Get a Grip! Picking the Right MTB Grips for Your Ride

by Liam Woods July 21, 2025

Your grips are one of the most important, and most overlooked components on your bike. They’re your direct connection to the trail, influencing comfort, control, and confidence every time you ride. The right mountain bike grips can reduce hand fatigue, improve bar feel, and help you stay focused when the terrain gets rough.

At Trail One Components, we’re riders who spend a lot of time dialing in the details. If you're in the market for the best mountain bike grips, this guide covers everything you need to know to match your hand size, riding style, and terrain with the right setup.

Why Grips Matter

Mountain bike bar grips are one of the most overlooked components on your bike, but they shouldn’t be. They're a major factor in how comfortable and confident you feel on the trail. The right grips will:

Keep your hands secure in wet, dry, or muddy conditions
Dampen vibrations to minimize fatigue and arm pump
Give you better bar feel and bike control
Match your hand size and riding style
Increase confidence and comfort

Too bulky and you’ll feel disconnected. Too thin and you’ll be gripping too tight. The goal is a grip that feels natural and disappears under you especially after hours in the saddle. When riding a new bike, even something as simple as a different grip than what you are used to will throw off your feelings and confidence. It is the first step in how much control you have over your bicycle.

Key Features to Consider in MTB Grips

Before we jump into models, here’s what makes a great grip stand out in the world of mtb bar grips:

Diameter: Bigger hands need a thicker grip to reduce strain. Smaller hands do better with a slimmer profile for control and comfort. We have only a 2.5mm difference in diameter between our two grips, but that makes a huge difference in feel out on the trail.
Texture: Look for patterns that provide grip without chewing up your gloves or your hands. Wet-weather riders often need more aggressive tread or a softer compound rubber. Some grips are also better for riding gloveless while others benefit riders that wear gloves.
Rubber Compound: Softer compounds increase comfort and control but wear a bit faster. Harder compounds last longer and feel firmer under load. As the grips do get worn in, they get softer and tackier, forming to your specific hand and how you individually take a hold of the handlebars and grips.
Clamp Style: We use a single lock-ring design to maximize bar-end space and keep things simple and secure.

Hells Gate Grip

The Hells Gate Grip was built for control when things get rough. With a thicker 32mm diameter and a micro-textured tread, it provides excellent grip, impact damping, and support for riders who demand more out of their cockpit. It’s especially well-suited for bigger hands and for anyone who rides aggressively through rock gardens, rooty trails, and long descents.

32mm outer diameter for improved comfort and palm support
Soft A20 rubber compound balances durability and trail feel. Gets better the more it is worn in
Ergonomic palm pads helps reduce fatigue on long, rough descents
Single clamp design keeps your bar ends open for controls or added protection

Best For: Enduro, downhill and trail riders with larger hands or anyone seeking more cushioning and control over rougher terrain.

Farlow Gap Grip

The Farlow Gap Grip is designed for riders who want a clean, low-profile grip that prioritizes precise bar feel. With a thinner 30.5mm diameter and soft rubber compound, it’s perfect for riders with smaller hands or anyone who prefers a minimalist cockpit setup. Whether you’re climbing for hours or riding technical singletrack, the Farlow Gap keeps you connected without feeling bulky.

30.5mm slim profile for better control and less hand fatigue
Soft A20 rubber compound balances durability and trail feel. Gets better the more it is worn in
Lightweight rubber with subtle diamond texture for all-conditions grip
Single lock-on design for quick install and secure fit

Best For: XC, trail, and endurance riders looking for a grip that delivers higher feedback with comfort, or riders with smaller hands who want a grip that won’t get in the way.

Final Thoughts

Grips are personal as the palm print of your hand! They’re the handshake between you and your bike. That’s why we designed the Hells Gate Grip for riders who want a bigger, more cushioned hold, and the Farlow Gap Grip for those who prefer a slimmer, minimalist feel.

Both have been tested on some of the roughest, rowdiest terrain we could find, and also on our everyday trail loops—and both are built to disappear under your hands while keeping you dialed in from top to bottom.

So whether you're chasing the best mtb grips for downhill performance or the top mountain bike grips for comfort and control, Trail One has your cockpit covered.