13/07/2025
Upgrade Your Ride: Why Your Next Mountain Bike Purchase Should Be a Set of Grips
In the world of mountain biking, upgrades can be a rabbit hole of expensive components and marginal gains. But what if we told you that one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your bike is also one of the most affordable? We're talking about your grips. They are one of the three critical contact points you have with your bike—the others being your saddle and pedals—and arguably the most important for control and confidence on the trail.
Many new bikes come equipped with standard, often lower-end, grips. While functional, these stock grips frequently leave much to be desired in terms of comfort and performance. Swapping them out for a pair that suits your hands and riding style can dramatically improve your experience, reducing fatigue and enhancing your command over the bike.
This guide will walk you through what to consider when choosing your next set of grips and highlight our top-selling models that cater to a variety of riders.
Finding Your Perfect Match: What to Look For
Choosing the right mountain bike grip is a personal decision, but there are several key factors to consider to narrow down the vast array of options.
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Hand Size and Grip Diameter: The size of your hands should directly influence the diameter of the grips you choose. Riders with larger hands often find thicker grips more comfortable, as they fill the palm and reduce the need to clench the hands tightly. Conversely, those with smaller hands will likely prefer a thinner grip for better control and less strain.
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Riding Style and Terrain: Are you a cross-country racer, a weekend trail warrior, or a downhill adrenaline junkie? Your primary riding style plays a significant role. Racers might prioritize a direct connection to the bike with a thinner, firmer grip, while riders on chunky, technical terrain may opt for a thicker, softer grip to absorb vibrations.
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Grip Shape and Features: The traditional cylindrical grip is not the only option. Brands like Ergon have popularized winged grips, which provide a broader platform to support the palm and alleviate pressure on the wrists. This can be a game-changer for riders who experience hand numbness or discomfort on longer rides. Other features to look for include different textures, flange or no-flange designs, and the type of rubber compound.
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Compound and Durability: The softness of the rubber, often measured by its durometer, affects both comfort and longevity. A softer durometer will offer more cushioning and grip but will likely wear out faster. A harder compound will be more durable but may transmit more trail feedback.
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Color and Aesthetics: Let's be honest, we all want our bikes to look good. Grips come in a rainbow of colors, allowing you to add a personal touch to your ride.
Our Top-Selling Mountain Bike Grips
Here’s a look at our top-selling grips, each offering a unique blend of features to enhance your ride.
1. Deity Supracush: The All-Around Comfort King
These are my personal favorite, and our sales volume validates that opinion... For riders seeking a plush and comfortable ride without sacrificing control, the Deity Supracush is a top contender. It boasts a larger 34mm diameter and features Deity's TRC+ rubber compound, a soft and tacky material that provides excellent vibration damping. The deep-dish diamond pattern offers a secure grip in all conditions. This is a go-to grip for many of our staff and a customer favorite for its blend of comfort and performance.
2. Deity Megattack: Maximum Cushion for Maximum Fun
Taking comfort to the next level, the Deity Megattack is an even larger diameter grip designed for riders who want as much cushion as possible or those with larger hands. Sharing the same TRC+ rubber compound and a plethora of color options as its sibling, the Megattack's defining feature is its substantial size, which helps to reduce hand fatigue on long, rough descents.
3. Ergon GA3: The Ergonomic Innovator
The Ergon GA3 takes a different approach to grip design. It features a small, integrated "wing" that provides support for the palm, helping to alleviate pressure on the ulnar nerve and reduce hand and wrist pain. This design is particularly beneficial for riders who embark on long rides or suffer from numbness. While offering ergonomic support, the GA3 is still streamlined enough to allow for plenty of control on steep and technical terrain. It’s no surprise that this is the grip of choice for our shop owner, Mark.
4. ODI Dreadlock: Comfort That Lasts (and Lasts)
The signature grip of legendary endurance racer Tinker Juarez, the ODI Dreadlock is a testament to comfort over the long haul. It pairs a larger diameter with an incredibly soft A.I.R.E. compound, which is a lightweight, air-infused foam that provides exceptional vibration damping. For nearly six years, the Dreadlock has been a top seller due to its supreme comfort. The trade-off for this level of softness is that they may need to be replaced more frequently, but for many riders, it's a small price to pay for happy hands.
5. ODI Elite Pro: The Quintessential Control Grip
A long-standing favorite in the mountain bike world, the ODI Elite Pro is the quintessential grip for riders who prioritize control. With a smaller diameter and a variable knurl pattern, it offers a direct and responsive feel. The half-waffle pattern provides extra traction for your fingertips, ensuring a secure hold even in the most demanding situations. The Elite Pro's "Soft Pro Compound" strikes a balance between tackiness and durability, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of riders.
Conclusion
Upgrading your mountain bike grips is a simple and effective way to improve your comfort, control, and overall enjoyment on the trail. By considering your personal needs and exploring the features of our top sellers, you can find the perfect pair to transform your ride.
By Matty Greer