The Peaty’s Monarch Pro Mushroom Thick is a comfortable, confidence-building lock-on grip that does the fundamentals extremely well. Its soft, heavily textured surface provides dependable hold without feeling harsh, while the thicker diameter and impact-damping core take the sting out of rough trails.
After plenty of trail time, the lasting impression is how little there is to think about once these are fitted. They stay secure, feel good with gloves and offer consistent control whether the ride is a quick local loop or a longer day on an eMTB. The only persistent annoyance is cosmetic: the tacky compound and fine mushroom ribs collect dirt quickly and take some effort to clean.
For more options across different diameters, compounds and budgets, see our guide to the best MTB grips for trail and eMTB riding.
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
Peaty’s Monarch Pro Mushroom Thick review
Grip, comfort and control
The Mushroom pattern is designed around comfort, with closely spaced ribs across the top of the grip that flex slightly beneath the palm. The result is a cushioned feel without the vague, disconnected sensation that can come from simply making a grip soft. On chattery hardpack and rooty woodland trails, it takes the edge off repeated impacts and helps the hands stay relaxed.
Peaty’s uses a 15A super-soft compound on the upper surface and inner flange, then a firmer 30A Duralite rubber beneath the fingers and around the bar end. That mix works well in practice. The mushroom ribs deliver comfort, while the underside finger blocks give a positive surface to pull against when climbing or moving the bike through a rough section.
Thick sizing and all-day feel
The Thick version tapers from 32mm on the inside to 34mm at the outer edge. It gives medium and larger hands a fuller platform and can reduce the urge to squeeze the bar too tightly, which is particularly useful on a heavier eMTB or during long descents. Riders with smaller hands should consider the Thin 30–32mm version, as the larger diameter can make brake-lever reach and fine control feel less natural.
A cut-out channel inside the tapered core adds another layer of vibration damping. You cannot isolate it as a single dramatic effect while riding, but the complete grip remains notably comfortable over a full ride and never feels as though cushioning has come at the expense of dependable steering input.
Installation, construction and durability
Installation is straightforward. Each grip uses a slim 8mm inboard alloy lockring, tightened with a 3mm Allen key to the marked 3Nm setting. Once aligned, the grips stay put without twisting, riding inward or needing regular attention. The single-clamp arrangement also leaves the outer edge free from a metal collar beneath the hand.
The firmer underside and bar-end compound adds useful resilience in the places most likely to be dragged through vegetation or leaned against a wall. The core is made with 80% recycled ocean plastic, and Peaty’s offers six well-chosen colours with matching lockrings. Performance has remained solid and predictable throughout testing, with no concerns around security or premature movement.
What is not so good?
The same tacky surface that produces such reassuring hold also attracts trail dust and grime. Mud works into the narrow mushroom ribs, and lighter colours show it almost immediately. Warm soapy water and a soft brush help, but these are not grips that return to a box-fresh appearance with a quick wipe.
Fit is the other consideration rather than an outright fault. The Thick model is intentionally substantial and will not suit every hand, so riders who prefer a direct, slim grip should choose the Thin version or another model. At close to £30, it is also a premium purchase beside simpler lock-ons, although the comfort, secure clamp and dual-compound construction justify the difference.
Final verdict
The Peaty’s Monarch Pro Mushroom Thick is an excellent trail and eMTB grip for riders who value comfort without wanting to dilute control. It is grippy, easy to fit and reassuringly dependable, with a texture that works across long climbs, hard braking and rough descents.
Its dirt-hungry surface is the price of that tacky feel, and the Thick diameter needs to match the rider’s hands. Get the sizing right, though, and this is the sort of component that quietly makes every ride better.
Peaty’s Monarch Pro alternatives
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
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
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 Mushroom FAQ
What is the difference between Peaty’s Monarch Pro Mushroom Thin and Thick grips?
The Thin grip tapers from roughly 30mm to 32mm, while the Thick version tested here runs from 32mm to 34mm. Thin generally suits smaller hands or riders wanting sharper feedback; Thick gives larger hands more support and cushioning.
Are Peaty’s Monarch Pro Mushroom grips good for eMTBs?
Yes. Their soft upper, damping core and secure finger blocks help reduce fatigue and maintain control on longer rides and rough descents, where an eMTB’s extra mass can make hand comfort especially important.
Do Peaty’s Monarch Pro grips work in wet conditions?
They provide strong wet and dry grip when used with riding gloves. As with most soft grips, bare-hand security can depend more on sweat, rain and individual preference, so gloves remain the best option for technical riding.
How do you clean Peaty’s Monarch Pro Mushroom grips?
Use warm water, mild bike-safe soap and a soft brush to work between the mushroom ribs, then rinse and leave them to dry. Avoid harsh solvents, which can damage or harden soft rubber. Light colours may retain some staining after muddy rides.
How tight should Peaty’s Monarch Pro lockrings be?
The lockring is marked for 3Nm and uses a 3mm Allen bolt. Use a torque wrench where possible, particularly with carbon handlebars, and follow the handlebar manufacturer’s guidance if it specifies a lower limit.