MTB Grips

Rocky trails, quick direction changes, and hard landings – on technical terrain, grip determines control and confidence. MTB grips are more than just a contact point. Diameter, rubber compound, surface texture, and clamp design directly affect how precisely you steer your bike and how comfortable your hands feel on long rides. At BIKE24 you’ll find mountain bike grips for every discipline: slim race grips without clamps, trail and enduro models with secure lock-on mounting and targeted vibration damping, and ergonomic grips with supportive wings for long rides. Leading brands such as Ergon, SQlab, ODI, ESI Grips, and Race Face deliver MTB handlebar grips designed to match your hands and riding style in material, texture, and diameter.

Root sections, loose rocks, steps, and jumps – on the trail your hands are your direct connection to the bike.

• Maximum grip: Textured surfaces and tacky compounds keep your hands secure in rain, sweat, and mud.
• Targeted damping: Tuned materials and surface zones absorb vibrations and help reduce hand fatigue.
• Fit for every rider: Different diameters (S/M/L), shapes, and clamp systems help you dial in your ideal setup.

Not every mountain bike grip is built for the same terrain. Diameter, compound, surface texture and clamp design determine whether your grips are tuned for direct control during aggressive riding or comfort on long rides. At BIKE24 you’ll find slim, firm race grips, damped trail and enduro models, and ergonomic grips with support wings for maximum pressure relief. The right MTB grips depend on your riding style, hand size, and personal preferences.

Trail and all-mountain grips are built for varied terrain. With medium diameters of about 30–32 mm, they balance grip, damping, and control on everything from technical climbs to fast flow trails. Different surface zones support precise finger placement and secure grip in wet conditions. Lock-on clamps – available as single- or double-clamp systems – keep the grips firmly in place on the handlebar.

In gravity riding, maximum grip, strong damping, and durability matter most. Soft, high-traction rubber compounds provide secure grip even in wet or muddy conditions. Reinforced or integrated end caps add protection during crashes, while double-clamp lock-on systems prevent the grips from twisting. Larger diameters from 32 mm and up increase damping and help reduce arm pump on long, rough descents.

Every gram counts when you're racing. Lightweight foam or silicone grips can weigh under 50 g per pair and deliver very direct trail feedback. Slim diameters improve control in technical sections, while premium materials still absorb vibrations over long race distances. Subtle ergonomic shaping adds comfort without sacrificing a sporty feel.

Ergonomic grips use flattened support surfaces or integrated wings to distribute pressure more evenly across your palm. This improves comfort on long rides. Moderately shaped designs provide a balance between pressure relief and freedom of movement for more aggressive riding.

Most MTB grips look similar at first glance but differ in details you’ll notice immediately on the trail. Diameter, rubber compound, and surface texture directly affect steering precision and how fresh your hands feel after long descents. Mounting style also matters. Lock-on grips or slip-on grips both have advantages depending on your riding style. Understanding the key factors helps you choose grips that truly match your hands and preferences.

Grip diameter affects how much effort your hands need to hold the bar and how quickly fatigue sets in. If the grip is too thin, your fingers bend more and tire faster. If it’s too thick, your grip strength decreases. Trail grips usually measure 30–32 mm, while 32–35 mm is common in enduro and downhill. Riders with smaller hands often prefer 28–30 mm, while larger hands benefit from thicker grips. Ideally, your middle and ring finger lightly touch the base of your palm when gripping the bar.

Lock-on grips with screw clamps are the most common choice on mountain bikes. You secure them with an Allen bolt so they stay firmly in place in any weather. They’re available as single-clamp or double-clamp designs. Slip-on grips without clamps save weight but rely on friction or adhesive and can be more sensitive to wet conditions. If your bike uses twist shifters, you’ll need shortened grips that leave room on the handlebar. Some grips also include integrated bar ends, offering additional hand positions popular in XC and marathon riding.

Traditional rubber compounds such as Kraton provide a balanced mix of grip, vibration damping, and durability. Dual- or triple-compound grips combine a firm inner core with a softer outer layer, increasing grip and comfort. Silicone grips are lightweight, stay dimensionally stable over time, and contain no plasticizers. Foam grips, typically made from EVA foam, absorb vibrations well but tend to wear faster. As a general rule: softer compounds provide more grip and damping, while harder compounds offer more direct feedback and longer durability.

Grip texture directly affects traction and comfort. Waffle patterns on the underside – originally developed in motocross – give your fingers extra traction while climbing or riding rough terrain. Ribbed structures on the top side act as small damping elements and help reduce pressure points on your palms. Half-waffle designs combine both concepts: a smoother upper surface with strong finger grip underneath. They’re a popular choice for trail and enduro riding.

Round grips remain the standard in mountain biking. They allow quick hand repositioning, maximum freedom of movement, and precise control on technical terrain. Ergonomic grips with flattened surfaces or wings distribute pressure more evenly across the palm. They provide more comfort on long rides but can feel less agile in rough terrain. The stronger the ergonomic shaping, the more precisely the grip needs to be aligned on the handlebar.

When pushing your mountain bike to its limits, every contact point matters. At BIKE24 you’ll find a wide selection of MTB grips, mountain bike grips, and MTB handlebar grips from brands like Ergon, ESI Grips, ODI, and Race Face in multiple diameters, materials, and colors. 

For even better control, you’ll also find MTB gloves and MTB handlebars to upgrade your cockpit setup.