Handlebar grips and bar tape are primarily used to provide comfort, improve grip, and protect your hands while also finishing and securing the ends of your handlebars. 

In this blog, we will explore the different uses and features of the following types of handlebar grips, including: 

  • BMX grips 
  • Comfort and leisure grips 
  • MTB grips 
  • Bar tape 

What is the difference between grips and bar tape? 

Grips 

Grips are as simple as they sound. Placed on the end of your handlebars, they make riding more comfortable on your hands by eliminating pressure points over rough terrain and help you to control your bike with ease. 

Grips are more popular in mountain biking, casual cycling, and BMX riding, or any bike that typically has flat handlebars. 

Bar Tape 

Bar tape is popular amongst road cyclists that are using drop handlebars. This tape provides a secure grip, especially in poor, wet weather conditions where the ability to control your fast-moving road bike is essential. 

What are the different types of grips available? 

BMX Grips 

BMX grips are generally the longest grip end available and are typically found between 130–160cm in length. The length is important when riding a BMX bike, for better shock absorption and grip for tricks such as bar spins. 

BMX grips are available in a range of different compounds: 

  • Soft compound – better grip, but wears faster 
  • Hard compound – less grip, but lasts much longer 

BMX grips commonly have a flange on the inside, with an end cap built into the end of the bars to protect the end of your handlebars in the event of a crash or fall. 

There are many different styles and patterns designed to suit different tastes; however, the classic ‘mushroom’ style is very common amongst keen BMX riders, with some riders preferring flangeless grips too. 

Comfort Grips 

Comfort grips are designed for casual and leisure rides, designed with a larger surface area designed to provide comfort and relieve pressure from the palm of your hand to support a more comfortable ride. 

Comfort grips are available in a variety of different diameters and materials, and there are both push-on and lock types. Some comfort grips will have multiple positions to help change the contact points on your palm during a ride. 

MTB Grips 

Mountain bike grips are an essential part of your off-road setup, due to the extra control needed when mountain biking. 

Most MTB grips are ‘lock-on’, meaning they typically feature an inner liner and metal lock rings that tighten against the handlebars to prevent slipping. They come in a variety of different materials, including rubber and silicone, in both hard and soft compounds. Some materials have a tacky, almost sticky effect, which helps provide extra grip. 

When it comes to MTB grips, the various patterns offer different benefits. Some grips provide an ergonomic taper to allow your wrist to roll in or out for personalised comfort. Other grips have patterns that help to shed mud and water better than others, making them excellent on wet rides. 

Bar Tape 

Bar tape is designed for road cyclists who use drop handlebars to provide better grip and comfort on fast rides. 

Bar tape comes in two rolls, one for each side of the handlebars, and is wound tightly around the handlebars, starting from the bottom of the bars and working up for a smooth finish. The bar tape has an adhesive strip, or a non-slip silicone coating to keep the tape securely in place. 

Bar ends are then inserted into the ends to tidy up and protect the ends of the handlebars. Tape is available in different thicknesses and colours for comfort and style preferences. 

If you’re looking for new grips or replacement bar tape, then make sure you shop Halfords’ range over at Halfords.com, or visit your nearest store and speak to one of our helpful experts.