A numb, tingling sensation in the fingers, sore palms or tired forearms. Almost every cyclist has had to contend with these problems at some point in their ‘career’. Unlike muscle soreness, which eases the fitter you become, these symptoms caused by choosing the wrong grips do not simply disappear. The right MTB grips, on the other hand, can reduce vibrations, improve hand positioning and make even long trail rides much more comfortable.
Conclusion: A small investment, a big impact
Anyone looking to upgrade their mountain bike usually thinks first of tyres, suspension or wheels. In my view, grips are regularly underestimated. Hardly any other component has such a significant impact on the immediate riding experience, whilst being so affordable.
There’s no such thing as the perfect solution. Hand size, riding style, intended use and personal preferences all play a crucial role. That’s exactly why it’s worth trying out different models. Once you’ve found the right grip, you’ll enjoy greater control, less fatigue and noticeably greater comfort on the trail. Stefan Frey – BIKE editor
But which grip is the right one? What role do diameter, material and shape play? And why do enduro riders often use different models to marathon cyclists? We explain what really matters.
Why MTB grips are so important
Mountain bikers support a considerable proportion of their body weight through their hands on the handlebars – the more aggressive the riding position, the more weight is borne by the hands. At the same time, the hands must constantly absorb shocks, transmit steering inputs and be ready to brake at any moment.
The demands placed on modern bike grips are therefore enormous:
- Excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions
- Good vibration damping
- Confident control on rough trails
- Comfort on long journeys
- Minimal fatigue in the hands and forearms
- Durability and weather resistance
The three most important criteria when buying a handle
1. The correct grip thickness
The diameter of a handlebar is often underestimated. Yet it plays a key role in determining how well the bike feels in your hands.
As a general rule:
- Cyclists with small hands usually benefit from thinner grips.
- Riders with large hands often find they’re more comfortable with thicker models.
- Handles that are too thin increase the pressure on the palm of the hand.
- Handles that are too thick can cause the hand muscles to tire more quickly.
Choosing the right diameter really makes a difference, especially on long descents. If you have to grip the handlebars tightly all the time, your forearms will tire more quickly – leading to the dreaded ‘arm pump’.
Practical tip: If you’re unsure between two sizes, you should try both. Hardly any other component has such a direct impact on the riding experience as the grip.
2. The right material
Modern MTB grips are made from rubber compounds or silicone compounds with different compositions.
Soft rubber compounds
Advantages:
- Very comfortable
- Good cushioning
- High grip
Disadvantages:
- Wear out more quickly
Hard rubber compounds
Advantages:
- High durability
- Less wear and tear
Disadvantages:
- Less comfort
- Reduced vibration damping
Silicone handles
Advantages:
- Excellent shock absorption
- Very light weight
- High level of comfort
Disadvantages:
- In some respects, more susceptible to damage
- Not to everyone’s taste in terms of how it feels to hold
3. The right surface texture
It is not just the material that determines the grip. The structure of the handle is just as important.
Common variants include:
- Lamellar profiles on the ball of the foot or the big toe provide maximum cushioning
- Diamond-patterned structures improve control
- Ribbed structures enhance comfort
- Mixed designs with different zones
Many manufacturers now combine several patterns in a single grip to combine comfort and control.
Lock-on or push-on handles?
Anyone looking into MTB grips will soon come across this fundamental question.
Lock-on handles
On lock-on models, the grip is secured to the handlebars using clamping rings. Ideally, a single clamping ring on the inside of the grip is sufficient. This allows the manufacturer to pull the rubber outwards right to the end of the grip, which can help prevent pressure marks on the balls of the feet.
Advantages:
- Easy assembly
- No twisting of the handlebars
- Quick change
Disadvantages:
- Slightly heavier
- Less damping in the clamping area
- Less damping due to the continuous plastic sleeve
Push-on handles
These models are designed to be slid directly onto the handlebars, which in practice often proves to be rather tricky. You usually have to resort to tricks such as hairspray or soapy water to get them fitted.
Advantages:
- Very light weight
- Often better shock absorption
- Consistent material thickness
Disadvantages:
- Some tend to twist on the handlebars
- More labour-intensive to install
- It’s harder to switch
For most trail, enduro and e-MTB riders, modern lock-on grips are the most practical solution these days.
Which grips suit which riding style?
Cross-country and marathon
The focus here is on low weight and direct contact with the handlebars.
Recommended:
- Rather slender handles
- Solid rubber compounds
- Lightweight lock-on or slide grips
Trail and All-Mountain
The happy medium.
Recommended:
- Medium grip strength
- Good cushioning
- A balanced blend of comfort and control
Enduro and Bike Park
Things are about to get rough.
Recommended:
- Thicker handles
- Soft rubber compounds
- High vibration damping
When your hands hurt
Many riders invest in new suspension components or tyres, even though the real cause lies elsewhere. Typical symptoms that suggest you should reconsider your choice of grips include:
- Numb fingers
- Numb hands
- Pressure marks on the palms of the hands
- Rapid fatigue of the forearms
- Pain in the wrist
Often, simply changing the grips or choosing the right diameter is enough. At the same time, the cockpit should also be checked:
- Handlebar width
- Stem length
- Brake lever position
- Handlebar height
It is only the interplay of all these components that ensures a relaxed grip on the trail.
Common mistakes when buying grips
Many mountain bikers choose grips based on colour or appearance. That’s understandable, but it’s rarely the best approach. Among the most common mistakes are:
- Choosing handles that are too thin for large hands
- Riding on rubber compounds that are too hard
- Using worn-out handles for too long
- Ignoring one’s own area of responsibility
- Blaming cockpit problems solely on the controls
If you choose your handles carefully, you can often achieve a noticeable improvement in comfort at little cost.
How much does a good MTB handlebar cost?
Prices range from around 15 to over 40 euros, and it’s not always true that a more expensive handle is better than a cheaper one. As a rough guide:
- Beginners’ grips: 15–20 euros
- Good all-round models: 20–30 euros
- Premium handles and ergonomic models: 30–45 euros
In terms of their impact on riding comfort and control, grips are therefore among the most cost-effective upgrades for the whole bike.
Conclusion: A small investment, a big impact
Anyone looking to upgrade their mountain bike usually thinks first of tyres, suspension or wheels. In my view, grips are regularly underestimated. Hardly any other component has such a significant impact on the immediate riding experience, whilst being so affordable.
There’s no such thing as the perfect solution. Hand size, riding style, intended use and personal preferences all play a crucial role. That’s exactly why it’s worth trying out different models. Once you’ve found the right grip, you’ll enjoy greater control, less fatigue and noticeably greater comfort on the trail.
Stefan Frey
Editor