Grips

BMX grips are the soft sleeves that cover the ends of the handlebars. They give the hands something to hold, absorb vibration and let the rider keep control through landings, grinds and bar spins.

What it does

Grips are the only point of contact between your hands and the bike. A good set stays put, feels comfortable and gives traction in wet or sweaty conditions. A bad set slips, rubs your hands or twists on the bar.

Types and standards

Flanged and flangeless

• Flanged. A raised ring at the inside end of the grip. It sits between your hand and the stem. Many riders like it for hand protection and a clear hold position.
• Flangeless. A plain tube with no ring. It is slimmer and lets the hand slide a little more. Some riders prefer it for the open feel.

Slide-on and lock-on

Type	How it fits	Pros	Cons
Slide-on	Pushed onto the bar, held by friction or adhesive	Light, simple, widely available, standard on most BMX	Can twist if not fitted well
Lock-on	Held by one or two clamps	Easy to swap, grips cannot spin	Heavier, collars can dig into the hand

Most freestyle BMX uses slide-on grips. Lock-on grips are more common on dirt, race and mountain bike setups.

Length, thickness and durometer

• Length. About 135 to 165 mm is typical.
• Thickness. Thicker grips cushion more but feel bulky.
• Durometer. A measure of softness. Softer rubber feels more cushioned and grips well but wears faster. Harder rubber lasts longer but feels firmer.

Bar ends

Bar ends are plugs or caps that close the end of the bar. They stop dirt from entering and protect your hand if you fall. Some grips include them. If not, buy plugs that fit a 22.2 mm bar.

Sizing and compatibility

• Grips fit a 22.2 mm bar end, which is standard for both 22.2 mm and 25.4 mm handlebars.
• Measure the length of bar available and the width of your hands before choosing.
• Check that the grip end is compatible with your bar ends.
• If you run a gyro, make sure the brake lever has clearance on the grip side.

How to choose

1. Pick flanged or flangeless by trying both. This is the biggest feel difference.
2. Choose a length that gives your hands room without crowding the stem.
3. Pick a durometer. Soft for comfort, firm for longevity.
4. Choose the fit: slide-on for most freestyle, lock-on if you want fast changes.
5. Match the grip colour to your build if you like, but check quality first.

Maintenance

Installing slide-on grips with hairspray or alcohol

1. Wipe the bar end clean and remove any old glue.
2. Spray the inside of the grip with hairspray, or wipe the bar and grip with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Quickly slide the grip onto the bar. It will glide on while wet.
4. Twist it into place, line up the flange or logo and stop pushing when it reaches the correct spot.
5. Let it dry for several hours or overnight before riding.
6. Fit bar end plugs if needed.

Hairspray sets slightly sticky when it dries and holds the grip. Alcohol evaporates and the rubber grips the bar directly. Do not use oil or grease. A grip that spins is hard to fix.

Removing old grips

Push a thin tool under the grip and spray alcohol or water in the gap, then twist and pull the grip off. Cutting them off is fine if you are fitting new ones.

Upkeep

• Clean worn or shiny grips with warm soapy water.
• Replace grips when they wear through, go slick or tear.
• Check bar ends are secure. A missing plug can leave a sharp edge.

Related parts

• Handlebars: the grips fit the bar ends.
• Stem: sits just inboard of the grips.
• Gyro detangler: influences lever and cable position near the grip.
• Pegs: grips and pegs both take the rider's contact on grinds.
• How to set up a new BMX: includes fitting grips.