Grip Recommendations

I don't see more than a couple reviews. My grips are approaching the end of their useful lives. They are the stock Giant-issue grips that came on the bike. Supremely comfortable and they've lasted over two years.

Any recommendations?

 

Ergon has some good ones. I am currently using the GE1 and I really like them

 

I was die hard oury non lock on grips for years. Now I am pretty set on red monkey grips. I have the blue but feel like the black were a tad softer.

 

I have the giant grips take offs from my reign if you want them they are yours..

 

I may very well take you up on that. Care to guide me up Skyline some day as a bonus?

 

I'll second the Red Monkey grips. I've been using them for about 4 years now. Each pair seems to last about 1 year for me.

 

Anytime ! Well not anytime it has to be on a monday....

 

Go with what you know. Nice one, @jaime

I've run a few Ergon and ESI Extra Chunky but went back to Oury. The lock-ons are great if you like a not-small grip. They are comfy without gloves, made in USA, and the bar plug is super burly and protective rubber. They just feel like they mean business.

 

I second the motion for Oury lock-one! Bullet proof.

 

+1 on the Ergon grips. Use them on my long travel bike.
On my XC bike I use the thick lock on Red Monkey grips. The extra cushion helps with absorbing the chatter that the 100mm fork can't.
Before that I was a big fan of the ODI Rogues, double lock rings and tacky rubber.

 

I'll third that. But I am partial considering I am on their team. haha

In all seriousness though, Im super happy with RM grips and over the years there have been improvements to the compound so that they last longer but are just as soft. When they first came out I was going through grips every month (i wear the outside because I put a lot of pressure with the outside of my hands), now I change them twice a year or so.

Also, the owner is a great guy who is is focussed on giving back to the cycling community and is excited to be a part of it.

And keep an eye out if you follow them on Instagram or Facebook because they do some "Catch the Monkey" events where he announces where members of the team will be riding and if you stop them you'll get some free grips, a t shirt or a gift card to local shops.

 

Also free to a good bike ergon GE1 just a little used on the ends but they are 8/10.

 

I use ESI foam grips on all of my bikes. They work for me and they are very light weight.

HOWEVER, if I were you, I would buy a new pair of the same grips you have now since you are happy with them. Two years of regular use out of a set of grips seems reasonable.

 

I am currently using the ODI Vans grip, but my all time favorite is the Serfas Connector. Would like to try the Ergons also.

 

my favorite is lizardskin moab.

 

Day jah vooh on a conversation... I still have that pair I said I was gonna give you...taking up space in the bin. Don't buy any fergodsake

 

I like a bigger diameter and softer grip. Big fan of Oury lock ons. Grips like many bike parts are a rider preference. I think I'll try some Ergon's next as they tick a lot of my grip preference boxes.

 

Ill take you up on that!

 

I am such a massive fans of oury lock on's that it's hard to recommend anything else.

There are a lot of reasons for this. The rubber is very soft and has good dampening qualities. The Dia is also larger than some grips, works good for large hands. The edges of the grip features are squared, and you get good bite in scary situations where it's all going bad. They may look very simple and plain or just like some other grips but they are not matched.

Other acceptable choices
Ergon
TLD odi lock ons

 

Another Oury fan, although the old-school non lock ons - I've never liked the hard metal edge of lockers.
A bit of spray paint helps keep them in place.

 

Option 1.) Rotate your grips and re-clamp them.
Option 2.) Take @jaime up on his offer for a new set of Giants. For what it's worth, I liked those grips too - but your version with no outer locking ring. Jaime's version may not feel as comfortable, and would be a no-go for me. I am done with gripping the lockring instead of the grip.

Option 3.) ODI Elite Pro. Slightly bigger diameter than most, but not ESI Extra Chunky big. No clamp on the outside - which makes them way more comfortable than constantly gripping the metal ring. Be aware that they are elliptical - more cushion under the intended palm area, and less underneath.

 

Was a big fan of Oury lock ons for years. Tried Ergon GP1 and have been using them since. Not light but comfortable for long rides.

 

I love the security of lock-ons and Oury lock-ons are my favorite grips.

They replaced my previous favorites--the ODI Rogue lock-ons.

The Ourys just seem a little bit cushier and grippier than the Rogues to me.

 

+1 on the Red Monkey. 3 0f my 7 bikes have them. Very light and super comfy. It's like adding another 1/4 " of suspension to your fork. Downside is they don't last along time. Have the Oury lock-ons on the main squeeze now. Also very comfortable.

 

I have been using ESI/Red monkey grips for a while now.
After the punishment of the True Grit, I decided to replace my grips as well.

Over the last two years, I accumulated a selection of grip new grips (giveaways in biking fundraiser).

Ergon GS2-L (black)
Red Monkey Karv 6.5 (blue)
ODI Elite Flow (blue)
Giant (Black - no package)

I'll pick one set, and put it on.
The only real issue is the color. None of them are Red......Decision, Decision.

 

Another silicone grip guy here. Don't think I have had lock on grips on a a bike since about 2010.

ESI/Red Monkey.....whichever I have a spare set in the garage of, or whatever my wife brings home.

The ESI's are not as soft as the Red Monkey grips, but I wear the RM's out faster than the ESI's

I can usually get 1 o 2 rotations of the grip before I have to replace them.

Quick spray of rubbing alcohol and they slide on. Within a minute or 2 it is dry to the bar. Never had one slide off the bar. Removal is simple with an air compressor....or you can just cut them off. Takes no more time than putting lock on grips on/off.

 

On @herzalot 's rec, I went with these as regular ODI with the outside lock were causing some hand pain. Thumbs up, they work great.

 

Ditto the ODI Vans Grip. I like Bolt On's in case I have to pull my grips to work on my bike. I'm also ironically up for trying the Ergon's as well as I would like to better position my wrists.

I don't use grips from the 90's (@mtnbikej ), those are for old guys. Get the new cool stuff!
(I'm sure I'm going to take some Sh!t for this)

 

If you never lay it down, silicone grips are great!

@Mikie, I don't think a grip will demonstrably alter wrist position, but a finned/sculpted grip can help with comfort. Backsweep is whatcha need for wrists. I'm a little baffled there are so few industry options. 17° feels pretty good, but I don't know of a CF option, so I use a Salsa Bend Bar for my longest rides. A regular mountain bike bar doesn't work well for the long haul, hence the birth of Jones Bars et al. Sorry for the drift!

 

The pink grips(which were actually purple before they faded) have been replaced.