Best Bike Grips and Bar Tape of 2026 — Silicone, Foam, Leather, and Lock-On Picks

Wrapping bar tape inside-out

Bar tape should wrap from outside to inside as you look down at the bar from above (so the wrap tightens when you pull on the brake hoods). Wrap the wrong way and the tape unravels in a week.

Riding worn grips

Hardened, shiny, or torn grips slip when your hands are wet. Replace MTB grips every 1–2 seasons depending on use; replace bar tape every 6–12 months for road riders.

Buying thick grips for arthritis without trying thin first

Counter-intuitively, thinner grips often help arthritis sufferers more than thick ones — they let your hand stay relaxed. Try Ergon GA2 or ESI Chunky before going to fat foam grips.

Skipping grip glue or hairspray

Slip-on grips need glue or a quick spray of hairspray inside the grip to lock them on. Without it, they rotate when wet — exactly when you need them not to.