips are ideal for smaller hands.
Riders with small hands may opt for shorter grip options to bring controls closer to their hands. Different grip thicknesses are available to suit riders of different hand sizes. Some bike grips have lock-on or slip-on attachment systems, which allows you to quickly and easily switch between different types of grips. There are a variety of bike grips available, so it’s worth doing some research before making a purchase.
2. Look For Durability & Comfort
Bike handlebar grip materials can have a significant effect on the durability and comfort of the grip. Factors to consider when selecting bike handlebar grips include the terrain, riding style, and hand health. For long-distance riding, downhill riders may prefer thicker grips for cushioning and good grip while cross-country riders may prefer thinner grips for better control.
Ergonomic aspects are also crucial when choosing bike handlebar grips as they can help with strength and endurance on rides. Rubber grips are the most common material due to their affordability, durability, and ability to absorb shock and vibration. Besides, it is important to consider the riding style and hand health when selecting bike handlebar grips.
3. Take Into Account Material & Pattern
When choosing bike handlebar grips, it is important to consider the materials and patterns used. Different grip compounds can offer varying levels of connection and vibration absorption, so it’s important to carefully consider which grip type best suits your riding style and preferences.
Material can also have a significant impact on the overall feel and comfort of bike handlebar grips, so it is important to consider the type of handlebar with which you are riding.
Additionally, different grip types have different ergonomic benefits, so it is beneficial to try different grip types and see which best suit your riding preferences and requirements. As you choose bike handlebar grips, be sure to consider all relevant factors and make an informed decision based on your riding needs.
4. Check For Bar Plugs & Thickness
Bike grips are vital for bike riders, as they can make biking safer and more enjoyable. They help to grip the bike handlebars and provide stability while riding. There are several different types of bike grips available, including lock-on grips, slide-on grips, bar plugs, and thicker grips.
Each type has its unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your riding style. When choosing bike grips, be sure to check for bar plugs and thickness. If possible, test out different grip options at a bike store or race track to find the best fit and ease of use for your particular bike and riding style.
5. Ensure The Diameter Is Universal
As a bike grip, it’s important to ensure that you choose a diameter that is just right for your hands. This will ensure a comfortable grip on the handlebar and prevent hand fatigue. It’s also beneficial to choose a grip with a larger diameter if you want a softer grip.
If you are looking for bike grips with lock-on capabilities, this is becoming increasingly popular and can help ensure that the grip stays in place all day long. Another cool option is the thumb-hole bike grip, which has a storage compartment at the base of the grip where riders can store small items like keys or lip balm. These tips can help you choose the best bike grip for your riding style.
6. Consider The Price
When selecting bike grips, it’s important to consider the various options available and their respective prices. Standard grips typically range in cost from $17-$35, while more expensive grips may feature lock-on grips instead of slide-on grips.
These higher-priced grips are generally designed for long-term use and provide additional grip security. Additionally, more expensive grips may feature cushioning, ergonomic shapes, and complex patterns; all of which can enhance the comfort and grip of a bike handlebar. When selecting bike grips, it’s important to consider the function and durability required for your particular riding style.
Tips For Installing And Maintaining Bike Grips
– Inspect your bike grips regularly for cracks and tears and replace them immediately if any damage is found.
– Clean your grips after riding in mud or water to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
– When storing your bike for an extended period, apply silicone spray to the inside of the grips to prevent them from oxidizing and crumbling.
– If your bike has handlebar grips, be sure to clean them frequently to avoid buildup of dirt and grit that can lead to discomfort when riding.
– Also, consider installing lock-on grip handlebar covers to protect the grips from damage and improve their appearance. These covers slip over the handlebar grips and lock on with a set of metal collars that fit around the handlebar’s diameter.
– Finally, when riding in wet conditions, such as after rain or in a light sprinkling, it’s beneficial to use bike grip products with traction beads or rubberized material on the fingers for improved grip. By following these tips and making small adjustments to your riding style, you can experience great riding comfort and grip performance on your bike all year long
Factors To Consider When Choosing Bike Grips
– Before selecting bike grips, it is important to consider different factors such as grip design, handlebar width, handlebar diameter, bar thickness, grip width and durability.
– Choose from grip designs such as oval-shaped-knurled-and-beads-on-handlebars-or-hybrid grips.
– Consider the grip thickness to choose from a range of sizes.
– The width of the handlebar grip should be large enough to prevent hand fatigue and numbness.
– Select the best handlebar grips based on the type of terrain you ride, your ride style, and your hand health.
– Ergonomically compatible grips ensure a comfortable grip on the handlebar without compromising on strength or endurance.
– Different grip styles come with different textures that may be great for different riding conditions. For example, thinner grips are ideal for smooth roads while thicker ones can handle additional padding during long rides.
Conclusion
Choosing bike grips can be challenging for new bikers, but with a little research and understanding of what grip types work best for different riding styles, you’re well on your way to finding grips that are right for you. Every rider has different needs when it comes to bike grips and choosing the right ones for them is all about prioritizing personal preference and riding conditions.
When you understand how bike grips function, what grip types to look out for, and which grip widths best suit you, it’s easier to make informed decisions. If you’re new to biking, it can be tough to figure out what type of grip is best suited for your riding style. This is because there are a variety of different grip styles available on the market, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What Handlebar Grips Do I Need?
Ans: Different types of grip pads are available that can be attached to handlebar grips using either lock-on or slide-on grips. Additionally, ergonomic grips are also available that provide comfort and reduce vibration on the hands.
2.Do Bike Grips Fit All Bikes?
Ans: Bike grips fit all bikes as long as they have a grip attachment system. The two different grip attachment systems are lock-on grips (where metal collars lock onto the handlebar with Allen bolts) and slip-on grips (where grip straps slide over the handlebar).
3.Are Thicker Grips Better MTB?
Ans: This is a question that many mountain bikers ask themselves, as thicker grips offer more cushioning and relieve the hands from the impact of rough terrain. Thicker grips can also make it more difficult to grip the handlebars, potentially compromising control. However, harder compound grips tend to provide better control and are preferred by mountain bikers with larger hands.
4.What Is Standard Bike Grip Size?
Ans: The grip size for mountain bike handlebars is around 130mm. The grip area diameter of the handlebars is usually 23.8mm. Shorter grips are recommended for riders with small hands and trigger shifters and electronic shifters require longer grips.
5.What Size Bike Grips Should I Get?
Ans: To find the right bike grips size for you, first measure the width of your hands by using a ruler or a tape measure. This will give you a good starting point for measuring grip sizes.
Next, look for grips that are grippier, more comfortable, more durable, and/or lighter for better control and overall enjoyment of your bike.
