The best MTB grips suit your hands, gloves and brake setup. Diameter, shape and texture matter more than choosing the softest rubber or matching the bike’s colour. This selection covers ten lock-on options, from a straightforward £9.99 replacement to larger oval profiles for riders who need more room.
Best MTB grips 2026: shortlisted
Oxford Driver Lock-On — £9.99 (RRP £14.99)
Giant Tactal Double Lock-On — £16.79 (RRP £19.99)
Trek Line Elite Lock-On — £17 (RRP £19.99)
Burgtec Bartender Pro — £21.59 (RRP £23.99)
OneUp Components Thick Lock-On — £21.99 (RRP £24.99)
Ergon GA2 — £20.99 (RRP £27.99)
Race Face Grippler — £24 (RRP £29.95)
ODI Elite Pro V2.1 — £25.19 (RRP £27.99)
Peaty’s Monarch Pro — £27 (RRP £29.99)
DMR DeathGrip 2 is our researched all-round recommendation because it offers two diameters and distinct surface textures at an accessible price. Peaty’s Monarch Pro also includes our riding impressions; the other recommendations are based on their design and specifications.
Best overall: DMR DeathGrip 2
DMR DeathGrip 2
Our researched all-round pick combines mushroom, knurl and waffle zones with two diameter choices. Choose the size that leaves your fingers relaxed around the bar; the soft compound and colour choice are useful reasons to shortlist it, rather than proof that one grip suits every rider. From £19.99 (RRP £24).
At Tredz
DeathGrip2, black; Thin or Thick, price from £19.99
+ Pros
- Two diameter choices
- Mixed surface textures
- Single inboard clamp
− Cons
- Soft rubber can wear relatively quickly
Compare prices
DeathGrip2, black; Thin or Thick, price from £19.99 · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
A sensible first shortlist choice for mixed trail use. Match diameter and flange preference before comparing colour and price.
Key specifications
- Diameter
- Thick or thin options
- Fixing
- Single inboard lock-on clamp
- Pattern
- Mushroom, knurl and waffle zones
- Best for
- All-round trail and eMTB riding
The best MTB grips 2026
Oxford Driver Lock-On
A low-cost lock-on replacement with a 30mm diameter and 130mm length. It is a practical starting point for replacing worn original grips without spending premium money. The single available diameter limits fit tuning. £9.99 (RRP £14.99).
+ Pros
- Low price
- Single locking collar
- Integrated end cover
− Cons
- Only one main shape and diameter
Compare prices
Driver, black, 22.2mm bar fit · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Choose it for an inexpensive replacement; move up the list if you need a different diameter or more specific shaping.
Key specifications
- Bar fit
- 22.2mm MTB handlebars
- Fixing
- Lock-on
- Surface
- Dual-profile all-weather pattern
- Best for
- Budget replacements and mixed riding
Giant Tactal Double Lock-On
The Tactal offers a conventional ribbed surface and clamps at both ends. Choose it if you prefer a straightforward double-lock-on design; check where your little finger sits, because the outer collar changes the feel at the end of the bar. £16.79 (RRP £19.99).
+ Pros
- Double locking collars
- Accessible price
- Ribbed surface
− Cons
- Outer lock ring can be felt by edge-of-bar riders
Compare prices
Tactal Double Lock-On, black · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Best suited to riders who want a traditional double-clamp layout and a clearly ribbed surface.
Key specifications
- Length
- 135mm
- Fixing
- Dual aluminium lock rings
- Surface
- Raised horizontal ribs
- Best for
- Secure, conventional lock-on feel
Trek Line Elite Lock-On
A neutral-looking single-lock-on option for a trail bike or eMTB. Its soft compound and core cut-outs are intended to add cushioning without a large support wing. Consider it when replacing standard grips and compare its shape with the grips you already find comfortable. £17.00.
+ Pros
- Single lock-on design
- Core cut-outs
- Neutral shape
− Cons
- Less distinctive than specialist comfort grips
Compare prices
Line Elite, black · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
An uncomplicated replacement for riders who prefer a neutral grip profile.
Key specifications
- Fixing
- Lock-on
- Pattern
- Comfort and traction zones
- Use
- Trail and eMTB
- Best for
- Simple, neutral cockpit upgrades
Burgtec Bartender Pro
The Bartender Pro is a gravity-focused option with a tapered core and a single collar. Its appeal is a relatively direct shape rather than a large palm platform. Riders seeking a visibly fuller grip should compare the OneUp before deciding. £21.59.
At Leisure Lakes Bikes
Bartender Pro Greg Minnaar, black
+ Pros
- Tapered core
- Single collar
- Gravity-focused design
− Cons
- Too firm and slim for some comfort-first riders
Compare prices
Bartender Pro Greg Minnaar, black · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Shortlist it for a compact gravity-style cockpit; choose by hand fit rather than the rider endorsement.
Key specifications
- Fixing
- Single 7075 aluminium collar
- Hardware
- Stainless-steel bolt
- Core
- Tapered
- Best for
- Slim, direct gravity control
OneUp Components Thick Lock-On
The Thick uses an oval 35 × 32.5mm profile and a 138mm length. It is the most obvious option here for riders who want more material under the palm, but small hands may find it bulky. Check brake-lever reach after fitting. Black version listed at £22.00.
+ Pros
- Large oval profile
- 138mm length
- Soft compound
− Cons
- Can feel too large for small hands
Compare prices
Thick, black · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Show 1 more retailers
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Choose it when a larger oval grip improves your hand position; avoid it if the size compromises relaxed braking.
Key specifications
- Profile
- Oval 35 x 32.5mm
- Length
- 138mm
- Compound
- 20A
- Claimed weight
- 144g
Ergon GA2
The GA2 provides subtle shaping without the broad wing of a touring grip. It is worth considering when a plain round grip does not suit your hand, but rotational setup matters. Grip shape alone cannot resolve every cause of hand discomfort. From £22.98 (RRP £27.99).
At Tweeks Cycles
GA2 standard, from-price; select colour
+ Pros
- Subtle ergonomic shaping
- Replaceable end plugs
- Single clamp
− Cons
- Needs careful rotational setup
Compare prices
GA2 standard, from-price; select colour · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Show 1 more retailers
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Worth a try if subtle shaping appeals more than an oversized round grip.
Key specifications
- Fixing
- Single lock-on clamp
- Shape
- Subtle ergonomic taper
- Use
- Trail, all-mountain and eMTB
- Best for
- Long-ride hand comfort
Race Face Grippler
The Grippler offers 30mm and 33mm diameters, making hand fit the main buying decision. Its double-collar design may suit riders who prefer that layout, while those who rest a finger over the outer edge should compare a single-clamp grip. Grey version listed at £24.00.
At Balfes Bikes
Grippler Limited Edition, grey; choose diameter
+ Pros
- Two diameter choices
- Double lock-on collars
- Directional texture
− Cons
- Outer collar is not as soft as single-clamp designs
Compare prices
Grippler Limited Edition, grey; choose diameter · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Buy the diameter that fits your hand; the larger option is not automatically more comfortable.
Key specifications
- Diameters
- 30mm or 33mm
- Fixing
- Dual lock-on collars
- Pattern
- Moisture-shedding directional texture
- Best for
- Dialling fit by hand size
ODI Elite Pro V2.1
The Elite Pro combines a raised palm area with a half-waffle finger surface. Its 130mm length and single-clamp layout offer an alternative to uniformly thick grips. The shaped pad makes orientation important, so fit it according to ODI’s instructions. £25.19.
At Tweek's Cycles
Elite Pro V2.1, black, 130mm
+ Pros
- Targeted palm pad
- Half-waffle finger area
- Single-clamp design
− Cons
- Raised pad takes a little acclimatisation
Compare prices
Elite Pro V2.1, black, 130mm · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
A useful alternative when you want targeted palm support without making the entire grip equally thick.
Key specifications
- Length
- 130mm
- Fixing
- V2.1 single-clamp lock-on
- Pattern
- Ergonomic palm pad and half-waffle
- Best for
- Targeted cushioning
Peaty’s Monarch Pro
The Monarch Pro Mushroom Thick impressed us with its comfortable, grippy feel and dependable single-clamp security on trail rides. Its 32–34mm profile suits riders who want a fuller grip, while the soft mushroom ribs cushion the palm. The main drawback is cleaning: the tacky surface collects dirt quickly. £27 at Balfes Bikes.
At Tweek's Cycles
Monarch Pro Mushroom, Thick, black
Read our review →+ Pros
- Comfortable on rough and longer rides
- Dependable grip with riding gloves
- Secure single-clamp installation
- Dual-compound construction
− Cons
- Tacky mushroom ribs collect dirt and take effort to clean
- Thick profile may be too large for smaller hands
Compare prices
Monarch Pro Mushroom, Thick, black · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-02 08:00 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Our verdict
A comfortable trail and eMTB grip that combines cushioning with dependable control. Choose the Thick version for its fuller profile, and expect to spend a little longer cleaning the ribs after muddy rides.
Read the full Peaty’s Monarch Pro review →Key specifications
- Diameters
- Thin 30–32mm or Thick 32–34mm
- Patterns
- Mushroom or Knurl
- Compounds
- 15A upper / 30A Duralite lower
- Grip area
- 130mm
How to choose MTB grips
Start with diameter and brake reach
Try a grip with your usual gloves and a finger resting on the brake lever. A larger diameter can feel supportive, but it can also make the lever harder to reach. A slim grip leaves more room for shorter fingers; larger hands may prefer a fuller or oval profile. Compare both sizes where a manufacturer offers them.
Choose the texture for your riding
Mushroom ribs, waffle sections and knurling give different parts of the hand different contact surfaces. Consider where you put pressure on the bar and whether you ride in thick winter gloves. A deeply patterned grip is not automatically the most comfortable choice.
Look at the clamp position
A single inboard clamp leaves a softer outer edge for riders who hold the end of the bar. A double-clamp design adds an outer collar, which can sit beneath your outside finger. Check that the usable grip length works with your controls, and fit bar-end plugs correctly.
Grip choice is one part of cockpit setup. Check lever reach and angle alongside handlebar position, and follow the grip and handlebar manufacturers’ installation instructions. Our eMTB upgrades guide covers other changes worth considering.
Frequently asked questions
Do eMTBs need special grips?
Usually, the important compatibility checks are the handlebar grip area, available length and clamp instructions. Choose the shape for your hands and terrain rather than an eMTB label.
Should I choose thick or thin grips?
Choose the diameter that lets you hold the bar securely while reaching the brake comfortably. Measure a grip you already like and use that as a starting point. The OneUp Thick is a larger oval option; the DMR offers a choice of diameters.
How tight should grip bolts be?
Use the torque specified for the exact grip and respect any handlebar restrictions. Do not substitute a general torque value: small clamp bolts and carbon bars need particular care.
Which grips should you buy?
Start with the DMR DeathGrip 2 if you want a choice of diameter and mixed textures. Oxford Driver is the low-cost option; OneUp Thick deserves a look for a fuller profile, while Ergon GA2 offers a more shaped contact area. Fit and easy control access should decide the final choice.