Choosing the best MTB grips is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make, but it can completely transform comfort, control, and confidence on the trail. The right mountain bike grips help reduce arm pump, improve grip in wet conditions, absorb trail chatter, and keep your hands comfortable on long rides. Whether you’re riding technical trails, smashing bike park laps, racing enduro, or charging downhill tracks, these are the best MTB grips 2026.
1. DMR DeathGrip — Best Overall MTB Grip
The DMR DeathGrip remains the benchmark for MTB grips. Designed with Brendan Fairclough, it combines comfort, grip, durability, and control better than almost anything else on the market.
Highlights:
Legendary rider-approved design
Excellent wet-weather grip
Available in thin and thick options
Superb all-round performance
Best For:
Trail, Enduro, Downhill, Bike Parks
Verdict: If you’re unsure which grip to buy, start here.
2. Burgtec Bartender Pro — Best for Gravity Riders
Developed with DH legend Greg Minnaar, the Bartender Pro is loved by riders who want maximum grip and direct trail feedback.
Highlights:
Greg Minnaar signature grip
Outstanding traction
Perfect for rough tracks
Soft compound for confidence
Best For:
Downhill, Enduro, Bike Parks
Verdict: One of the best grips available for aggressive riding.
3. ODI Elite Pro — Best for Comfort
The ODI Elite Pro has earned a reputation as one of the most comfortable MTB grips available.
Highlights:
Excellent vibration damping
Ergonomic shape
Great for long rides
Reduces hand fatigue
Best For:
Trail Riding, All-Day Adventures
Verdict: Perfect if comfort is your priority.
4. Deity Knuckleduster — Best Tacky Grip
The Deity Knuckleduster is famous for its ultra-tacky rubber compound and incredible control on technical terrain.
Highlights:
Super tacky feel
Excellent trail feedback
Brilliant cornering control
Premium construction
Best For:
Enduro, Technical Trails
Verdict: A favourite among riders who want maximum bar feel.
5. Peaty’s Monarch Knurl Grip — Best Wet Weather Grip
Designed with input from Steve Peat, the Monarch Knurl is built to perform when conditions get muddy and slippery.
Highlights:
Outstanding wet-weather grip
Excellent comfort
Sustainable materials
Great vibration damping
Best For:
UK Riding Conditions
Verdict: One of the best grips for year-round riding.
6. Ergon GE1 Evo — Best Ergonomic Grip
Ergon specialises in rider comfort, and the GE1 Evo is designed specifically to reduce wrist strain and arm fatigue.
Highlights:
Ergonomic shape
Reduces hand numbness
Comfortable on long rides
Improves wrist position
Best For:
Trail Riding, Enduro
Verdict: A great choice if you struggle with arm pump.
7. OneUp Grips — Best Thin Grip
OneUp’s grips offer a direct steering feel and are ideal for riders who prefer smaller diameter grips.
Highlights:
Excellent trail feedback
Lightweight design
Slim profile
Great control
Best For:
Trail and Enduro Riders
Verdict: Ideal for riders who prefer a thinner grip.
MTB Grip Comparison
| Grip | Comfort | Grip | Wet Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMR DeathGrip |  | | | Overall |
| Burgtec Bartender Pro | | | | Gravity |
| ODI Elite Pro | | | | Comfort |
| Deity Knuckleduster | | | | Trail Feel |
| Peaty’s Monarch Knurl | | | | UK Conditions |
| Ergon GE1 Evo | | | | Ergonomics |
| OneUp Grips | | | | Thin Grips |
Which MTB Grip Should You Choose?
Choose the DMR DeathGrip if you want:
The best all-round MTB grip
Excellent comfort and control
Reliable performance in all conditions
Choose the Burgtec Bartender Pro if you want:
Maximum grip
Bike park confidence
A gravity-focused setup
Choose the ODI Elite Pro if you want:
Better comfort
Reduced arm fatigue
Long-distance riding comfort
Choose the Peaty’s Monarch Knurl if you want:
Maximum wet-weather grip
Year-round UK performance
Excellent hand comfort
Final Take — Best MTB Grips 2026
For most riders, the DMR DeathGrip remains the best MTB grip for 2026. It offers an unbeatable combination of comfort, durability, grip, and control that works across trail riding, enduro racing, downhill tracks, and bike parks.
If you’re a gravity rider, the Burgtec Bartender Pro is hard to ignore. For comfort-focused riders, the ODI Elite Pro and Ergon GE1 Evo remain excellent choices.
Whichever grip you choose, upgrading your MTB grips is one of the most affordable ways to improve comfort, reduce arm pump, and gain more confidence on the trail.
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