Ranking the best bike grips for 2022

Cyclists call grips ergonomic handles that are worn at the ends of the bicycle handlebars in the grip area of ​​\u200b\u200bhis palms.

From English grips - a responsible part of the steering wheel that serves to keep your hands on it and participates in the management of cycling.

What are bicycle grips

What are they needed for

When shaking on the road, the steering wheel of the bike tries to “free itself” from the hands. And the attachments on the edges allow the cyclist to keep it even with sweat-drenched hands. These steering devices also create a comfortable temperature and tactile regime for the palms of the athlete. The handles increase the diameter at the handlebars, and, therefore, it will be more convenient to hold it in your hands.

Grips are designed for such difficult tasks, which are made in the form of a cylinder or a cone from a variety of soft materials, such as foam rubber, rubber of various hardness, plastic, cardboard, neoprene, silicone or various foams. As a result, they dampen shaking and vibration, which reduces the likelihood of rubbing your palms.

If your main transport is a bicycle, then the choice of handlebars is a rather important point that will determine the comfort during the trip.

Existing species

The structure and execution of handles for the steering wheel of a bicycle are quite diverse. Describing all the possible options for the execution of bicycle grips is a rather difficult task. But you can try to structure the handles for the steering wheel.

Material

The main characteristic is the material from which they are made. The denser, harder the material, the more wear-resistant it is, and the softer, the easier it wears out. Made of dense rubber, the devices are practically wear-resistant. But they have a serious drawback - the inconvenience of the grip. Therefore, when purchasing such grips, take gloves immediately. In this case, you will not erase your palms on a hard surface. If you want to buy softened handlebar grips, get ready to replace them regularly about once a year, or even a season!

We have dealt with the material. The softer it is, the faster the wear. Now let's move on to the classification of handles by structure and external shape.

The form

There are rudder handles of a wide direction, but there are highly specialized ones. For example, extreme BMX bikes are equipped with certain types of handlebars, as these bikes have specific requirements. And road cycling does not need such devices at all. This is where winding comes into play. There are no specific criteria for selecting handles for conventional road bikes. Here everyone makes a choice for himself.

Locks

There is another characteristic of the separation of handles - these are grips with locks and without them. Those products in which locks are provided are significantly more expensive, and according to the logic of thinking, they should be better. But in this case, this is not always the case. It happens that the lock rings literally “boil” on the steering wheel over time, and replacing them with others becomes a very time-consuming process. Although in high-quality products everything is calculated to the millimeter, and they sit on the steering wheel gently, they do not scroll. If you can afford grips with high quality locks, then it is better to buy them! If you just need good and pleasant to grip, it is not necessary to focus on the presence of locks.

How to choose bike grips

So what handles to choose for the steering wheel of your bike?

In this section of the article, we will consider information that will certainly simplify the choice. If the bike is not assembled from scratch, but only modernized, it means that some attachments have already been installed. And now the main thing is to understand for yourself what specifically does not suit you in the previous handles?

• If you don’t like their current technical condition, and you didn’t experience discomfort while driving with the old handles, then you probably don’t need to experiment. And just buy the same products, only higher quality.
• If you feel some discomfort in your wrists, it is better to think about installing softer products or anatomical grips, or the possibility of installing horns. First of all, borrow a bike with a different type of handle from someone and evaluate their comfort while riding. Pay attention only to the comfort of sensations in the wrists, and that's it.

It should be borne in mind that during long trips, discomfort in the wrists will appear in any case, and the reason for this is not only flu. It affects the road surface, steering wheel type, landing, fork, tires on wheels. It is not at all difficult to get out of this situation, it is enough to install the horns.

The reason for the discomfort here is the long time the cyclist's hands are in the same position, poor blood circulation throughout the body, fatigue and numbness of the hands. And the installation of horns on the steering wheel is a way out of their situation, because during a long trip you can grab onto them, changing position, as a result of delaying the onset of fatigue.

The choice of horns is also quite an interesting question. Horns are long, short, curved and straight. And there are handles with already built-in horns. Which horns to install is up to you. All of them have the same function.

Anatomical (or ergonomic)

These are bicycle handlebar grips with palm recesses and comfortable hand support. Such products are great for long trips and are designed just for tourists! The installation of such devices significantly improves ride comfort. However, with them there is not always the possibility of a strong grip.Therefore, such accessories are not put on bicycles for sports competitions.

Anatomical grips are also made with built-in horns. The horns are one piece with the body of the lining, made of hard rubber, and there are plastic and stand separately. Lots of cyclists love this. It's really comfortable and stylish too. But installing metal horns is much more practical and much more reliable. Plastic horns will not allow you to rest on them with the weight of your whole body, without fear for reliability. Yes, and it happens that an inexperienced cyclist broke plastic horns at the beginning of the distance, not realizing that they could not rely heavily on them.

Universal handles

If there is a need for versatility, it is better to buy a cylindrical or conical product. The conical shape is already somewhat outdated. But they are convenient in that they are somewhat similar to anatomical ones. However, they provide a strong and even grip. The cone starts from the shifter and goes to the very end of the steering wheel. As a result, the location of the thumb and first three fingers of the palm is cylindrical and of almost normal diameter. And closer to the end, the diameter increases, providing additional comfort and support for the palm.

Prices for soft devices are quite low, but they need to be changed much more often. And there is another danger with handles made of soft materials with foam inserts in that they absorb moisture. If on a trip in the rain the body of the hard rubber becomes a little soft, then these are very, very wet.

This is all you need to rely on when choosing new accessories for your bike. For a tourist, the anatomical shape is the best option.But everything is individual, and when choosing bicycle handlebars, listen only to your feelings!

Most popular bike grips

Classic rubber without lock-on

With this type, probably, and so everything is clear. Probably, almost everyone rode with such handles. And many of them are equipped with bicycle handlebars and now thanks to improved cushioning compared to pads with curls. In addition, in the case of a good installation, no scrolling during the first few months of full use. In a word, a normal working option.

These grips are easy to find for purchase, provide a reasonable level of comfort and gently absorb vibration from the wheel. If you ride calmly, without kinks, and you have a small budget, this is your choice.

Bicycle grips "Rhombic"

The handles for the "Rhombic" steering wheel with a diameter of 120 mm are made of soft rubber. The inner diameter of the product is 20 mm. Comfortable, relatively non-slip bicycle handlebar accessories. It is an acceptable choice for daily use without extreme sports.

• low cost of the product;
• well absorbs vibration;
• acceptable wear resistance;

• after falling under the body of water or sand, they will scroll;
• poor adhesion when in contact with moisture.

Neoprene 220*70*35

These padded handlebar grips are made from neoprene. When putting on the handlebars, the use of soapy water is recommended. After drying, the scrolling of the handle is practically absent.

Neoprene or foam rubber is a soft porous material based on synthetic rubber. Thanks to its cellular structure, it absorbs moisture from sweaty hands well, but also dirt.It is not easy to clean, so neoprene handles are subject to frequent replacement. But they are very pleasant to the touch and almost weightless. Tips made of dense neoprene are in a more expensive price category and perfectly absorb vibration when riding.

The price is 399 rubles.

• low cost of production;
• lack of slip on the surface of the steering wheel;
• high wear resistance;
• Compatible with handlebars of different diameters.

• low vibration damping:

Rubber with lock-on

Lock-on - type of attachment to the steering wheel nozzles. At both ends, the grip has metal clamps that are put on top of the pad. And the handle itself is glued to a plastic tube with grooves that go directly into the clamps. When tightening the clamps, the product is rigidly fixed and does not slip on the surface. But you have to pay for the rigidity of the fixation: a tube made of plastic eats up the useful thickness of the rubber nozzle. As a result, with a standard thickness, the handle holds shock absorption worse when shaking. This type is designed for all types of skiing.

LIZARD SKINS LOCK-ON BEARCLAW

Handles from American manufacturer Lizard Skins are based on the model of professional mountain bike legend Darren Bereklot. Designed to Darren's specific recommendations, they are the slimmest lock-on handles, making them the best choice for cyclists with smaller hands. They provide great control and good cushioning. Compatible with most handlebars.

Bicycle accessories Lizard Skins LOCK-ON BEARCLAW two-piece. They are made from two types of rubber.The inner layer of hard rubber, which keeps its shape, does not allow products to stretch and twist. Soft rubber outer layer provides comfort and excellent grip. The price is 3800 rubles.

• do not rotate;
• comfort;
• not afraid of rain, snow and sand;
• resistant;
• compatible with various handlebars.

• when hauling, damage to the carbon steering wheel is likely;
• high price.

Velo VLG-776AD3 Anti-Slip 130mm with Lock-ons

Thanks to the clamp-locks (lock-ons), there is no scrolling in this brand of a manufacturer from Taiwan, even on a completely wet surface of the steering wheel of your bike. They have two layers of rubber of different density. A harder layer allows for better control of the steering wheel, while a softer layer dampens vibrations while driving, so that the hands get much less tired.

Price - 1059 rubles.

• stability;
• do not slip on the steering wheel;
• comfort;
• price-quality ratio.

• when hauling, the likelihood of damage to the carbon steering wheel;
• insufficient grip in the rain.

Foam rubber

This is a relatively new trend in the steering gear market. Nothing compares to these products in terms of damping small vibrations and weight. But due to the properties of the material, the surface of the handles is easily soiled, they themselves easily deteriorate and gain moisture during heavy rain. In addition, the nozzle itself on the steering wheel does not fix anything. As a result, when moisture or sand gets under it, it can scroll. This type of handles are considered standard for cross-country.They have a significant advantage over rubber products, which will not give the same softness in control, identical to foam rubber.

HUALONG HL-GR05

The cost of the product is 300 rubles.

• lungs (50 g);
• acceptable price;
• good cushioning in areas with slight unevenness
• excellent grip on the surface of the palm in high humidity or rain;
• comfort.

• poor depreciation during hard impacts (handles are soft);
• poor wear resistance;
• gain moisture
• twist resistant.

Grips Vinca Sport

The product is made of plastic inside and foam rubber outside. Price - 870 rubles.

• very light;
• excellent cushioning on small road irregularities;
• excellent grip with the palm in high humidity or rain;
• no slippage with the steering wheel surface;
• comfort.

• poorly absorb hard impacts (handles are very soft);
• instability to damage;
• material absorbs moisture
• high price.

Silicone handlebars

Silicone devices on the Russian market appeared relatively recently. And not so many global manufacturers of bicycle accessories have taken up their production. The choice of models is therefore rather small. However, many riders from various cycling disciplines prefer these grips. In addition to phenomenal comfort, they give excellent steering feel.

Silicone is elastic and soft material, able to take the shape of the palm. It is often used for better ergonomics in additional inserts on the handles. In addition to ordinary silicone, which is afraid of elevated temperatures and ultraviolet rays, there is also foamed silicone.This versatile material, thanks to a unique production technology and production from more expensive raw materials, can withstand a temperature load of up to 200 degrees and has good resistance to UV rays! The pores of the foamed silicone contain an increased volume of air. As a result, handles made of it better absorb shock and vibration when riding. The material is very light, but, unfortunately, is afraid of mechanical damage. But this silicone is not susceptible to aggressive environments such as alcohol, acid, alkali and mineral oil.

dream bike

Silicone bike handlebars with a diameter of 130 mm. Dream Bike - ultralight and comfortable, designed to complete a mountain bike. They are made of soft silicone, which perfectly absorbs shocks and vibrations when riding.

Price -797 rubles.

• good shock and vibration absorption;
• excellent grip in wet and rainy conditions;
• perfect stability and no slippage;
• good price for this type;
• light weight.

• lack of choice in the Russian market;
• fear of mechanical damage.

Esi Chunky Black 2021 One Size

The most popular steering handles in Russia and the world. They are ridden by bikes and world champions, and ordinary lovers of a comfortable ride. Used anywhere: XC, Enduro, DH, etc. When wet, they do not scroll at all. Remarkably absorb vibration and not strong blows. Do not fade in the sun. There is no rubber or latex content in the fixtures of the American manufacturer ESI. Chunky handles are 100% silicone. They are great for riding a bike with or without gloves.

Price - 2150 rubles.

• excellent shock absorption of any impacts;
• good grip in high humidity and rain;
• slippage does not occur, ideal stability;
• light weight (about 60 g);

• high cost of the product;
• insufficient choice on the market;
• resistant to mechanical damage.

Tips on how to easily remove the old and easily put on the new handlebar grips

After choosing the most suitable handles, beginners come up with ideas about how to install them on the handlebars of their bike. With prolonged use, they stick to the surface so strongly that it is often difficult to remove them.

Removing old handles that have stuck to the surface of the steering wheel is a thankless task. But this is only if you do not know the correct principle of their removal. Someone rides a bike with these accessories for only a year, and it's still pretty easy to take them off. But someone has pens for ten years, and it is very difficult to get rid of them. If you have the body of the product removed by tightening without problems, and this does not require a lot of effort, then it is not necessary to read further. It is better to immediately choose an online store and order the delivery of the steering wheel attachments that suit you. If not, then see how to remove the waste material? Everything is much simpler than it might seem at first.

Handle removal methods:

1. The pen must be pierced with a syringe needle and soapy water is injected under it. And the body will slide off without difficulty. In the absence of a syringe, the product can be tucked with a screwdriver and pour soapy water into it.
2. The second method involves unscrewing the hexagon on the lever. In the process, they loosen, and the handles themselves are removed by levers. This option is usually used in workshops and shops, but it does not interfere with the presence of an assistant who will hold the steering wheel on the other side.

Ways to put on:

1. The body of the product must be moistened with water and put on the steering wheel of the bike. But the handle will dry for about a day. If you do not wait until completely dry, the product will scroll and slide off the surface.
2. Before installation, wetting is done with alcohol or a simple deodorant. It just dries a lot faster.
3. If the material of the product is hard, you need to boil water, lower the handles into it for a couple of minutes, pull it out and put it on the steering wheel. After cooling, they are firmly attached.

Results

The grip of the steering wheel by a cyclist, thanks to the installed grips, becomes more reliable and confident. When riding a bike, hand fatigue is less felt, a more pleasant temperature regime is created for the palms. However, for maximum comfort, it is necessary to determine the operating conditions of the bike, and whether the rider drives it with gloves.

If without them, it is better to buy devices made of soft rubber, foam rubber or silicone. The skin of the palms will not rub so much. But it should be noted that their service life will be lower. And when installing hard handles, it is preferable to purchase gloves.

In addition, you should definitely study the pros and cons of cylindrical and ergonomic handles. The prices of cylindrical products, for example, are lower due to the ease of manufacture. Anatomical (ergonomic) ones come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to choose them directly to your palm and finger size.

If the rider rides a mountain bike, then the load on the hands will be higher than on any other type of bike. The palms in this case will experience increased vibrations, so it is better to install foam grips for complete shock absorption of vibration and shock.Even for a uniform load on the hands, the use of handles of a larger diameter is recommended.

Cheap models usually lack resistance to chemically aggressive environments of mosquito sprays. The rubber of the handles literally “dissolves”. Both expensive models and cheap ones can scroll and slide off the steering wheel. To completely eliminate slippage, it is better to install gripstops, or immediately buy an accessory equipped with them.

As a result, it becomes clear that simple rubber pens lose in almost all positions, except, perhaps, the price. They are quite heavy and have difficulty with depreciation. More or less vibration-absorbing devices have only one significant plus - this is wear resistance. However, when installing downhill fans on the handlebars, it is still recommended to tie them with fishing line, as a result, there is still a chance of damaging them.

For adherents of cross-country, the market offers foam rubber, for enduro / downhill - fixed handles. True, in both cases silicone grips are a strong competitor. There is something to think about. In general, the decision is up to each user separately. Someone wants to put devices that can withstand any fall, and someone needs to improve the comfort of their hands at the expense of them.

Good choice and happy riding!