Grips & bar tape
Grips & bar tape
Grips and bar tape are where your hands meet the bike, so they have a big effect on comfort and hold. Good grips absorb vibration and help prevent numb hands on longer rides.
Flat handlebars use grips made of rubber, silicone or foam. Lock-on grips do not twist on the bar, and ergonomic grips with a wider palm rest reduce pressure on the wrists. Drop bars on road and gravel bikes use bar tape, which comes in different thicknesses and textures.
When choosing grips it is important to consider your riding style and hand size, and whether grip or padding matters more to you. Thinner grips suit mountain bikes best, while softer ones suit city riding.
Worn bar tape or a slipping grip is a simple, inexpensive thing to replace, and the bike becomes more pleasant to ride straight away.