Question 1

What diameter are bike grips and bar tape?

Accepted Answer

Flat-bar and riser-bar grips fit 22.2 mm bar ends - effectively every modern MTB, hybrid, and commuter grip. Road drop-bar tape wraps around 23.8 mm bars (the wrapping surface of a 31.8 mm clamp diameter bar). Kids bikes and BMX usually also use 22.2 mm grips. When in doubt, measure just inside the brake lever clamp.

Question 2

Lock-on or slide-on MTB grips?

Accepted Answer

Lock-on grips (ODI, Ergon, DMR Deathgrip) use inner plastic sleeves and end clamps that bolt to the bar - no twisting in the wet, no hairspray needed to install, swap in 30 seconds. Slide-on (push-on) grips are lighter, cheaper, and offer a more direct bar feel but need wire-ties or glue to stay put. For almost every trail, commuter, and enduro rider, lock-on is the default choice today.

Question 3

How often should I replace bar tape?

Accepted Answer

Cork and synthetic tape usually lasts 1-2 years on a regularly ridden bike - you will notice it when the edges fray, the pattern fades, or sweat has stiffened the underside. Leather tape lasts much longer if you treat it, 3-5 years or more. Re-wrap also any time you replace brake levers, shift cables, or swap to a new handlebar - you will need to unwrap anyway.

Question 4

How do I wrap drop-bar tape correctly?

Accepted Answer

Start at the bottom of the drop, from behind the bar wrapping outward (right bar clockwise looking from the rider). Overlap about a third of the tape width on the straights, increase to half at the hoods so there are no gaps when the brake lever is pulled. Use the small figure-eight piece that comes in the box around the lever body, then continue upward. Finish just before the stem, cut at an angle, and secure with electrical tape.

Question 5

Cork, EVA, gel, or silicone bar tape - what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Cork (Fizik Vento Microtex, Lizard Skins DSP 2.5 mm) - firm, tacky, traditional road feel, good for racing. EVA foam (standard Bontrager, Specialized S-Wrap) - softer, more vibration-damping, the all-rounder. Gel-padded (Fi'zi:k Bondcush, Specialized Roubaix) - maximum vibration-damping for long gravel and endurance rides, slightly bulkier. Silicone (SuperSticky Kush, Supacaz SSK) - extremely grippy wet or dry, thick 3-4 mm, MTB-like cushion. Pick by ride length and road surface; most recreational riders prefer EVA or gel, racers prefer cork.

Question 6

Do ergonomic grips actually help wrist pain?

Accepted Answer

Ergon GP-series, Specialized Body Geometry, and similar wing-shaped grips rotate palm pressure off the ulnar nerve and onto a broader support surface - widely prescribed by bike-fit professionals for commuters and tourers who suffer from "handlebar palsy" (numb pinky and ring finger). They make less sense on aggressive MTB bars where you need to reposition your hands constantly. For any flat-bar rider who does 30+ minute commutes, they are a cheap win.

Bike Grips & Bar Tape - Sizing & Picks

Top grips & bar tape picks

Cinelli Caleido Cork Tape

Ergon GP1 Ergo Grip

Fifty Fifty FIFTY-FIFTY Double Lock-On MTB Grips

Fifty Fifty FIFTY-FIFTY Single Lock-on MTB Grips

Fifty Fifty FIFTY-FIFTY Alloy Bar Ends 110mm

Firmstrong Padded Handlebar Grips

Fizik Tempo Microtex Bondcush

Lizard Skins DSP Bar Tape

ODI Mountain Grip Lock-On

SRAM DH Performance Grip

Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Bar Tape

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