BMX Grips | Everything about Bicycle grips
Grips are the rubber handles you hold onto while riding a bike. They slide over your handlebars and are easily interchangable. You can select what color you want to how soft they are. If you want to select the best grips for you, select the color you want, select the style of pattern and try out as many as you can.
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Q: What bicycle/bike/bmx grips fit my bike?
A: If you have a bmx bike, mtb, fixed, beach cruiser, kids bike; all these grips will fit it. 99.9% bikes have a 7/8" bar which is the same as all of the grips we carry. If you need grips for a 12" department store bike they most likely do not fit becuase they are 5/8" bar. If you are trying to put these on a motorcycle whether it is a 3 wheeler, quad, 2 stroke or 4 stroke these will not fit easy because they have a 1" bar and a throttle. You can stretch them out and get them on but it is better to use motorcycle grips.
Q: What style of grips should you get?
A: There are 4 styles of grips. Single/dual ply grips which are a 1 or 2 color rubber grip that slides onto the handlebars. Lock-on rubber grips are a plastic tube that has a rubber grip wrapped around it and collars on each end to hold it onto the handlebars. Silicone grips are a air infused grip that feels like a sponge and come with or without lock-on collars. The Leather grips slide over the handlebars and use rubber to absorb the shock while the leather helps you grip it.
Q: How long do these grips last?
A: The life-expectancy varies from rider to rider. Some riders have delicate hands and on the opposite spectrum there are people out there with acid grip. Whether your grips wear out fast or slow, pick a grip that is comfortable, isn't slippery, and the color you like.
Q: Which grips give you the most traction/grip?
A: There are 2 rubber styles of grips and over lap to make 3 rubber styles. There is a ribbed pattern which has a bunch of small rings to remove sweat & create grip. The opposite style is a thinner solid rubber with small pyramids to create traction. The 3rd is a combination of both and they come in various combinations. With so many selections, just pick one, there will be plenty of grips you will try.
Silicone grips come as a solid tube shaped air infused rubber which your hands wear the grip to the shape of your hand and a formed style is pre-formed to decrease the wear in time. Both styles of these grips feel more like a dense foam than rubber.
Leather grips come in a wrapped style similar to a golf club or a lock-on version where loops of leather are stacked and slid over the lock-on plastic tube. This style feels super secure when holding tight.
Q: How long of grips should I invest into?
A: Grips vary in length from 130mm -180mm and this is the over all length of the grip in millimeters. 150mm is considered short and all grips can be cut down shorter with scissors or razor blade. If you have shifters aka what changes gears on a multi-speed bike the easiest grips to cut down are the ribbed grips. You can also cut off the flange ( the large cone style of the grip ) to make it a shorter grip that will fit your bike.
Q: Do these grips match the color of my bike?
A: Color shades are hard to match exactly even when its a product from the same production batch. Always keep in mind your monitor may not be calibrated to my screen or to the color selected when the photo was taken. Our best suggestion is try as many colors and styles as possible, they are the smallest investment on your bike. This is the only part on your bike that you physically touch with your skin, try as many as possible your hands will love you.
Q: What barends do my grips come with?
A: Grips come with many different styles of bar ends. Bar ends are the plastic, rubber or metal cap that goes on the end of your handlebar to keep dirt from getting inside or injury. The best ones are the Odyssey parend style ones, ODI rubber ones, and metal ones. The parend style ones last for a long time and are extremely lightweight. The ODI ones don't bounce back as fast and the wear slightly faster. The aluminum ones are heavy duty but much lightly heavier. Go with the par end style or metal ones if you want it them to last.
Q: Should I get grips with flanges or without?
A: Flanges are the rubber ring on the end of the grip to keep your hands from sliding inward on your handlebars. They are designed to protect your thumbs from the brake lever. Flangless are grips without them. If I would have to tell you straight up. You want to ride flangeless grips if you don't have brake and flanged if you ride brake. Never forget that this is bmx so do whatever you want.
Q: Should I get leather grips?
A: Leather grips are designed for style and class. If you want a classic looking bike and love sports with leather equipment then these are the style you want. The base is rubber to slide on like a normal grip, then stitched to give you the highest quality grip available.
Q: Should you get single ply grips, Lock-on grips, foam grips, or Leather grips?
A: The single ply grips are best for riders wanting a slimmer grip. Lock-on grips are slightly thicker but supply supreme slip resistance. Foam grips are the best grips for riders that can't find a grip that absorbs the sweat when riding. Leather grips are best looking on elegant machines and non aggressive riding.
Q: Are grips thicker than others?
A: Depending on the style or pattern the grips feel thicker or thinner. Knurled style grips are usually the thinnest grips and ribber are usually the thickest grips. If you have super small hands or a 7 or under we suggest a thinner grip that is knurled. If you have larger hands the ribbed ones will feel larger.
Q: What grips are the softest?
A: The ribbed grips are the thickest grips making them the softest. Check out the grips below, these are grips we suggest and won't steer you wrong.
3 of the best Rubber grips we suggest are the Vans X Cult grips, S&M Hoder grips & ODI Longneck grips, which are all manufactured in the ODI warehouse right here in Riverside, California.
3 of the best Lock-on grips we suggest are the Vans grips, ODI Elite Pro grips & Ergon GA3 grips, which are ridden by most pro bmxers.
3 of the best foam grips we suggest are the ESI Chunky, ODI Dread Lock grips, Wolf tooth Fat paw
3 of the best Leather Grips are the Brooks Slender leather, Brooks Plump Leather grips, and Ritchey Classics
Q&A
Q: What are the best BMX grips for street riding?
A: If you want the best grips for BMX and are searching for reliable grips for BMX bikes, you want a single ply grip with a soft and tacky compound. You want bicycle handle grips that comes with heavy duty bar ends and is a diameter that you feel is easy to grab with your hands. You also want a grip length from 135mm to 180mm. You want a good amount of real estate, especially if you prefer long BMX grips or even extra long grips. You always want your grips to have high quality rubber to ensure longevity, which is why many riders consider ODI Longneck grips, Volume VLM grips, Primo Cali grips and the Vans grips some of the best BMX grips available.
Q: How long should BMX grips be for bar spins and control?
A: If you want to do bar spins and want to know how long your BMX bicycle grips need to be I have you covered. Does your bike come with brakes or without brakes? This is gonna determine the maximum length of grips you can use in general. If you have cut down handlebars with a brake lever you are limited to a grip length of 135mm to however long you can fit on your handlebar. If you have wide uncut bars you will be able to run longer grips, including extra long grips. Good news is you don't need a specific length grip to bar spin. Most pro riders use 135mm to 170mm grips, which falls right in line with what most riders consider the best BMX handlebar grips range.
Q: What is the difference between BMX grips and regular bike grips?
A: If you are wondering what the difference is between regular bicycle bar grips and BMX grips, you came to the right website. BMX grips are usually designed by BMXers to function the way they need to do tricks and to last long. Regular handle grips for bicycle use harder rubber compounds and do not give good traction. Some regular grips may even slip, which causes common issues like bike grip slipping off. BMX-specific grips use soft compound, absorb impacts, and are designed not to slip. High quality BMX grips usually come with heavy duty bar ends, while regular bicycle grips for handlebars usually come with simple push-in plugs.
Q: Are softer BMX grips better than harder grips?
A: When it comes to grip durometer it is based on rider preference, but other factors come into play. Some riders prefer thinner hard grips for smaller hands, while others prefer thicker grips for comfort. Many riders mistake worn grips for poor quality, but grip choice depends on hand size, riding style, and whether you want the best BMX grips for sweaty hands.
If you love soft grips you usually enjoy thicker hand grips that give direct bike feedback and work as effective bicycle hand grips when riding without gloves.
If you ride gloves you may prefer harder grips or even lock-on BMX grips, but for freestyle BMX most riders still prefer traditional single-ply grips.
Q: How do I install BMX grips without damaging them?
Technique #1: Hairspray or Alcohol – FAST DRYING
Clean your handlebars thoroughly, apply a small amount of alcohol or hairspray, slide the grip on quickly, align, and let it dry.
Technique #2: Zip Ties – INSTANT INSTALL
Insert zip ties evenly, slide the grip on, pull ties out, and ride immediately.
Technique #3: Air Compressor – FAST & EASY
This is the cleanest method for bike grip change and bike grip replacement, especially when installing ODI BMX grips or stretching long BMX grips.
Q: Why do my bike grips keep slipping off the handlebars?
A: If your grips are slipping, it could be improper installation, worn grips, or contamination inside the grip. Remove the grips using air or solvent, clean both the bar and inside of the grip, then reinstall properly. If the problem continues, it’s time for bike grip replacement or to fully remove BMX grips and start fresh.
Q: Do BMX grips come with bar ends, and are they required?
A: Most BMX bicycle grips come with bar ends. Some use push-in plugs while others use wedge-style bar ends. Upgrading to aftermarket options like Odyssey Par ends helps protect your bmx handlebar grips and handlebars from damage.
Q: What grip pattern is best for BMX riding (ribbed vs knurled)?
A: Ribbed grips are popular with riders who ride bare-handed and natural grip. Knurled grips are preferred by riders who wear gloves or want thinner grips. Both styles are available in the best grip brands for BMX bikes, so testing both is the best approach.
Q: How often should BMX grips be replaced?
A: Grips don’t expire, but riding conditions matter. Replace your grips if they tear, harden, become slippery, or lose traction. Frequent riding will naturally wear grips faster and should expect regular bike grip change.
Q: Can I use BMX grips on a mountain bike or dirt bike?
A: Yes, you can use BMX grips on MTB handlebars because both use 22.2mm diameter bars. Dirt bikes are different due to throttle tubes and larger diameters, which makes installation difficult and not recommended.
Q: What length grips are best for BMX (150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm)?
A: If you ride brakes, shorter grips between 143mm–160mm work best. If you ride brakeless, 160mm–180mm grips provide more coverage and control. This range includes many best BMX grips and extra long grips riders prefer.
Q: Are lock-on grips good or bad for BMX riding?
A: Lock-on BMX grips are better for racing and MTB riding. Freestyle BMX riders usually avoid them due to thickness and lack of impact absorption. Traditional BMX grips offer better feel and shock absorption.
Q: Do BMX grips work better with or without gloves?
A: Gloves work well for racing and sweaty hands. Freestyle riders usually prefer bare hands for better control. Many riders choose softer grips as the best BMX grips for sweaty hands when riding without gloves.
Q: What causes hand fatigue and blisters when riding BMX grips?
A: Hand fatigue comes from gripping too tightly, dehydration, or riding longer than your body is conditioned for. Blisters happen when hands aren’t conditioned. Riding more builds calluses and reduces blistering.
Q: Which BMX grip brands are the most trusted by pro riders?
A: Many pros ride Vans grips, Primo Cali grips, S&M BTM grips, Volume VLM grips and Demolition Axe grips. The most iconic grips are ODI Longneck grips, including the Longneck Softies, Longneck SLX and Longneck ST grips versions, widely considered some of the best bicycle grips and best BMX handlebar grips ever made.