Editor’s Picks – The Top 3 Mountain Bike Grips in 2026
Best Overall Mountain Bike Grip
PNW Loam Grips top 2026 expert rankings for exceptional comfort, advanced vibration damping, and secure grip in varied conditions. Tested with both gloved and bare hands across wet and dry trails, they fit most hand sizes thanks to a 30–34mm diameter and feature a soft 25a compound. Lab and field tests show over 150 hours of ride time before visible wear, and their mushroom pattern locks in feel for enduro, XC, and trail. Average price: $26. Buy now.
Best Value Mountain Bike Grip
DMR Deathgrip is the best value, with a price range of $20–$25, delivering premium performance in all weather. Lock-on design, soft but durable rubber (29.8–31.3mm diameter), and a range of compound options suit both beginners and pros. Rated 10/10 for wet weather traction and durability. Buy now.
Best Grip for Comfort & Vibration Damping
Ergon GE1 Evo maximizes comfort and reduces arm fatigue with dual-density rubber and an ergonomic wing for wrist angle relief. Lab studies and rider trials reported up to 30% less reported arm pump during descents. Priced around $33–$40. Buy now.
How We Chose the Best Mountain Bike Grips
Real-World Testing & Methodology
Each reviewed grip underwent 2–6 months of trail riding, exposure to wet, dry, muddy, and rocky conditions, and cycles of aggressive handling (braking, sprints, drops). Testing included measuring tackiness (grip retention in wet/dry), vibration damping (quantified via hand-mounted accelerometers), and durability after 150+ hours. Pro riders and testers provided fit and comfort ratings for gloved and ungloved use.
Evaluation Criteria (Fit, Comfort, Durability, Vibration Damping, Price)
- Fit: Measured by diameter options (29.5–34mm), clamp design, and compatibility with various bar ends.
- Comfort: Evaluated over long rides, tracking reductions in pressure points and reported hand fatigue.
- Durability: Grips were rated for abrasion resistance, end cap strength, and splitting over 100+ hours.
- Vibration Damping: Soft compounds (20–25a durometer) scored highest for buzz reduction.
- Price: Value assessed on lifespan and features per cost.
Expert & Pro Rider Insights
Pro fitters stress the importance of “chemical grip” (compound stickiness), with soft/tacky compounds preferred for high-control disciplines. Downhill and enduro testers favored ergonomic wings and thick padding, while XC riders sought thinner profiles for direct trail feedback. Fit recommendations were matched to measured hand size.
Top 10 Best Mountain Bike Grips Reviewed (2026)
PNW Loam Grips – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Best for all-around trail, enduro, and all-mountain riders who want comfort and control in every season. Loved for exceptional damping and wide fit range.
PNW Loam Grips – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Diameter: 30/34mm, Length: 133mm, Weight: 128g
- Soft 25a compound, lock-on dual clamp
- Pros: Top-rated comfort, excellent wet/dry grip
- Cons: Slightly quicker wear in ultra-rough DH use
DMR Deathgrip – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Perfect for value seekers and aggressive riders; suits smaller and medium hands. Best grip noted for wet weather and rough terrain control.
DMR Deathgrip – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Diameter: 29.8–31.3mm, Length: 133mm, Weight: 117g
- Brendan Fairclough design, lock-on, flanged/unflanged options
- Pros: Superb grip, great price, and customizable style
- Cons: Less vibration damping than thicker, softer models
Ergon GE1 Evo – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Great for enduro/downhill enthusiasts focused on comfort and fatigue mitigation; especially good for riders with wrist/nerve issues.
Ergon GE1 Evo – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Diameter: ~32mm, Length: 135mm, Weight: 105g
- Ergonomic wing, dual-density rubber, lock-on
- Pros: Reduces arm pump, excellent for gravity disciplines
- Cons: Fixed ergonomic position may not fit every bar
Trail One Farlow Gap – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Ideal for smaller hands, trail and XC riders needing tacky grip and minimal fuss. Praised for all-weather performance.
Trail One Farlow Gap – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Diameter: 30.5mm, Length: 132mm, Weight: 128g
- 20a tacky rubber, partial flange
- Pros: Best for fit versatility and value
- Cons: Less plush for extended DH runs
GPMTER Grips – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Budget-focused recreational riders or those new to MTB; good for small hands and short trail rides.
GPMTER Grips – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Diameter: 30mm, Single clamp, Basic rubber
- Pros: Ultra-low price, simple to fit
- Cons: Limited durability, basic vibration damping
Lizard Skins Moab – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Great for wet and muddy environments; preferred by commuters and trail riders prioritizing traction.
Lizard Skins Moab – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Diameter: 31mm, Dual lock-ring
- Pros: Exceptional grip even in wet, secure fit
- Cons: Minimal vibration damping
ODI Elite Pro – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Ideal for performance-oriented XC and all-mountain riders who value superior palm padding and no-bulk feel.
ODI Elite Pro – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Siped waffle pattern, high-damping rubber, medium thickness
- Pros: Excellent grip in all conditions, reduces hand fatigue
- Cons: Slightly higher price, not as wide as some for large hands
ODI Reflex – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Comfort-focused trail and enduro riders; excellent for those prone to wrist soreness or looking for all-day ride comfort.
ODI Reflex – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Three comfort zones, top-tier damping compound
- Pros: Highest fatigue reduction, easy control
- Cons: Can feel too soft for some aggressive DH riders
Ergon GA3/GS1 Evo – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
MTB riders experiencing numbness; perfect for endurance riding. Ergonomic design appeals to tour and adaptive athletes.
Ergon GA3/GS1 Evo – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Winged lock-on, supportive structure
- Pros: Effective numbness reduction, secure grip
- Cons: Not for aggressive DH, limited rotation adjustment
TATZE SPORT GRIP – Who It’s For & Why We Love It
Innovators and tech fans seeking ergonomic performance and minimal finger force for long rides.
TATZE SPORT GRIP – Key Specs, Pros, and Cons
- 32–34mm, 133mm width, 106g, ergonomic lamella profile
- Pros: Lightweight, excellent control, fresh design
- Cons: Limited distribution, higher price in some markets
Find Your Perfect Fit: Choosing Mountain Bike Grips by Hand Size & Riding Style
Grip Sizing Guide with Hand Measurements
Measure hand circumference at the widest point—
- Small: <30cm grip diameter
- Medium: 30–32mm
- Large: >32mm
Grip should be ~10% smaller than hand circumference for a secure, wraparound fit.
Best Grips for Small, Medium, and Large Hands
- Small hands: AMS Berm (29.5–33.9mm), Trail One Farlow Gap, ODI Vanquish
- Medium hands: DMR Deathgrip, ODI Elite Pro, PNW Loam (regular)
- Large hands: PNW Loam XL, Ergon GE1 Evo, thick Deathgrip2
Riding Style Recommendations (Trail, XC, Enduro, Downhill, All-Mountain)
- Trail/All-Mountain: Versatile grips (PNW Loam, DMR Deathgrip, ODI Elite Pro)
- XC: Thinner direct grips (AMS Berm, ODI Vanquish)
- Enduro/Downhill: Thick, soft grips with lock-on (Ergon GE1 Evo, ODI Reflex, PNW XL)
Women, Youth & Adaptive Rider Considerations
- Women: Often prefer medium or thin grips; ergonomic wings for wrist comfort (Ergon GA3/GS1)
- Youth: Shorter length, slimmer diameters, soft compounds
- Adaptive: Custom ergonomic, large surface for palm, wrist rest, and easy clamps
What’s New in MTB Grips for 2026 – Innovations & Tech Trends
Advanced Compounds & Vibration Reduction Technologies
- Proprietary rubber mixes (ODI Reflex, DMR Deathgrip2, TATZE) for superior tackiness and damping
- Soft durometers (20–25a) dominate, offering up to 30% improved buzz absorption vs. 2024-2025 compounds
- Localized grip zones for better pressure relief and control
Ergonomic & Anti-Fatigue Designs
- Multi-zone shapes: palm cushions, ribbed thumb, supportive wings
- Lock-on cores with interior taper, custom cutouts, and integrated plastic support for secure feel
- Proven arm fatigue reduction by up to 25% in wrist/forearm tests (Ergon GS1 Evo, ODI Reflex)
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials
- 2026 reviews see durability improvements—robust end caps and denser compounds extend life
- Most brands focus on product longevity; direct use of recycled materials remains limited but expected to grow in coming seasons
How to Optimize Comfort and Control on Your MTB
Proper Grip Installation (Lock-On vs. Slide-On)
- Lock-On: Secure with double/single clamps, minimal chance of spin even in wet
- Slide-On: Lighter, often more comfortable, but risk shifting in rain/mud; best for dry-weather XC and weight savings
Always torque clamp to manufacturer specs (usually 3–5Nm) and clean bars before installing new grips.
Maintenance & Grip Longevity
- Wipe grips after muddy/wet rides to prevent abrasive damage
- Inspect end caps and replace if split or torn
- Avoid harsh solvents; mild soap and water are best for cleaning tacky compounds
Common Mistakes and Fixes for Hand Pain
- Using wrong grip diameter—test several profiles
- Poor bar alignment and clamp torque can cause slippage
- Neglecting glove compatibility; combine low-profile gloves with thick grips for best results
Ask the Pros: Mountain Bike Grips Q&A with Riders and Bike Fitters
Pro Tips for Choosing Grips
- Prioritize fit for hand size—small hands with thin/tacky, large with thick/padded
- Match grip compound to riding style: softer for endurance, firmer for aggressive sprints
- Lock-on grips prevent rotation on technical and wet trails
Grip Recommendations by Discipline
- Cross-country: ODI Vanquish, AMS Berm
- Enduro/Trail: PNW Loam, DMR Deathgrip, ODI Elite Pro
- Downhill: Ergon GE1 Evo, ODI Reflex, thick DMR Deathgrip2
Mountain Bike Grip FAQ – Your Common Questions Answered
- How often should I replace grips? Every 6–12 months or when tackiness or pattern is visibly worn.
- Do I need lock-on grips? Yes for aggressive riding and variable weather; slide-on for weight savings only.
- What’s best for hand numbness? Ergonomic designs (Ergon, ODI Reflex) and correct sizing; consult a professional fitter if issues persist.
- Can I use MTB grips on other bikes? Yes if diameter matches your handlebar (most fit standard 22.2mm bars).
Ready to upgrade? Find your perfect grip from top retailers: See the latest MTB grip deals.