I ride a 26" steel rigid, and I need new grips. I would a product that provides enough friction, but absorbs vibrations as well. What do you like? What don't you like?

Personal preference thing... What one likes, another doesn't like.

This

Check out Ergon grips.

I've tried a ton of different grips -- Lock-Ons, ergo's, standard DD's (dual-density), and I've come back around to the old standby. It's just a matter of setting aside the time to install the new set of Race Face Good & Evil, old-school press-on-and-tack-down-somehow dual density grips. The ergo set I have right now just aren't getting it done for anything more than about 30 minutes of riding. My Lock-Ons were Lizard Skins North Shore, the thickest they make, and were almost like a bare bar for cushion. So, the trusty can of spray paint (Krylon clearcoat) and my Race Faces will go into service very soon. 20/20 hindsight tells me last night would have been a good time to do that, but I expected the clamor from my kids for a ride. (I allow some time for the paint to dry....)