So what specific features make a grip give you more or less control of your bike? More comfort? hand fatigue?

For example will the ergons give you more control and a cushy grip like the ESI give less hand fatigue, but not as much control?

generally the slimmer grips give the most control, you can get a more solid grip on the bars, i really like my odi ruffians, basically what gives a grip more control is your ability to hold it, so all thing grips will be about the same, texture can matter too, i've always found big grips to be too squishy and harder to really get a solid girp on (not that i grip the bars tight, not that kinda of good grip) and i ahve avg to large hands. The ergon are comphy cause the flat top means you don't really have a pressure point on your hands, with round grips they kinda cut in and push in a small area supposedly reducing blood flow, however, the ergons arn'e the best for control cause you can't really push on them with the heal of your hand (it would slip of) so rockin down that rocky section... but alot of people still really like them, if you feel comfortable using them for your riding style then they are fine.

One function: if you have carpal tunnel, ergons are gonna be a nice improvement - they helped me.

I don't use bar ends, but FYI here's a shot I took at Interbike:

Don't think much about my grips in terms of control particularly, more of a comfort/texture thing for me. I've been using Oury grips for a long time and they suit me, although I've got some ODI Ruffian and Rogue grips on a couple bikes, too. I like the tacky feel of the Oury best, though. Never considered the Ergons but don't have any particular wrist problems either. Best thing I've done with grips is use the ODI lock on clamps for ease of installation/removal and no slipping. Somewhat depends what type of glove you prefer, too (I like a very thin full finger).

The features that matter to me are: (in order of importance) not too thick, not slipping around, ease of install/removal, not turning into sticky jelly after a year. I've tried almost every type of grip and installation method and to make a long story short:road bar tape. It never ever slips around on the bar, even after digging in the dirt during crashes; I can make it as thick or thin as I want; it's easy to remove/put on if need be. Plus, one pack of road tape is enough for at least two bikes!

IMO, the upward and backward sweep and the final placement of your hands on the bars is more important to the overall handling and comfort than the grips.

From there, it's personal preference combined with hand size, if you want bar ends or not, bar width, any particular anatomical or physical issues...

Way too much to it than to just say particular grips are going to do one thing vs. another for your control.

ODI lock ons FTW. You can try several different grip inserts to see what works for you, just swapping them out when you feel like. No muss, no fuss.

Not to mention stem length and saddle height. Crank arm length can even have an effect.

ODI lockons are so much better than the old type that I will never go back. I have big hands and the Rogues suit me well.

I have ODI Ruffian on my DH and ODI Rogue on my do-it-all. I won't go back.

I've had ODI Rogue, Ruffian, Yeti, and the Lizard Skin's smooth inserts. So far, it's a toss-up betw. the Ruffian and the Yeti for my taste.

The new Sunline "Waffle Twist" that D was pimping looked pretty schwizzle, by gum.

I use cut-off gloves with pads in fingers and palms, just FYI.

I used the ESI Chunkies and they were too thick for good control, i might try racer's edge, but i was dissapointed with how quickly they tear. But they were legendary comfortable.

ODI is the BEST grip on the market. LockOns are so clutch. I will not mess around with any other grips since I got my Ruffians.

Show proof.

jcook1989 :

I believe that mtnbiker66 is trying to make a point that your statement is silly/nebulous.

Haven't used those in many years on a mountain bike; I do on a road bike, altho padding is only in the palm. Cork bar tape plus the gloves give a little bit of relief from road vibration. All my mountain bikes have good front suspension, so no need for stuff in the gloves for them...

Padded gloves on a hardtail or dual suspension seems a bit redundant/unnecessary.

I dont know about that; when I do my super sized drops and bottom the fork, a bit of padding helps a lot (just kidding, I use non-padded mechanics gloves with performance brand lock ons that I got for 5$)

Grip diameter is a critical aspect, not for overall control, but in hand/arm fatigue. Generally, larger grips are hard on smaller hands (like mine) - - result in premature arm-pump when riding really demanding terrain. Too-thin of grips can do similar things.

I personally find Ourys too large for my hand and they fatigue me despite their soft compound. Sunline thin grips (they come as thicks and thins) are just a touch too thin, I've found. Most optimum diameter grip I've ever used is the Yeti-logo ODI Lock-Ons.

Single speed grips are far superior for new riders. It takes the complication of geared grips out of the equation.

Rigid grips, you mean? Help you pick a better line?

I ride no-handed most of the time..so I'm not particular about grips.

You squeeze the saddle with your butt cheeks too?

^^ why you gotta go there man?

I hate it when I grip too tightly and get arm pump.
































What?

















(odi ruffians or rogues for me. like both, even though the rogues are fatter and squishier.)