Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
1 - 20 of 24 Posts

weekendthrasher

· Registered
Joined
·
358 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
i'm looking for any recommendations for new grips.
1. spec stumpy fsr elite, aggressive trail riding. i'm 5'11" and ~205lbs+ with gear.
2. my wife is 5'3" and ~115lbs. her bike is spec ERA fsr expert, also aggressive trail riding purpose.
appreciate any feedback.
 
ESI grips. Either model for you depending on if you like narrow (racers edge) or thick (chunky) grips. Racers edge for your wife if she has small hands.

They are comfy no matter what position your hands are gripping them, wether you're descending in an attack position or climbing with your wrists a little lower then your knuckes. The smooth surface doesn't act like cheese graters on your hands, so you can ride them without gloves. If installed correctly, they DO NOT slip, so no extra weight for lock on hardware.
 
Renthal kevlars - may need grip glue (super easy to mount)may not but moto narrow for really good feel but very comfy and will never wear. 130mm length..cut 'em down for the mrs. small diameter flange works just like moto for aggressive trail riding. you can get 'em in different durometers but for mtn biking the kevlars will oulast anything.
 
I'd say the ODI ruffians, I like the waffle style grip. Specialized also makes a waffle style grip that I run until I wear them out then usually upgrade to the ODI's they are simialr but the ODI's seem a bit more grippy when wet.
 
ESI grips. Either model for you depending on if you like narrow (racers edge) or thick (chunky) grips. Racers edge for your wife if she has small hands.

They are comfy no matter what position your hands are gripping them, wether you're descending in an attack position or climbing with your wrists a little lower then your knuckes. The smooth surface doesn't act like cheese graters on your hands, so you can ride them without gloves. If installed correctly, they DO NOT slip, so no extra weight for lock on hardware.
I just got a set of the Racers Edge, and my only complaint is, it's very hard to tell where the thin section is, I wish they put some kind of mark on to orient when you mount them.
 
I just got a set of the Racers Edge, and my only complaint is, it's very hard to tell where the thin section is, I wish they put some kind of mark on to orient when you mount them.
I agree. That is irritating. I would they rather make it a consistant thickness around. I almost ruined mine when poking a knitting needle under the grip to get some alcohol under it to rotate it around "correctly."

But I've come to grips that the extra millimeter won't be noticed if it's not positioned right. I can't tell a difference in feel or look. ;)
 
My favorite are Oury Lock-on's. Buy the Oury replacement grips and then buy a pack of ODI lock-on clamps with end caps (pick any color clamp you want). The Oury grips are the thickest grips out there. They are not overly soft or overly hard (they are just right). If you are doing aggressive riding with a lot of movement you don't want Ergons or other grips with palm fins sticking out. The palm fins will get in the way and decrease your ability to grip the bar in different positions. I would suggest a good pair of gloves and the Oury's or other round lock-on grip for aggressive riding. If you are doing a lot of XC miles with your hands in one spot for long periods of time then I would suggest something like the Ergon with a palm fin. Others may disagree but this has been my experience.
 
I ride both esi racer's edge and renthal kevlar, Esi grips wear out, and aren't as durable as the renthals but provide a bit more cushion. Renthal grips give you more feel of what the bike is doing, take your pick.
 
I second Oury mountain grips, though I prefer the non-lock-on version (because the lock-on hardware is hard and I live in a dry climate where it's not so beneficial). I think there's a logical argument that skinny grips make more sense, but Oury's offer great comfort and durability.

On the subject or durability, whichever shape you go for, consider black. Black rubber typically has some carbon content that binds the material together (remember how colored tires wore out quickly), black also doesn't show dirt or look so torn up after a little wear.
 
I would cast my vote for the Ourys as well. By far the most comfortable grip I have ever used. They are sticky and do a great job at mitigating vibration.
 
I haven't been riding MTB that long but have been riding Freestyle bikes for well over 20 years and I love my Ourys. Like others said above, not to soft or hard, have a good tacky feel and a good thickness. Best with gloves on long rides.
 
It's all personal preference anyway...
This...

I've tried quite a few grips, and my only recommendation is that you find one that fits your hands well. Grips too small tend to have my gloves bunched up and hands aching midway through a ride. Right now my faves are thick sunline logo lock-ons and ergon GA1-L, though the ODI rogue's on my SS are sticky and comfy as well. Lots to try, good luck!
 
1 - 20 of 24 Posts