Top list: Lock-on grips for (e-)mountain bikes
MTB grips put to the test: The search for the perfect connection
They're inconspicuous, usually don't cost a fortune, and yet are criminally neglected: the grips. They're one of only three contact points between rider and bike – and the only one we use to steer, brake, and shift gears. We've screwed and gripped our way through a wide range of models to find out what current models can do.
From affordable entry-level models to high-end racing products, from ergonomic health specialists to purist performance components: our test field shows that not all grips are created equal. But what matters when you take "real trail use" as the benchmark?
Why the right grip matters
A good mountain bike grip needs to do more than just prevent your hands from slipping. It significantly influences how much fatigue you feel in your forearms, how precisely you can feel the front wheel in berms, and how secure you feel when the going gets rough. "Arm pump" and numb fingers are often not the result of an incorrect fork setting, but rather an unsuitable grip.
Here's how we tested: The factor "subjectivity"
When evaluating grips, we face a similar challenge to that of saddle tests: there is no universal truth. Hands are as individual as sit bones. What feels like "comfortable cushioning" to a tester with a glove size 11 might feel like a spongy piece of garden hose with no feedback to someone with a glove size 8.
Therefore, we made a clear distinction in our tests:
Objective criteria: manufacturing quality of the lock-on clamps, ease of assembly, weight, durability of the rubber and value for money.
Subjective impressions: cushioning, feel, shape and grip (with and without gloves, dry and wet).
Our test results are therefore not absolute rules, but rather detailed character descriptions. They are intended to help you make the right choice based on your own preferences (hand size, whether you wear gloves, comfort vs. feedback).
Findings from the test field: There is no "best" one.
Anyone looking for a single, all-around winner will be disappointed. Our trail rides have shown that every grip involves compromises:
Damping vs. precision: Models like the Syncros AM or the Wolf Tooth Fat Paw offer extreme comfort and absorb vibrations, but isolate the rider from the road surface. A Renthal Traction, on the other hand, delivers the feedback of a race car – you feel every pebble, but tire more quickly.
Ergonomics in disguise: The trend is moving away from huge ergonomic wings towards subtle shapes. The Race Face Chester and the Lizard Skins Gradient use conical shapes or variable thicknesses to support the hand without restricting freedom of movement on the trail – a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” approach that we really liked.
Specialists vs. all-rounders: While the DMR Deathgrip 2 or the SDG Thrice try to please everyone with different profile zones (ribbing, waffle pattern, slats), grips like the Ritchey WCS Trail Python serve a tiny niche.
Your area of responsibility determines
We tested the grips where they belong: off-road. That means sweat, dirt, moisture, and vibrations. One important lesson learned: not every ribbed grip design works well in wet conditions without gloves (the SDG Thrice showed weaknesses here), while other designs (Pro Econtrol) practically dig into the skin.
Conclusion: The perfect grip is the one you forget you're using while riding. Below you'll find our detailed individual tests. Analyze your hand size and preferences – do you need maximum feedback for racing or a comfortable, supportive grip for long tours? You'll find what you're looking for here.
