Grips

BMX race grips: the only contact between your hands and the bike

Over a 35-second moto, the grip takes the pull of the gate start, the vibration from the rollers and the sweat. Too thick and it tires the forearm; too hard a compound and your hands slide on the third straight. It is an inexpensive wear part that deserves replacing as soon as the pattern flattens, not once a season out of habit.

Slip-on or lock-on: two fixing methods

Slip-on grips are the lightest and the slimmest: the rubber sits directly on the 22.2 mm tube. They are bonded with hairspray or grip glue and need a few hours to dry before you ride. Lock-on models are held by one or two bolted alloy collars, so fitting and removal are immediate and there is no risk of rotation in the wet, at the cost of a few grams and a slightly larger outside diameter.

Diameter, length and rubber thickness

• Inner diameter: 22.2 mm, the universal standard for BMX handlebar ends.
• Length: 125 to 160 mm depending on the model. Short versions suit Micro, Mini and bars with a reduced straight section.
• Thickness: thin rubber transmits feel better and suits small hands; thick rubber absorbs more on rough, broken tracks.

Patterns and compounds: what changes the grip

A waffle pattern gives a positive hold even with damp hands. Longitudinal ribbed patterns favour comfort and controlled wrist rotation. Mushroom studs spread pressure across the palm and limit blisters in training. On compound, a soft mix maximises adhesion but wears faster; a firmer rubber lasts the full season and suits riders who squeeze hard at the gate.

Flanged or flangeless

A flanged grip gives a clean stop against the lever and reassures young riders learning where to place their hands. The flangeless version leaves the hand free to reposition and makes a close-set brake lever easier to reach. It is a riding preference, not a performance question.

Compatibility: levers, bar ends, handlebar

Measure the straight length left on your BMX handlebar once the brake lever is in place: that is what determines the grip length you can fit. Double-collar lock-ons need more room than slip-ons. Finally the end must be closed: slip-ons need expanding bar ends, while some lock-ons build their own plug into the outer collar. An unplugged bar is turned away at pre-race checks.

Choosing by hand size and class

In Micro, Mini and Junior, go for a short, slim grip: the child's hand must close fully around the rubber without straining, otherwise braking becomes imprecise. In Expert, intermediate lengths and medium compounds suit most riders. In Pro and Cruiser, full lengths and denser compounds hold up better over long sessions and repeated gate starts.

BMX grip brands

Tangent is a reference on waffle patterns and offers short lengths designed for the younger classes. Odyssey works with compounds known for their endurance. Answer and Box Components cover everyday needs with a good comfort-to-price balance. Stay Strong and Insight round out the range on colours matched to complete builds.

The BMX RACING advice

Always degrease the tube with alcohol before bonding, and let it dry before you ride. If you are torn between two lengths, send us your handlebar reference and we will check the room available. Our BMX stems are there to finish off your cockpit. Dispatched within 24 to 72 hours, you can spread the cost over 2 or 3 payments.