The DMR Grid Grips are the perfect example of a simple push-on grip that provides of traction. The grip design pattern offers extra hold for your digits and the mushroom-style pattern has a retro-BMX vibe. You get a lot of grip for a very reasonable price but there are some issues around the bar plugs and grip movement on the bar – two aspects that may limit its appeal among the best MTB grips.
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DMR Grid Grips - Technical details
DMR Grid Grips are a simple push-on option with subtle design features that give decent hand traction and a place for fingers to sit comfortably on the underside. Made from soft Kraton rubber, they combine the right balance of a soft feel with the reliability of sturdy support.
The Grid Grip has a mushroom design like you would typically see on a BMX bike, and there are plenty of colour options to avoid any kit clashing. The length is 145mm x 30mm outside diameter, and the weight is very low at 110g per pair.
DMR Grid Grips - Performance
Installing the grips was pretty simple. I used some hairspray to get them to slide over the bar. This took about 30 minutes to dry. I had to pre-trim them before as they were too long to fit my handlebar arrangement. The grips included bar end plugs, which were too large to pop into my bars. I even tried hammering them in and they still wouldn’t budge, so I popped the Renthal plugs back in.
While the grips were still slippy, I could position them in the best place. The grid feature meant it was crucial to line it up where my fingers would naturally grip. I had to move them a few times to get it right. The grips are chunky for petit hands, so if I didn’t get the raised bits correctly positioned, it pushed against my palm.
Once the grips were fully dry, they didn't budge much while riding and felt secure, although when pushing hard over techy terrain or digging deeper into g-force, they did move only slightly. Something a little grip glue would stop. They are chunky compared to what I usually use and would suit someone with larger mitts or a rider who likes a decent hold. I've heard that a larger grip can help reduce arm pump, but I prefer to wrap my digits completely around to ensure they have a good hold for enhanced control.
After getting over the initial unfamiliar feeling of a girthy grip, I was impressed with how effectively the grid feature gave my fingers some extra traction. Positioned correctly, the grid design allows the fingers to push deeper into those berms or some extra hold to pull up the bars.
DMR Grid Grips - Verdict
£12 for a set of grips already poses pretty good value with most lock on grips costing upwards of that price, and other slip-on grips such as the Renthal Push-On Ultra Tacky grips cost £16.45. However, they're slimmer, so better suited for my smaller hands, although they're also a bit long for my cockpit.
There are many different options when choosing some grips for your mountain bike. It isn’t easy to know why one brand and style is better. Your choice of the best MTB grips will always come down to personal choice. Design and tackiness could be priority, brand, or even colour. Some have funky features, like the DMR Grid Grips with unique waffle construction, and some are more slender or have the lock-on advantage. We recently reviewed some Renthal Super Tacky Push On Grips, with similar grip pattern and mushroom design.
