Bike Grips Review

The comfort that bike grips provide as bike steering components goes beyond physical fit. Bike grips also provide traction and absorb shock. Depending in part upon their size, design and composition, bike grips can increase control and grasp and reduce strain and pain on hands, fingers, wrists and forearms. Popular bike grips brands include Demolition and Eastern grips.

Bike grips are often made of rubber or foam and come in different diameter widths as well as weights, shapes and designs. Some consider softer foam the better shock absorber, while more rigid rubber is said to help ensure a firm grip. But bike grips, which come also in plastic and leather, are made with different densities of materials as well. More porous foam grips, for instance, might be aimed at soaking up road vibrations, where their high-density foam counterparts might be more durable. Some bike grips, like Answer grips, boast a combination of firmness and flexibility.

Ergonomically designed bike grips, like Ergon grips, are intended to conform to the hands, in some instances more easily accommodating changing hand positions. Some are made of rubber, and some feature palm pads made of gel and aimed at eliminating pressure on the wrists and forearms. And some ergonomic bike grips are designed to equally distribute pressure on the palms. Lizard Skin grips and SRAM grips offer a stylish ergonomic designs.

Ergonomic bike grips in many instances feature “wings” that, when properly angled, are intended to support the palms’ outer pads. Ergonomic bike grips can also be lean and “cut,” light and strong or short and rounded. Some ergonomic grips feature “horns” said to reduce pressure on the hands’ arteries. Many are designed for fit precision and increased control.

There are also bike grips that, through features such as slightly raised centers, mimic the ergonomic feel. Locking grips are reportedly easy to install and designed not to slide in wet weather conditions or accidents. Lock-On grips, for example Odi, also feature designs meant to mold to the hand’s shape. These particular bike grips tend to be best suited for bike handlebars that are wider in diameter, according to reports. Some bike grips also come with added features, such as reflective end plugs that might appeal to urban cyclists. ESI bike grips and Flybikes are dependable brands to choose.

The type of riding a cyclist does can influence his or her choice of bike grip. BMX riders typically need a firm, unyielding grasp, and so rubber grips may be the grip of choice, like Odyssey grips. Touring cyclists for distance treks might prefer more supple foam grips. And racers would likely prefer slender, lightweight varieties of bike grips, like Oury. Grab on grips have customizable features to meet the needs of every type of rider.

Models

Black Ops grips are easily identifiable, as are Suelo grips. Other credible models include All City grips and Ame grips.

Average Pricing

Bike grips vary widely in price, with economic offerings as low as about $7 US, leather designs at about $100 US and a wide variety in the $20 to $40 US range.