Bontrager Grips – Premium Bicycle Handlebar Grips
Our XR Trail Elite grip delivers lock-on security and vibration-damping comfort for aggressive trail riding. The dual-density compound places soft rubber where your palms contact the bar and firmer material at the lock rings for durability. Textured diamond patterns provide grip in wet or dry conditions.
We designed the 32mm diameter to balance control and comfort across long descents and technical climbs. Single-clamp lock rings secure the grip without twisting, while the open end accommodates bar-end plugs or integrated controls.
Key grip specifications
Grip Compound and Durability
We formulate Bontrager grips using proprietary rubber compounds engineered for specific riding conditions. Our trail grips use dual-density construction that places softer 25-durometer rubber at palm contact zones and firmer 40-durometer material at structural points. This combination absorbs trail chatter while maintaining shape integrity through thousands of ride hours.
Commuter and touring grips incorporate gel layers or IsoZone padding to reduce pressure on the ulnar and median nerves during extended rides. The gel remains pliable across temperature ranges from freezing to desert heat. We subject every grip design to 500-hour abrasion testing and UV exposure cycles to verify colorfastness and texture retention. Lock-on grips feature anodized aluminum clamps that resist corrosion and maintain clamping force without marking carbon or aluminum handlebars.
Installation and Handlebar Compatibility
Lock-On Installation
Our lock-on grips install in under 60 seconds without adhesives or waiting time. Slide the grip onto a clean, dry handlebar until the inner clamp contacts your brake or shifter. Tighten the clamp bolt to 4-5 Nm using a 3mm hex key—overtightening may crack the clamp or damage carbon bars. The single-clamp design on XR Trail models allows adjustment after installation, while dual-clamp systems on Satellite grips distribute force evenly.
Push-On Foam Grips
Race Lite foam grips require a light coating of grip glue, rubbing alcohol, or hairspray as installation lubricant. Apply the solution to the bar and inside the grip, then slide into position quickly before the lubricant evaporates. Alcohol-based solutions evaporate in 10-15 minutes to create a permanent bond. All Bontrager grips fit standard 22.2mm handlebars found on flat bars, riser bars, and most mountain bike setups.
Sizing and Ergonomic Fit
We manufacture Bontrager grips in diameters from 29mm to 38mm to accommodate different hand sizes and riding preferences. Riders with small to medium hands typically prefer 30-32mm diameters that allow fingers to wrap comfortably without overstretching. Larger hands benefit from 34-38mm grips that fill the palm and reduce pressure concentration.
Ergonomic grips like the Satellite Elite feature wing platforms that support the heel of the palm in a neutral wrist position. This design reduces strain during climbs and long flat sections where riders rest weight on the bars. We recommend measuring your hand width from thumb base to pinky base—measurements under 90mm suit standard 30-32mm grips, while 90-100mm hands match better with 34-36mm options. Grip length ranges from 128mm to 142mm, with shorter lengths preferred for XC racing and longer options providing more hand position variety on touring setups.
Complete Your Cockpit Setup
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Bontrager Grips – Common Questions
Measure your hand width from thumb base to pinky base to determine ideal grip diameter. Hands under 90mm wide typically suit 30-32mm diameter grips like our XR Trail Elite. Medium hands measuring 90-100mm match well with 32-34mm options. Larger hands over 100mm benefit from 34-38mm grips such as the Satellite Elite.
Consider riding style alongside hand size—cross-country racers often prefer thinner grips for weight savings and direct bar feel, while enduro and downhill riders choose thicker cushioned options. You can test diameter by wrapping a tape measure around your current grip to check its size before ordering.
Lock-on Bontrager grips feature aluminum clamps that secure the grip mechanically to the handlebar. They install in seconds without adhesive, allow repositioning after installation, and resist twisting during aggressive riding. Lock-on designs typically weigh 90-150 grams per pair and cost more than foam options.
Push-on foam grips like our Race Lite model slide onto bars using grip glue or alcohol as temporary lubricant. They weigh as little as 38 grams per pair and offer a minimalist aesthetic without visible clamps. Once the adhesive dries, push-on grips become permanent until removed with cutting or twisting force. Foam grips work best for weight-conscious riders who rarely adjust their cockpit setup.
Yes, all Bontrager lock-on grips work safely with carbon handlebars when installed to proper torque specifications. Tighten lock-on clamps to 4-5 Nm maximum using a torque wrench—overtightening may crack carbon fiber layers. Our anodized aluminum clamps distribute clamping force evenly to prevent stress concentration.
Avoid installing push-on foam grips with aggressive adhesives that bond permanently to carbon bars. If removal becomes necessary, cutting the foam can damage bar finish or structure. We recommend lock-on grips for carbon bars because they allow adjustment and removal without applying rotational stress to the handlebar.
Replace Bontrager grips every 18-24 months under typical riding conditions, or sooner if you notice texture wear, cracking, or reduced cushioning. High-mileage riders covering 200+ miles per week may need replacement annually as rubber compounds harden and gel layers compress from repeated use.
Inspect grips monthly for signs of degradation including smooth worn patches, visible cracks at stress points, or separation from the bar on push-on models. UV exposure accelerates rubber breakdown—grips on bikes stored outdoors deteriorate faster than those kept in garages or sheds. If you develop hand numbness or pain that wasn't present with fresh grips, replacement often resolves the issue by restoring proper cushioning.
Our grips are not designed with integrated heating elements, but lock-on models can accommodate aftermarket heated grip sleeves that slide over the rubber. The grip diameter will increase by 2-4mm with a heating sleeve installed.
If you plan to add heated grips, choose a thinner base diameter like our 30mm XR Trail model to maintain comfortable overall thickness. Push-on foam grips do not work with heated sleeves because the permanent adhesive bond prevents sleeve installation. For best results with heated systems, we recommend purchasing complete heated grip assemblies rather than adding sleeves to existing grips.
Clean gel-padded Bontrager grips weekly with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt that compresses the gel layer and reduces cushioning effectiveness. Use a soft brush on textured surfaces to lift embedded grit without damaging the rubber compound.
Avoid petroleum-based cleaners or solvents that break down rubber and gel materials. Inspect gel zones monthly by pressing firmly on the padding—if you feel hard spots or areas that don't rebound, the gel may be degrading and replacement is recommended. Check lock-on clamps for tightness since loose grips allow movement that accelerates gel layer separation. Store bikes away from direct sunlight when possible, as UV exposure hardens rubber and reduces gel pliability over time.
Lock-on Bontrager grips with single clamps on the outboard end only work with grip shifters when you install the grip with the clamp facing away from the shifter. Our XR Trail Elite and Race Lite models accommodate this setup.
Dual-clamp grips like the Satellite Elite do not work with grip shifters because the inner clamp occupies the space where the shifter needs to mount. If you run grip shifters, choose single-clamp lock-on options or push-on foam grips that don't use clamps. Measure your available grip space carefully—most grip shifter setups leave 90-120mm of open bar, while our grips range from 128-142mm in length. You may need to remove brake levers or adjust shifter position to create adequate clearance.