There are a lot of great options to choose from when it comes to grips, and Lizard Skins has one of the largest selections of grip designs, patterns, and colors out there. Grips are one of the easiest and best ways to customize a cockpit or refresh the feel of a bike; for the last few years, I’ve been experimenting with different lengths and diameters based on the type of riding. For example, I run very different grips on my dirt jumper and adventure XC bike, preferring to run narrower grips for pump tracks and dirt jumps, and thicker, cushier grips for long days in the saddle.
In addition, customization options are available when ordering direct from Lizard Skins; not only can you mix and match grip and ring color, but you can even add a custom message on the rings for a small upcharge.
After a conversation with the folks at Lizard Skins at Sea Otter this year, they sent a few different models home with me to try. Since then, I’ve been mixing it up on my bikes in order to find my favorite model for each and every riding style… and application.
Lizard Skins Strata Single clamp lock-on grip — $31.99
- Weight: 118 grams
- Length: 135 mm
- Diameter: Medium (32.25 mm)
- Made in the USA
The Strata has a diameter of 32.25mm and is considered a medium to large diameter grip. Available in a variety of colors, the Sand Tan is a nice departure from the norm and looks good, even with a layer of dirt and dust on it. It feels a tad girthier than my 32mm go-tos, and on my Santa Cruz Tallboy, set up for epic days in the saddle, and it has a nice feel that balances comfort with responsiveness to steering input.
Like the other models in the line, the single-sided design is a noticeable improvement from dual-sided lock-on grips.
Lizard Skins Charger EVO Grip – $31.99
- Weight: 90 grams
- Length: 136 mm
- Diameter: Medium (32 mm)
Lizard Skins says the Charger EVO grip is the most technical grip they’ve produced and it definitely has a lot going on in regards to the shapes, patterns, and textures.
At 32mm it has a good feel to it, and would be a good option for riding without gloves. The Charger EVO is currently mounted to my Norco Sight VLT eMTB, and it feels like a good match for the bike. I’ve been experimenting with larger, then smaller grips on the eMTB to see what I like best, and the 32mm Charger grip might actually be that “just right”.
Though I’ve spent a decent amount of time on ebikes in the past, this is the first one I’ve owned, and fine-tuning the cockpit has been a bit of a process. Previously I was running a 31mm grip but I seem to be settling on my 32mm go-to.
Oury v2 Single Sided Lock-on Grips – $31.99
- Compatible with MTB, BMX, ATV, PWC
- 5 1/3″ long measuring front clamp to end of grip (135 mm)
- 7/8″ I.D. (22.25 mm)
- 1 1/3″ O.D. (33 mm)
- 4.3 ounces (122 grams)
The Oury grip is a classic that’s been around for as long as I can remember. It’s known for featuring a comfortable soft rubber and a slightly larger diameter — 33mm — that makes it appealing for larger hands or those looking for additional cushioning.
Larger, comfy grips are great on all-day rides and adventure rides, and the Oury is an appealing option for trekking in the hills on hardtails. I remember experimenting with the original version, and I still have a dual-clamp version sitting on a box under my tool bench somewhere. The V2 doesn’t feature any new surprises, as the Oury continues to be a comfortable option, with the single-sided edition being a nice upgrade from the dual ring version that allows placing ones hand all the way to the outside edge of the grip without getting beat up with vibrations.
As I’ve been toying with larger diameter grips for the last two seasons— primarily on hardtails — but I figured I’d the Oury v2s off the hardtail to give it a go for a few rides on my primary trail bike (Specialized Stumpjumper EV) to see how it would pair for technical riding. If the larger grip doesn’t feel as good on the jump lines, it will always have a place on my steel hardtail.
Learn more about Lizard Skins lineup at Lizardskins.com