Test / MTB Grips: We fine-tune our suspension, philosophize about tire pressures in the 0,1 bar range, and spend a fortune on carbon parts. But how much attention do you actually pay to the component that (hopefully) connects you firmly to your bike? In the coming weeks, we'll be focusing intensively on the often underestimated number one contact point: the grips.
Honestly: When was the last time you changed your grips because you really needed them? wantedAnd not just because the old ones were worn out? Often, the rubber grips lead a neglected existence on the cockpit – undeservedly so. Numb fingers, aching palms, or the dreaded "arm pump" are often not the fault of the suspension fork, but also the result of an incorrect or unsuitable grip choice.
From the “litter” to the “scalpel”
Over the past few weeks, we've sifted through a wide range of grips. Included are all the big names – from DMR to Wolf Tooth, from budget-friendly options well under €20 to high-end grips around €50. We've already tested over a dozen grips on various test rides, and at least as many more will follow in the near future.
One thing quickly became clear to us: there is no single "best grip". Our hands are simply too different for that.
Do you need maximum feedback for racing or a damping marvel for long tours?
Do you ride with or without gloves?
Do you have hands like a lumberjack or rather small hands?
The starting signal for our test series.
In our new series, we explore these very questions and potential answers. We clarify whether ergonomic designs truly help or merely restrict freedom of movement, whether a €45 grip is worth the money, and which models turn into slippery eels when wet. Which grip offers maximum control, which is the most comfortable? And which grips might even combine both?
Look forward to detailed individual tests, which we will publish bit by bit over the next few weeks. We'll show you not only what works well, but above all, which grip suits which riding style.