Ergon grips for the MTB; which are the best for you?

The Ergon brand is renowned for its ergonomic MTB grips, catering to various branches of mountain biking, recreational cycling, and touring. If you’ve experienced numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands, fingers, or wrists during or after mountain biking, it might be a sign that your current grips are worn out or not suited to your riding style.

Fortunately, Ergon offers ready-made ergonomic solutions for this issue.

Ergon’s MTB grips are available in 7 different series, tailored for MTB touring, cross-country, marathon, enduro, downhill, and gravity riding.

This article explores the range of Ergon grips that are specific to mountain biking. You’ll discover the available options so you can make a well-informed choice for your mountain bike.

The complete range of Ergon Grips for MTB

The grips on the handlebars of a mountain bike are a component that requires timely replacement, but unfortunately is sometimes overlooked. Worn, poor, or ill-fitting grips can result in discomfort in the wrists, hands, and fingers, and may even contribute to back pain. Naturally, you want to avoid such issues, which is why having grips that match your riding style is crucial.

Ergon offers such a wide array of choices that you might find it overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the various Ergon grips for you.

GXR series: AM/Trail & XC/Marathon

The Ergon GXR grips, available in both standard and team versions, are designed to meet the demands of cross-country riders and racers. Made of AirCell Rubber using a unique manufacturing process, these grips offer shock absorption, a secure grip, a lightweight design, and an ergonomic fit.

The standard GXR grip provides excellent damping without being too soft, while the GXR Team version, refined for professional use, is even lighter and faster, with vibrant neon color options.

Both grips feature a slightly cylindrical shape to alleviate pressure on the hands and are twist-proof for added security.

The standard grips are available in 7 colors and come in 2 sizes, S and L. The team version is available in 3 colors.

GA series; all-round MTB grips

If you engage in various disciplines of mountain biking, such as all-mountain/trail, enduro, cross-country, or marathon, the Ergon grips from the GA series are the optimal choice.

These grips alleviate strain on the hands and wrists, offer ample freedom of movement, and provide additional cushioning, which proves beneficial on rugged trails and during longer (marathon) rides.

Within the GA series, you’ll find a range of grips, including the GA3 Supernova, GA3 single twist shift, GA3, GA2, and GA2 FAT. All these grips are easy to install on the handlebars via the lockring with an Allen screw. They feature a stopper at the end to ensure seamless attachment to the handlebars.

GA3 Supernova, GA3 single twist shift & GA3

These Ergon grips for mountain bikes feature a mini wing that offers additional support for the wrists, enabling optimal performance and riding at the edge with utmost comfort.

The GA3 Supernova variant is designed to be compatible with the Supernova M99 and MINI 2 PRO lighting systems, which can be operated via the integrated push button on the grips. Available solely in black, the GA3 Supernova is recommended only if you utilize the compatible lighting options.

Meanwhile, the GA3 single twist shift grip is ideal for MTBs equipped with grip shift, pinion, or SRAM XX1 shifting systems.

Available in 7 different colors and offered in two sizes, S and L, the GA3 Ergon grips differ from the Supernova grips only in their lockring composition, which is entirely made of aluminum, and their lack of compatibility with lighting systems.

GA2 & GA2 FAT

The GA2 grips serve the same purposes as the GA3 grips, but they lack the mini wing feature and are available in only one size. With the GA2 grips, you have a choice of 7 colors, while the GA2 FAT grips come in 3 color options.

The main distinction between the GA2 and the FAT version lies in the latter’s enhanced cushioning and control, providing even greater comfort for mountain biking. Moreover, the FAT version caters to riders with larger hands or those seeking additional grip during their rides.

After using the GA2 FAT grips on my hardtail for some time, I’m ready to share my review. Join me as I assess whether these grips live up to expectations and how they perform in real-world conditions!

GE series; GE1 Evo enduro grips

The Ergon MTB grips from the GE series are engineered for the demanding challenges of Enduro World Series races and competitions. Upgraded to offer enhanced grip and comfort, the GE1 grips are well-suited for wider “riser” handlebars.

Dubbed the GE1 Evo, the new grips come in two sizes: regular and slim, with the slim version weighing about 15 grams less and featuring a slightly smaller diameter.

Designed ergonomically, the grips naturally position you for an active stance while providing maximum grip and cushioning without compromising durability.

Featuring a special pattern on the top for improved grip and damping, and an asymmetrical block pattern on the bottom for effortless handling, these grips also offer extra thumb support.

The GE1 Evo is also available in a Factory edition, featuring a different rubber compound for even more grip. With 7 color options for the Evo and 3 for the Evo Factory, installation is simple thanks to the integrated lock ring.

GD Series; GD1 Evo downhill grips

The Ergon MTB grips from the GD series are tailored for the extreme discipline of downhill mountain biking. Developed in collaboration with renowned downhill riders like Rémy Métailler and Vali Höll, the GD1 Evo grips deliver exceptional grip, cushioning, and control on the toughest terrains.

Featuring a conical shape, the GD1 Evo grips require less pressure to hold onto, while the super-soft thumb zone offers added grip and comfort. The newly designed texture on the upper provides maximum cushioning and grip in all conditions, while the aggressive underside design ensures optimal handling on downhill trails.

Available in two versions, GD1 Evo Factory and GD1 Evo, both grips come in regular and slim sizes, designed to fit wider handlebars. The GD1 Evo Factory grips, offered in 3 colors, utilize a different rubber compound (Factory Custom rubber) for enhanced grip and precision compared to the GD1 Evo grips, available only in black and featuring GravityControl rubber.

GFR Series; GFR1 grips for freeride and gravity

The GFR1 Ergon MTB grips, developed in collaboration with the Canyon FMD Racing team, cater to Gravity, freeride, and downhill mountain biking. Featuring a new ridged design on the top, these grips offer precise grip and exceptional cushioning, while the underside provides grip and reduces forearm strain.

Similar to the Enduro and Downhill grips, the GFR1 grips also come in a Factory version with a different rubber compound for enhanced grip. Available in one size, the GFR1 Factory grips are offered in 2 colors, while the standard GFR1 grips are available only in black.

GS Series; GS3 and GS2 grips for cross-country, marathon and MTB touring

The GS3 and GS2 grips are tailored for cross-country, marathon, and MTB touring. Their versatile design allows for multiple hand positions, enhancing comfort during longer rides. The bar ends on these grips are adjustable to your preferred angle. The GS3 grips feature bar ends approximately three finger-widths long, while the GS2 grips have slightly shorter bar ends, about two finger-widths, without additional structure or grip.

Available in sizes S or L, both grips provide added wrist support. The larger size is suitable for cyclists with larger hands or those seeking enhanced grip. These grips are exclusively offered in grey/black color options.

GP series; Ergon grips for extra comfort and MTB touring

The GP Ergon grips stand as global leaders in functionality and quality, catering primarily to MTB touring enthusiasts or cyclists seeking top-tier comfort. Within the GP series, you’ll find three distinct Ergon grips: GP3, GP2, and GP1.

The GP3 grips also come in a BioKork variant and feature bar-ends with a length of three finger-widths. In comparison, the GP2 grips have slightly shorter bar-ends, while the GP1 grips are bar-end free. This diverse selection allows for personalized customization to suit individual preferences.

All grips in this series provide additional wrist support and are available in two sizes: S and L. Color options are limited to black/grey or BioKork (GP3 or GP1). These GP grips are well-suited for MTB touring, e-MTB rides, and recreational (city) cycling adventures on both bicycles and e-bikes.

Final thoughts

Looking for new mountain bike grips? Whether you need replacements or want to address discomfort in your hands, wrists, or back, Ergon has you covered.

With a wide range of options tailored for various riding styles and needs, including all-rounders like the GA series, discipline-specific grips for enduro, downhill, and gravity riding, as well as comfortable options for recreational and touring cyclists in the GP and GS series, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, all grips are e-MTB compatible, easy to install with integrated clamping straps, and feature intuitive left/right indicators for hassle-free mounting.

Has this article helped you make a good choice? Let me know what you think of the Ergon grips and which ones are your favorite. Don’t hesitate to share your experience and feedback!