GribGrab Descent InsideGrip
Ride it
Robust construction
Excellent fit (when you choose the right size!)
Tough aesthetic
Outstanding grip while braking and shifting
Skip it
Touchscreen material doesn’t always work perfectly
Pricey
More info: GribGrab.com
Why the GripGrab Descent InsideGrip MTB Gloves?
With holes and tears everywhere, I desperately needed a new pair of summer gloves. I’d had GripGrabs before and was very satisfied with them. The only downside to the Aerolites was that the fabric was paper-thin and couldn’t handle barbed wire, as I discovered during a ride…
During my search, I came across the Descent InsideGrip gloves. These were brand new and specifically designed for ripping through rough trails. Nice marketing spin always helps, right? They looked great, and given my previous experience with GripGrab, they seemed like a solid choice.
Tested in/on: Local trails, Ardennes rides, MTB trails Spa, Amblève trail center, Genker trails and multiple laps on the mine dump in Winterslag
Period: Summer 2025
What I love about the GripGrab Descent InsideGrip Gloves
Robust construction: The gloves feel sturdy without being uncomfortable. The fabric is tougher than my old Aerolites. The knuckles have extra reinforcement without being overly conspicuous.
Excellent fit: I remembered my size from last time—L. Getting there required consulting the size chart and a measuring tape. The Aerolites had a snug fit, and these are no different. However, you can adjust the tightness slightly at the wrist with the velcro strap. I love the fit, which is why I went with GripGrab again.
Tough aesthetic: Everything should look good too, and these gloves definitely deliver on that front. That’s why I chose the olive green color—it doesn’t always have to be black.
Outstanding grip: Whether on grips, brakes, or shifters, the gloves feel incredibly reliable. The fingertips (index and middle finger) have extra silicone material to enhance grip even further. I can confidently bomb downhills without hesitation, so I’m satisfied!
What could be better
Touchscreen material: The small touchscreen patch does its job, though you sometimes need to aim carefully with your finger position. When taking photos with my smartphone, I often find myself pulling the glove off anyway. For GPS use, it’s usually fine!
Pricey: GripGrab certainly isn’t the cheapest brand. Given my positive past experience, and now with these gloves too, that’s not a dealbreaker for me. And if you shop around a bit, you can often snag them at a reduced price—that’s how it worked out for me, at least.
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Verdict
The GripGrab Descent InsideGrip MTB gloves are excellent summer gloves. They’re not too warm and ventilate well. This “descent” version is designed to inspire confidence during aggressive and technical descents. Mission accomplished, in my opinion. I find the fit sublime, and the knuckle protection and silicone grips are nice bonuses! The touchscreen material could work a bit better.
These gloves are perfect for mountain bikers who love charging through rough terrain with confidence, value extra protection, and are looking for a comfortable fit.
Where to buy?
The GripGrab Descent InsideGrip gloves are available at various specialized webshops and bike shops. Below you’ll find one or more of our trusted partners where you can purchase them:
The link above is an affiliate link. You don’t pay anything extra and you support our website. More info
GripGrab Descent InsideGrip Specifications
| Material | Care | Sizes | Colors | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm: 100% polyesterBack: 50% Polyester 40% Polyamide 10% ElastanePadding: 100% Polyurethane | Wash at 30°C | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Black and olive green | XC & Trail |
FAQ
Do these gloves run large or small?
The GripGrab Descent InsideGrip runs on the snug side. Definitely consult the size chart and measure your palm. If you’re between sizes, go with the larger one. I ride a size L myself, and the fit is perfectly snug without being restrictive.
How long do they last with intensive use?
The fabric is tougher than the Aerolite version and can handle some abuse. Clearly more durable than thin XC gloves.
Do they offer protection in a crash?
Yes, the reinforced knuckles and sturdier construction provide good protection in minor spills. They’re not full downhill gloves with hard armor, but for trail (and enduro) riding, they’re more than adequate.
Don’t they get too hot on warm summer days?
No, the ventilation is good. They’re warm enough to protect your hands but not so warm that your hands sweat during climbs in 25+ degree weather.
Do they stay in place during technical sections or do they shift around?
Thanks to the velcro closure and snug fit, they stay perfectly in place. No shifting during technical passages over roots and rocks where you’re constantly adjusting on the bars.
Do you get blisters or hotspots on long rides (3+ hours)?
Not for me. The fit is so good that there’s no friction. It is important to have the right size though, otherwise it could get uncomfortable.
Does the touchscreen function work with GPS devices?
Yes, with GPS devices it generally works well. With smartphones, you sometimes need to aim more precisely with your finger. For quickly checking a route or starting a segment, it’s perfectly usable.
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