Lightweight race MTB grips: A compromise? 6 race grips in the test

Simon Schumacher, grip developer at Ergon, knows that ergonomics can be a double-edged sword. He emphasises that the more ergonomically shaped a grip is, the more important correct positioning is. If the supporting surface is positioned incorrectly, new pressure points can develop instead of reducing the strain. When developing the new GXR race grip, the Ergon developers therefore focussed on a lightweight vase shape that is modelled on the natural shape of the closed hand. According to Schumacher, this cylindrical design is suitable for most riders. If you don't have problems with numb fingers or sore palms, you can also opt for a classic grip. However, it is important that the grip thickness matches the size of your hand so that you can grip the handlebars without pain and without exerting too much force.

You will find these 6 race MTB grips in the test:

• Ergon GXR
• ESI Grips Racer's Edge
• Lizard Skins DSP
• ODI F-1 Series Vapor Grips
• Ritchey Superlogic TrueGrip
• SQlab 711R

Ergon GXR

• Price: 19,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Length: 129 mm
• Weight in M: 104 grammes
• Diameter: S/M; L/XL
• Special features: 3 colours; slightly ergonomic shape; Made in Germany

Bike rating

• Comfort: 7/10
• Grip: 7/10
• Torsion resistance: 9/10

Conclusion: Ergon's new race grip goes tightly onto the handlebars, but then sits securely against twisting. The slightly cylindrical shape takes some pressure off the hands, the grip is fine with the additional grooves. The GXR has a rather tight grip and only moderate damping. Difficult for a grip without a clamp.

ESI Grips Racer's Edge

• Price: 23 Euro >> available here
• Length: 130 mm
• Weight in M: 52 grammes
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Special features: 9 colours; 2 additional thicknesses (chunky, extra chunky)

Bike rating

• Comfort: 6/10
• Grip: 7/10
• Torsion resistance: 8/10

Conclusion: The slim race classics have a very direct grip, but only moderate damping. Once fitted, they sit securely on the handlebars. Due to the lack of texture, the ESIs are somewhat slippery, especially with wet hands. If you want more comfort, go for the chunky or extra chunky version.

Lizard Skins DSP

• Price: 33,99 Euro
• Length: 130 mm
• Weight in M: 35 grammes
• Diameter: 30.3; 32.3 mm
• Special features: 7 colours; double-sided adhesive tape for mounting

Bike rating

• Comfort: 4/10
• Grip: 8/10
• Torsion resistance: 9/10

Conclusion: After the complex assembly with adhesive tape, the DSP sits firmly on the handlebars. The slim grip offers little comfort and is extremely direct, but generates good grip, whether wet or dry. Hard to dismantle without destroying, but long-lasting.

ODI F-1 Series Vapor Grips

• Price: 18,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Length: 127 mm
• Weight in M: 91 grammes
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Special features: 4 colours; indentations for increased finger grip

Bike rating

• Comfort: 9/10
• Grip: 8/10
• Torsion resistance: 7/10

Conclusion: The Odi has the softest compound in the comparison and filters out many small vibrations. The fingers find additional grip in small indentations and the grip is also quite good. It is easy to pull onto the handlebars, but can slip a little off-road.

Ritchey Superlogic TrueGrip

• Price: 23,99 Euro >> available here
• Length: 127 mm
• Weight in M: 14 grammes
• Diameter: 29.4 mm
• Special features: Ultra-lightweight nano foam

Bike rating

• Comfort: 5/10
• Grip: 6/10
• Torsion resistance: 6/10

Conclusion: The Ritcheys are barely heavier than a handful of popcorn - the ultimate for gram foxes - but they are stubborn to mount. The nano foam pushes through easily and then hardly dampens at all. The grip is also only moderate, the handle is not too firm.

SQlab 711R

• Price: 19,95 Euro >> available here
• Length: 116 mm
• Weight in M: 96 grammes
• Diameter: S; M; LXL
• Special features: Ergonomic shape; 4 sizes

Bike rating

• Comfort: 8/10
• Grip: 7/10
• Torsion resistance: 8/10

Conclusion: Although the 711 R is not particularly light for a racing grip, the flattened shape relieves the pressure on the heel of the hand and an edge on the phalanges improves grip. Damping and grip are ok, the 711R is easy to fit with alcohol and then sits securely.