MTB grips for trail bikersThe all-rounder? 8 trail grips in the BIKE test

Stefan Frey

 · 01.06.2024

DMR Deathgrip
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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Maximum comfort, plus grip and a good fit: Which MTB grip convinced us in the BIKE test and best fulfils the versatile requirements of trail biking? 8 trail grips in the test.

Trail biking is a versatile discipline in which not only the bike and its components have to fulfil the highest requirements, but also the grip of the MTB. It has to offer grip both uphill and on fast downhill sections, but also be comfortable. Otherwise the long tour will quickly become uncomfortable. Which trail grip convinced us the most? Find out in our test with 8 models.

You can find these 8 MTB grips for trail bikers in the test:

DMR Deathgrip

DMR DeathgripPhoto: Georg GrieshaberDMR Deathgrip
  • Price: 24,99 Euro >> available here
  • Length: 123 mm
  • Weight in M: 105 grammes
  • Diameter: 29,8; 31,3 mm
  • Special features: Lamellae on the thumb; waffle structure; internal clamping; 21 colours

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 8/10
  • Grip: 8/10

Conclusion: One of our absolute favourites: great looks and well thought-out profile. Soft lamellae increase comfort on the thumb, fingers can get caught in the waffle profile on the underside. The diamond structure also provides a good grip. The Deathgrip is also available in two thicknesses.

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Lizard Skins Machine

Lizard Skins MachinePhoto: Georg GrieshaberLizard Skins Machine
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  • Price: 31,99 Euro >> available here
  • Length: 126 mm
  • Weight in M: 101 grammes
  • Diameter: 31 mm
  • Special features: Internal clamping; waffle structure for fingers; 4 colours

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 7/10
  • Grip: 8/10

Conclusion: Like the Deathgrip, the Machine also has a waffle structure that gives the fingers grip. The diamond profile is slightly less prickly and has a slightly better overall grip. On the other hand, the Lizard Skins filters vibrations less effectively and is harder and more direct. Unfortunately only available in one size.


ODI Elite Pro

ODI Elite ProPhoto: Georg GrieshaberODI Elite Pro
  • Price: 25,95 Euro >> available here
  • Length: 101 mm
  • Weight in M: 107 grammes
  • Diameter: 31.5 mm
  • Special features: Made in USA; internal clamping; light impact protection on the outside; 4 colours

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 8/10
  • Grip: 7/10

Conclusion: Another grip with the proven waffle profile. Additional damping lamellae under the palm. The grip surface is rather narrow, but a small flange protects the outside of the hand and the grip in the event of impacts. The damping of the Odis is good, the grip is only average.


OURY V2 Lock-On

OURY V2 Lock-OnPhoto: Georg GrieshaberOURY V2 Lock-On
  • Price: 36,90 Euro >> available here
  • Length: 119 mm
  • Weight in M: 128 grammes
  • Diameter: 33 mm
  • Special features: Internal clamping; classic block design; 4 colours

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 8/10
  • Grip: 8/10

Conclusion: The absolute classic in the characteristic block design sticks almost too much to the hands and effectively dampens vibrations thanks to its particularly soft compound. The Ourys offer plenty of gripping surface and the grooves between the blocks provide a firm grip for the fingers. Not for small hands.


Raceface Getta Grip

Raceface Getta GripPhoto: Georg GrieshaberRaceface Getta Grip
  • Price: 24,90 Euro >> available here
  • Length: 122 mm
  • Weight in M: 94 grammes
  • Diameter: 30; 33 mm
  • Special features: Internal clamping; 5 rubber colours; 5 clamping ring colours

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 6/10
  • Grip: 7/10

Conclusion: Finally a Raceface grip with an internal clamp - this widens the grip surface and enables overgripping. The angled honeycomb design gives the fingers some grip, otherwise the profile is rather flat and only moderately grippy. Very direct and less cushioning grip.


Reverse Classic

Reverse ClassicPhoto: Georg GrieshaberReverse Classic
  • Price: 22,99 Euro >> available here
  • Length: 112 mm
  • Weight in M: 126 grammes
  • Diameter: 28; 29; 31 mm
  • Special features: Clamping on both sides; integrated cover cap

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 6/10
  • Grip: 7/10

Conclusion: Straightforward and impeccably finished. The simple diamond profile is quite pleasant to grip, but is neither noticeably grippy nor overly comfortable. The grip surface is narrow due to the double-sided clamping. Clever: the integrated handlebar cover. Available in three sizes.


SDG Thrice Grip

SDG Thrice GripPhoto: Georg GrieshaberSDG Thrice Grip
  • Price: 19,99 Euro
  • Length: 123 mm
  • Weight in M: 83 grammes
  • Diameter: 31; 33 mm
  • Special features: Internal clamping; 7 colours

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 7/10
  • Grip: 7/10

Conclusion: Very light grip with an elaborate profile. The lamellae and logos provide some comfort - even if the Thrice is otherwise rather hard and direct. The angled profile for the fingers doesn't work as well as the waffles and feels slightly spongy. Not so nice: the plastic clamp.


Spank Spike Grip

Spank Spike GripPhoto: Georg GrieshaberSpank Spike Grip
  • Price: 21,99 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
  • Length: 118 mm
  • Weight in M: 129 grammes
  • Diameter: 30; 33 mm
  • Special features: In total 10 clamping ring and rubber colours; reinforced end cap; internal clamping. clamping

Bike rating

  • Comfort: 7/10
  • Grip: 8/10

Conclusion: The Spank grips rather directly, yet the grooved structure dampens vibrations well - especially on the thick version - and generates a surprising amount of grip. Clever: The smooth material on the thumb reduces friction when shifting, while the tapered end protects fingers and grip.

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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